As design students, we are entering a massive revolution in the way we perceive the built environment, and although it is quite daunting, it is also the perfect opportunity for us to establish our role in improving the direction our world is heading. It is a responsibility, not a choice, to set a standard for the future so that “green” buildings are not distinguishable from regular ones. This idea of design as separate from “green” design is no longer the way we should be thinking at all, for ultimately, all design should be thoughtful and conscious of the environment. This is our reality as designers.
During a recent class discussion concerning these very issues, a fellow student posed a question that has resonated within me ever since. He said that if we are to preserve and protect the natural environment as much as we can, then should we not refrain from building at all? All building, no matter how ecologically sensitive you try to be, disturbs the land on which you are building. Even if your design uses energy at a net zero level, there is still the alteration of the land being used that must be accounted for. How do you even being to perceive this, especially as a design student?
After thinking long and hard about it, I came to realize that new design and new building will always happen and there will never cease to be a demand for it. So, with that being said, if we are going to put something in our already dense urban spaces or wherever it may be, then it should stand there justifiably. The main focus should be on minimizing negative impacts and simply thinking about every aspect of the design process with a critical, environmentally aware mind.
www.inhabitat.com is a website/magazine created by a group of young designers with a promising outlook on designing for today.
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How fantastic that while you admit the necessity of revolutionizing the built environment can be overwhelming, you encourage us to think of this revolution as an opportunity. I think it is imperative that we remain enthusiastic about possibilities for sustainable design, and it is my hope that this excitement will encourage action.
I also appreciate your insight that design should deeply thoughtful. In my view this summarizes the way we should think about designing - To remain aware that while we must consider human factors (from ergonomics to cultural/social factors) we must also be conscious of the environment and the various systems that our built environments affect.
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