INT61_2 Sustainability essay magazine

Sustainability MAGAZINE

By Anna Bengtsson 3rd year Interior Architect

Content

4

Climate Change Report

16 20 32 49 2

Sustainability

Unitè d’habitation Analyse

Social Sustainability Essay

24

Energy Efficiency

38

Rating Systems

Essay and analyse

Biophilia Essay

LEED, Green Globes and Green Star

Recycled materials Material research

April 2020

3

What is Sustainability?

I

t means: meeting our present needs

• Healthcare – Sustainability and healthcare are

without compromising the ability of

in a complex way related, since the quality of

future generations to meet their own

our environment affects public health. For ex-

needs. Why do we need it?:

ample, many health issues are directly related to air and water quality.

• Environmental Quality – In order to have

(Bauman, S. WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?. Retrieved from

a healthy planet, we need clean air, natural

https://www.unthsc.edu/operations/wp-content/uploads/

resources, and a nontoxic environment.

sites/24/Sustainability_Summary_Half_Page_better_pic_1_. pdf )

• Growth - The earth continues to grow, so we require more resources such as energy, water, and space. Sustainability aims to use our resources efficiently to benefit our planet.

Climate Change 4

Sustainability

April 2020

5

Sustainability

S

ocial Development People are only interested in sustainability if they are educated about it, and if its overall importance is

effectively communicated. Furthermore, hu-

E

conomic Development Perhaps one of the more controversial of sustainability’s elements, due in part to the fact that economic

success is a rather subjective concept, economic

man well-being and the well-being of society

development is nonetheless important for sev-

is part and parcel of what sustainability stands

eral reasons. First, sustainability without eco-

for. Ensuring that human beings have access

nomic development simply cannot succeed—in

to basic resources, that their health is being

order to convince individuals, communities,

protected, and that they enjoy a good quality

and organizations to invest their resources in

of life within a sustainable environment is

sustainability, there must be incentives above

critical.

and beyond the long-term advantages. Second, as described above, social development is also an important aspect of sustainability—and social development requires (among many other things) economic resources as well.

(H, M. (2016, January 7). Why is Sustainability Important?. Retrieved from https://www.permaculturenews. org/2016/01/07/why-is-sustainability-important)

“I go around and love to be outside from my own box.”

6

Sustainability

April 2020

7

How does it affect us?

What Is Climate Change?

Climate change exacerbates the frequency

A 2015 Citibank report estimated the world-

and intensity of natural disasters, disease

wide cost of keeping temperatures down with

outbreaks, and human crises such as pov-

2 degrees would be $190.2 trillion while the

erty, famine, mass migration, and war. And

price of inaction would be $192 trillion. What

if humanity does not sharply reduce CO2

fair-minded individual wouldn’t rather save

emissions, by the end of the century the

$1.8 trillion, and civilization in the bargain?

chances of an extinction-level event could

(CRAMER, N. (2017, October 4). Home > Design > Editorial >

be 1 in 20.

The Climate Is Changing. So Must Architecture. EDITORIAL Posted on: October 04, 2017 11 CLIMATE CHANGE The

Climate change is causing sea levels and

Climate Is Changing. So Must Architecture.. Retrieved from

temperatures to rise, expanding hurricane

https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/editorial/the-cli-

strength, range, and duration. At press

mate-is-changing-so-must-architecture_o)

time, the 3.4 million residents of Puerto Rico remained without power and with limited access to clean water in the wake of Hurricane Maria

Each of the past three years has successively been the hottest on record, and across the planet new local records are being set with astonishing frequency. Climate change denial is clearly lousy for business, unless you’re in oil, gas, or coal, in which case it’s a marketing plan

Since inauguration day of Trump as President, the Trump administration has not only moved to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris accord, perhaps even more alarmingly it has appointed climate-change skeptics and deniers to virtually every key agency position and begun to roll back environmental regulations and censor government officials on the subject of climate change.

Such moves make no sense, environmentally or economically.

8

Sustainability

April 2020

9

How is architecture part of this?

