The concepts and
reading material in this last module related heavily to my current studio
project which is focused on designing a sustainable building. What I found
interesting and useful about this reading was how sustainability related back
to urban design. There are different natural, cultural, and technical images
which focus on how we change the environment and seek balance as place
developers. Sustainability in architecture can be vague and hard to encompass
sometimes, but by focusing around the natural environment, the economy, and
society we can begin to better understand and mold our designs to be
ecologically neutral. Sustainable design has been my passion for some times now
and I have enjoyed getting to know more and more about how to incorporate it
into my work.
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| Image of Sustainable Urban Design Source: designingfortomorrow.org |
The natural image of
sustainability is what I was most familiar with, which focuses more on a local
level of environmental place, the ecosystem, health and balance. As the study
of local natural systems with an emphasis on the sensitivity and humility in
relation to nature helps us to work delicately and protect out world. Passive
design principles are often applied in relation to this sustainable image which
works with the physical and biological attributes of spaces such as the
topography, climate, and ecosystems. The cultural image still focuses on the
local level, but looks more at contextual forms, materials, and construction
methods and how they echo the local vernacular. By studying local culture and
buildings through the emphasis on local involvement, designers can develop more
“down to earth” and relatable spaces which locals will want to occupy and
retain. Having users of our spaces is the end game after all. The technical
image of sustainability is much broader, focusing around the global scale of
technologies, global environmental impacts, cost-benefit analysis, and risk
management. This is the leading edge of contemporary international systems.
Here we study science, economics, technology and how the overlap between the
natural and technical. As a global population we have an immense impact on the
ecological environment and how it withstands time. And as designers, we have a responsibility
to preserve our world and design appropriate urban spaces.
Through the
understanding of the images of sustainability, we can begin to make positive
change such as through the environmental approach of promoting renewable energy
and resources through passive and active systems. The ecological and technical
approaches also work with nature and the built environment to make sustainable
design a reality. Architecture and urban form are moving forward toward
sustainable development through many current practices such as Transit Oriented
Development (TOD) which is focused on maximizing access to public transportation
in mixed use areas of higher density. This helps create better access to jobs,
housing, and opportunities for people of all ages succeed as we as helps to
reduce congestions, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions and promotes
more healthy communities through walkability. The sustainable development practice
of Smart Growth has many similar aspects to TOD but is more environmentally sensitive,
economically viable and community-oriented. I admire this strategy and see its
importance in improving quality of future developments and life. Current
movements, as discussed in the “Moving Forward” lecture, such as Slow Cities,
Tactical Urbanism, and Urban Interventionism are working toward the promotion
and improvement of urban change. They came about as a response to various ideas
and environmental responses as our designs do. Involving the public in the design
process helps us to develop responsive spaces in which people can interact
within and sustain themselves. I believe, based on what I have learned from
this course, that the future of urban design aims to improve the quality of
life through the creation of meaningful spaces that respond appropriately to
the environment.
