Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Architecture: 2008 to Future

2008-2009

'Green' design, sustainability and how those factors work for architectural style are current hot topics in the industry. Buildings are beginning to show off and feature their eco-friendly materials. Alternative energy of all shapes and forms is being employed in order to preserve operating costs and reduce negative impacts on the environment.

Major 'Green' Factors:

1. Planted Roofs
Planted roofs are systems of living plants and vegetation planted on the roof of a building. There are four parts of a planted roof: a waterproofing layer, a drainage layer, a growing layer, and plants. Although the idea is not new (the first planted roofs were utilized in the 'Hanging Gardens' of Babylon in 500 B.C.) it has been resurrected in recent architecture. Technology has allowed for the improvement and installation of planted roofs in the majority of climates around the world.
2. Solar Panels:
Solar panels harvest renewable energy from the sun and produce electricity. In the past 20 years solar power has become progressively more popular as an alternative energy source. Photovoltaic cells are placed in a grid-like pattern on the panel, they then collect sunlight throughout the day and then convert that energy into electricity. Solar panels are increasingly being used to power homes and other buildings in substitution of traditional electricity.

3. Natural Light:
An increasing interest in natural lighting has recently taken the forefront in the architectural industry. This is due to growing environmental awareness alongside new insights into positive psychological and physical effects of sunlight. Architects are utilizing natural light by incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights into their designs. The use of natural light has helped to cut electricity costs while becoming a popular and stylish trend in buildings and homes.

4. Wind power:
Wind power converts renewable wind energy into electricity using wind turbines. In 2008, wind power was producing 1.5% of electricity worldwide and that percentage is quickly increasing as an estimated eighty countries are beginning to employ wind power as an alternative energy source on a commercial basis.Wind power technology is still being developed in terms of materials and production cost and varying efficiency; however it is estimated to become a powerful source of energy in the future.

2010-2012
The future holds more energy efficient and 'green' designs in store for architecture. Using land that's already developed (near a big city, reusing an existing building, etc) is another popular trend that's beginning to emerge. Public buildings will begin to set certain 'green' designs as standards. Overall we can expect more environmentally friendly buildings in the future.
Future 'Green' Designs:
1. Le Project Triangle:
This skyscraper (due to be constructed in Paris) rises 200 meters from the ground and is designed to take advantage of both solar and wind power.

2. Cellophane House:
Designed with solar panels integrated into its walls, this 5-story building will be able to provide enough electricity for the entire house just through the sun.

3. Cathedral of Christ the Light:
This cathedral (recently constructed in California) employs the use of natural light and eco-friendly materials such as fly ash concrete and certified wood.

4. The EDITT Tower:
This tower (to be built in Singapore) will rely on solar panels for energy and will install a natural ventilation system and planted roofs.

5. The E-House:
With a framework made entirely from shipping containers, this design is very eco-friendly and practical. The houses are put together off-site and then taken to the lot where they are to be installed. Many green features are also included in the E-house. Several of these are: low-flush toilets, energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and a custom made recycling center. This idea was developed in the hopes of becoming a common home design in order to maintain a small carbon footprint.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)