W

ith 36% of global energy

Facts:

devoted to buildings and

• 2.2 billion: The amount of CO2, in tonnes,

8% of global emissions

produced by the world’s cement production

caused by cement alone,

each year.

the architectural community is deeply connected with the flows of materials, energy,

• 1 million: The amount of CO2, in tonnes, cap-

and ideas that relate to climate change,

tured by timber frame construction in the UK,

both causes and solutions.

with 15% to 28% of new homes annually using the material. In general, one cubic meter of

Buildings consume some 40 percent of

wood contains a tonne of CO2, similar to 350

the energy in the U.S. annually, and they

liters of gasoline.

let out nearly half of the carbon dioxide, through greenfield development, cement

• 1 kilogram: the amount of CO2 captured

production, and the burning of fossil fuels

every day by ecoLogicStudio’s “Photo.Synth.Et-

such as oil, gas, and coal. Because CO2

ica” bio curtain, the equivalent to 20 large trees.

traps solar energy in the atmosphere,

(Niall Patrick Walsh. “The Facts about Architecture and Cli-

thereby heating the planet, it is the chief

mate Change” 03 Jan 2020. ArchDaily. Accessed 26 Apr 2020.

agent of climate change, making build-

<https://www.archdaily.com/931240/the-facts-about-archi-

ings—and by association, the architecture

tecture-and-climate-change/

profession—profoundly responsible.

(Salazar, K. (2018, January 2). Sustainable, Green, Low-Carbon Living. Retrieved from http://www.wagstaffrogersarch.com/blog/sustainable-green-low-carbon-living

For those involved in the design of buildings and cities, be they architects, urbanists, or citizens, there is a deep responsibility to be aware of, and design for, the impact of climate change.

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Sustainability

April 2020

11

Create new trends

S

ome believe that technological innova-

executives consider a sustainability strategy necessary

tions will ease the fight against environ-

to be competitive today, and another 22% think it will

mental problems, but we are not there

be in the future. Simply put, sustainability is a busi-

yet. Action must be taken now. Even

ness approach to creating long-term value by taking

though all this may cause frustration or even an-

into consideration how a given organization operates

ger, Heikkinen who has done research on climate

in the ecological, social and economic areas.

change engagement in business organisations argues that it is important to praise every action

For the anthropologist Marc Augé, “urbanization

towards more sustainable business. According

and globalization are changing the very definition of

to her, every step — even a small one — is a step

what humanity is. If humanity continues to develop

forward.

according to present trends, by 2050 it will use up

(Roco, M. (2002, January 6). Converging Technologies for Improving

twice what the planet can afford. We are clearly in a

HumanPerformance. Retrieved from http://doczz.fr/doc/1859740/ overview-converging-technologies-for-improving-human-perf...

deadlock. The convergence of these changes requires a completely new form of representation, conception,

Also talking about sustainability is important. It forces companies to respond to the growing demand. Sustainability is becoming more important

and management of the planet.

(2019, September 26). Entrepreneurs for future: Climate change and the role of buildings. Retrieved from https://buildingminds.com/articles/entrepreneurs-future-climate-change-buildings/

for all companies, across all industries. 62% of

Technology

and following the trend

12

Sustainability

April 2020

13

Conclusion

E

ven architecture, a mere instance of form, in this field of action has a power and a responsibility – that of expressing the identity, desires and deepest intentions of

humankind. And while it expresses all this, it can also inspire an idea – it can give life to a dream. In our era, the Anthropocene, architecture can – it must – design

S

ustainability is important for a very simple, very straightforward reason: we cannot maintain our quality of life as human beings, the diversity of life on Earth, or

Earth’s ecosystems unless we embrace it. There are indications from all quarters and from the smallest

and represent a different approach, one of coexistence

to the largest scale that sustainability is something

and symbiosis with the biosphere. It must point out

we must address. We will run out of fossil fuels.

a new path. It will be for the world (and politics) to

Thousands if not millions of animal species will

ignore it or take it.

become extinct. We will run out of lumber. We will

In short, construction should be regulated by environ-

damage the atmosphere beyond repair… If we don’t change.

mental needs. Only in this way will it be possible to follow new schemes of design that everyone – archi-

And the root of that change lies in understanding

tects, clients and users – will have to adapt themselves

and striving for sustainability—in our own homes,

to. This is the domain of politics. In a democracy, that

in our communities, in our ecosystems, and around

represents the will of the majority. It is in this field

the world.

that, through law, we can design “protected” areas set

(Gallagher Flinn “What if we ran out of fossil fuels?” 19 June 2015.

aside for the non-human world, ban certain types of

HowStuffWorks.com. <https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-

building, prohibit materials and technologies, create

myth/what-if/what-if-ran-out-fossil-fuels.htm> 25 April 2020)

incentives to use others, and reduce the urban footprint.

