Sustainability in Architecture

There are many factors to consider when considering sustainability in architecture. What further complicates the situation is that most of these factors compete with each other. A real work example is the use of concrete. The use of concrete carries with it the use of a lot of embodied energy to get it to its final construction value. This embodied energy results in a practice that creates high carbon emissions and ultimately is diminishing the sustainability of the earth. On the other hand concrete is a very durable material that when applied correctly has been shown to withstand major categories of storms and hurricane. What is the correct thing to do? Perhaps we have to look at other factors to help in determining which course to take. Maybe concrete should only be used in regions and climates that have to withstand these type of climate conditions? But as climate change impacts increase so do the severity and unpredicatability of where a storm will occur and how strong a storm will be. There is a lot to consider from "cradle to grave".

The last paragraph focused on the performance of the building as an individual entity, but this strategy is limited and does not fully address the humen aspect. What about the performance of the architecure for the people. This is also a sustainability in architecture consideration which is often overlooked. We believe it is essential to be part of the conversation, because why do we build. We build for people. Peoples use, peoples enjoyment etc. As a result we cannot forget about the people.

In the following post Contemporary Caribbean presents a few factors to think about when considering sustainability in architecture.

Human Factor (impact the life cycle)

Spaces/buildings that are functional for their purpose and provide comfort and ergonomic viability for the dynamic processes of the occupants result is sustained use of those spaces (among other things a good floor plan should see multiple iterations. You are making a footprint for the life you want to live in that space). As a result the use of these buildings have longevity and thus this gives value to the resources expended for its construction and upkeep.

Impact on the Site (impact during construction and the life cycle)

Architecture that is design to sit gently on the topography of the site (shallow footings etc), minimizes the impact on the soil and drainage of the side and its surrounding. The more cut and fill that is required is the more artificial elements that have to be brought in to control draining, to construct retaining walls etc.

Water Collection

Building to optimize water collection has long term sustainability benefits. It can allso impact the overall health of the occupants depening on the condition of the public wter supply. A drawback is that there may need to be extensive cutting to facilitate the water retention. There is also new technology which harnisesses water from the humidity in the environment. These reverse osmosis systems are becoming quite popular as they have the ability to create many gallons of water in humid climates like the Caribbean. The method used needs to be considered carefully.

Bioclimatic Considerations (impact the life cycle)

A site evaluation is key to starting off on the right foot. Before any design in considered bioclimatic conditions need to be taken into account. These include (but are not limited to):

• Sun angle

• Mean radiant temperature (MRT)

• Humidity

• Wind direction and magnitude

Compromises with respect to building orientation and fenestration percentages sometimes have to be made to minimize or maximize views. The location of vegetatin can play a part in protecting from solar radiation. At Contemporary Caribbean we believe that an analysis of these elements are important and should be demonstarted to the client. This helps them to understand the compromises they are making and why they are making them.

Energy Needs (impact the life cycle)

The majority of contemporary buildings require a source of energy to operate equipment and installations through its life cycle. There are various suitable alternatives to carbon based energy sources. These alternatives include but are not limited to:

Solar

Hydrogen

Wind

The capacity required to make Wind and Hydrogen a vianle option is outside the relm Sof invidual homeownership. Solar is the best option in this category.

Material - (skin porosity) (impact the life cycle)

The application of a skin on a building as it related to the impact on solar radiation and wind flow.