Green architecture, also known as sustainable design or eco-friendly design, refers to building practices that prioritize the environment and natural resources. These techniques aim to reduce the negative impact of buildings on the environment and have numerous benefits for both the economy and the planet.
As the world faces increasing environmental challenges due to human activity, it is crucial for architects, designers, and builders to consider sustainable design practices. The construction industry is a major contributor to pollution, so implementing green architecture techniques can help to reduce this impact. Sustainable urban development, which seeks to combat climate change, often involves building designs that minimize energy and water consumption.
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Here are five green architecture projects that aim at sustainable development:
What is Green Architecture?
Green architecture, or green building, refers to the design and construction of buildings that prioritize sustainability and environmental conservation. By incorporating innovative design strategies and eco-friendly materials and resources, green architecture can improve the quality of living in the surrounding area. One way to determine if a building is sustainable is through the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
There are several key components to consider when implementing green architecture:
- Design innovation: This involves incorporating sustainability strategies during construction to minimize the building’s environmental impact.
- Sustainable sites: Building should not be constructed in environmentally sensitive areas and should instead aim to protect and preserve the natural habitat. This can include reducing pollution and resource consumption from the environment, and promoting contact with nature.
- Water management: Green architecture should aim to minimize water usage during construction and provide systems to reduce the overall water footprint of the building.
- Energy optimization: Green buildings should optimize energy usage and use renewable energy sources to reduce pollution. This can also involve improving energy efficiency to minimize resource consumption.
- Sustainable materials and resources: The use of sustainable materials and the integration of recycling systems can help conserve resources during construction.
- Air quality index: Green architecture should address issues such as air quality, thermal regulation, and noise pollution to improve the space’s quality for its occupants.
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5 Creative & Innovative Sustainable Architecture Projects
Here are few examples of green structures that pave the way for more responsible urban planning and sustainability:
Canada’s Earth Tower:
Designed by Perkins+Will, this mixed-use building will be the tallest hybrid wood tower in the world. It will use wood and sequester carbon to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will be a zero-emission project, as it will not use fossil fuels in operation. The building will also enhance livability in tall, urban residential buildings, restore local biodiversity, and provide open spaces for the public to enjoy. It has been accepted into the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Pilot Program for its ambitious zero-emissions goals.
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Copenhagen Islands:
Designed by Marshall Blecher and Studio Fokstrot, the Copenhagen Islands Project aims to create a “parkipelago” of artificial islands in and around the city’s harbors. These floating islands will provide new recreational spaces and bring life and activity to underutilized areas of the harbor. The project is intended to combat the shrinking of public space due to urban development and to give the general public new areas to enjoy.
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Forest School in Pune:
Located in India, the Forest School is a six-story tall cylindrical tower designed by the architecture firm NUDES. The school is covered with vegetation to filter polluted air, absorb noise, and cool the building. The school is equipped with high standard classrooms, an auditorium, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a rooftop track for cycling.
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Pixel Building:
Located in Australia, the Pixel building is one of the first zero-carbon commercial structures to produce all of its own water and energy. Designed by Studio 505 in 2010, the building covers 840 square meters and has received the highest certifications from the Australian Green Building Council, American LEED, and British Breeman. It has vegetation on the rooftop, rainwater collection and filtering systems, and is connected to the local water system. It also scored a perfect 6-Star Green Star rating.
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Cross-laminated timber (CLT):
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a material that is becoming increasingly popular for residential and commercial buildings in the USA. CLT is five times lighter than concrete, but has a strength-to-weight ratio that is comparable to concrete. Since it was added to the International Building Code in 2015, CLT has been used as a sustainable alternative for building walls, roofs, floors, and ceilings.
One example of a CLT project is the CLT Passive House Demonstration Project, which is a mass-timber, mid-rise, multi-family building that is certified as a passive house. The project, developed by Generate and Placetailor, is designed to run at net-zero carbon emissions thanks to the Model-C building system. It meets the Boston Department of Neighborhood Development’s Zero Emission Standards and has been recognized as a Passive House. This project demonstrates the potential for sustainable design to push the limits of innovation and excellence.
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