(Coppola, M. (2018, January 9). The role of architecture in the Anthropocene. Retrieved from https://www.domusweb.it/en/opinion/2018/11/27/ the-role-of-architecture-in-the-anthropocene.html

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15

Building analyse

S

tarting of strong: When they build it

Along the interior road on level 7 and 8 lies

they destroyed 20,000 peoples home,

a shopping centre, containing a fish, butch-

and during construction they did not

er, milk, fruit and vegetable shop as well as a

provide any other living quarters.

bakery, a liquor and drugstore. Furthermore

Which led to difficult situations.

there is a laundry and cleaning service, pharmacy, barbershop and a post office. Along the

The strict grid, framed by thick soundproof

same corridor lies the hotel accommodation

walls, means that reconfiguring layouts is

and a restaurant snackbar with special service

largely impossible. It is not a timeless building

to the apartments. The 17th and last floor

in my eyes, which means that if people want

contains a kindergarten and a nursery, from

to adapt it to the trends and features now and

where a ramp leads to a roof garden and a

in the future, it will not be possible. It can go

small swimming pool for children.

out of trend completely and then be one of

(Extract from Le Corbusier, Oeuvre complète, volume 7,

the abandoned places that is just a waste. The

1957-1965

sound insulation consists of lead sheets put in

http://www.fondationlecorbusier.fr/corbuweb/morpheus.

between the separating walls of the apartments.

aspx?sysName=redirect64&sysLanguage=en-en&IrisObjec-

Lead is a dangerous material that if you where

tId=5234&sysParentId=64)

to demolish or redo, it is very dangerous on

Unitè d’habitation

Le Corbusier 16

Sustainability

human health and surrounding nature.

WHY IS THIS BAD?

(A, J. (2019, April 26). D’HABITATION. Retrieved from

When you oversupply people, It will narrow

https://www.unthsc.edu/operations/wp-content/uploads/

down people’s paths and the possibility to go

sites/24/Sustainability_Summary_Half_Page_better_pic_1_.

out in nature and other social settings. You

pdf )

will live in a box with the same people and might not contribute with anything regarding local support etc. It is not an including environment. It is a “box away from everything” environment. It can, in worst case scenario, lead to health problems, social development problems in children and adults and very narrowed thinking and knowledge.

April 2020

17

Questionable Interior

T

he internal planning itself, the

The conception seems to dominate rather than

thin slices of double-storeyed

to liberate. It is very introvert

living accommodation 3.6m wide and 18m long, lit only at the

Does the whole approach and conception of

ends, and served only by internal roads, arti-

Unite give us the sort of building which can

ficially lit and ventilated is a warning signal in

properly fulfil our current sociological func-

my head.

tions? No I do not think so.

(EASTON, K. (2016, June 8). Views on Le Corbusierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unite dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Habitation. Retrieved from http://vblog-jpa.info/dhab-

Another question is: How much social research

itation/

was carried out in the neighbourhood before

WHY IS THIS BAD?

the building was planned? I have no answer

It is bad lighting that affects overall health in

on this, but I guess very little or reflected in a

the people living there, bad accessibility in

strange way.

case of fire or emergencies. It is a lot of people living in this building, same with a lot of different retail stores and restaurants. If a fire would start, it could be very dangerous.. The spread of diseases etc.

Le Corbusier 18

Sustainability

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19

Shaping The Society.

When we talk about making an impact on

Design made the cars that everyone loves, and

society, usually leaders, socialist etc comes

gave it the value that is has today.

up. And when it comes to influencing a lot

We wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the lifestyle we have today

of people or some people we turn to mov-

without Design. Living so comfortable and

ies and magazines etc. We almost never

being up to date with everything.

talk about the designers role. But Designers play a great role in shaping the society, not

Design influences people in certain ways, and

only from the view of infrastructure but

anything that can influence people can make a

from the aspect of mentality and lifestyle.

big impact and change on society. The impact

Design creates impression and perception.

of surroundings changes the way we programme our day to day lifestyles.

Design is not just about solving problems

Us designers way of thinking and expressing

or making something look good and beau-

our thought and actions can influence and

tiful. It is about finding the best solution

even change opinions. We are not limited to

and at the same time making something

our client base, we should see problems and

better or creating something new. Design-

social issues as an opportunity to intervene and

ers are just like leaders, they care for the

imagine it differently and not just accepting it

requirements that they have, the needs and

as it is.

wants of every user/consumer and they find the most efficient and fast way to get

Design can make changes, and it can make it

something done.

even better.

(Mason, M. (2020, January 1). What Is Sustainability and Why

Impact on Sociaty and Social Sustainability 20

Sustainability

Look at electronics for an example: It was

Is It Important?. Retrieved from https://www.environmental-

a geeky gadget from the beginning and

science.org/sustainability)

now everyone has everything that revolves around a new phone or computer. It is a standard gadget that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live without. This was all thanks to DESIGN, design made this transformation.

April 2020

21

Social Sustainability

S

OCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

The place should provide possibilities for activities that attracts different kind of groups.

Social sustainability happens

It is important to include the people around

when systems, structures, and

you that will use the space so that they have the

relationships support the generations now

possibility to affect the design. Participation

and in the future, to create healthy and

can also lead to that more thought are being

livable communities. Socially sustainable

considered and that can lead into a more valu-

communities are divers and provides a

able building for the society.

good quality of life. An essential feature in social sustainability is to have good access

It is important to understand that people are

to local services and green spaces and so

dynamic and will change, and to think about

on. It also includes that new buildings are

that when designing a building. Social sustain-

accessible for people with handicaps, pub-

ability is a process that will change over time,

lic transportation is near and the possibili-

it has no end. We need to consider flexibility to

ty to go there by car and bike

ensure that a project will last over time and that it will be able to adjust to the outside.

A identity of a place is important, it gives a feeling of belonging among the people living there and that creates a positive feeling to the area. You can create a identity by valuing what makes the place unique by highlighting a cultural or historical heritage. Or by creating a new identity.

Karbassi, L. (2020, January 1). Social Sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.unglobalcompact.org/whatis-gc/our-work/social

In corporations, social sustainability performance issues include human rights, fair labor practices, living conditions, health, safety, wellness, diversity, equity, work-life balance, empowerment, community engagement, philanthropy, volunteerism, and more.

(2020, January 1). What is Social Sustainability?. Retrieved from https://www.esg.adec-innovations.com/ about-us/faqs/what-is-social-sustainability/

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What is it?

Broadly speaking, the energy efficiency

For example if a house is insulated, less ener-

of a building is determined by the rate at

gy is used in heating and cooling to achieve a

which energy is lost through the physi-

satisfactory temperature. Another example is

cal structure of the building (the building

installing fluorescent lights or skylights, instead

envelope), and the rate at which energy is

of incandescent lights, to attain the same level

used to meet the energy needs and phys-

of illumination.

ical comfort of the occupants. These two factors are often closely interrelated, be-

Efficient energy use is achieved primarily by

cause the physical structure and design of a

means of a more efficient technology or pro-

building, interacting with the local climate,

cess. Energy efficient buildings, industrial

strongly influence the choice of energy

processes and transportation could reduce the

system and the associated efficiency of that

world’s energy needs in 2050 by one third, and

system. When considering initiatives to

help controlling global emissions of green-

improve the energy efficiency of buildings,

house gases.

therefore, it is important to keep both fac-

(2020, January 1). What is energy efficiency?. Retrieved from

tors in mind.

https://www.bgs.ac.uk/discoveringGeology/climateChange/

Cooper, D. (2020, January 1). ENERGY EFFICIENCY

CCS/whatIsEnergyEfficiency.html

FOR BUILDINGS. Retrieved from https://www.euenergycentre.org/images/unep%20info%20sheet%20-%20

Making homes, vehicles, and businesses more

ee%20buildings.pdf

energy efficient is seen as a largely untapped solution to addressing global warming, energy

Energy Efficiency

Think of a building’s temperature: It can

security, and fossil fuel depletion. The 1973 oil

be regulated by radiators, fans and air con-

crisis, where oil prices were very high, focussed

ditioning systems, while basic actions such

attention on energy efficiency. For example, the

as opening and closing a window or door

state of California began implementing ener-

can also be effective.

gy-efficiency laws in the mid-1970s, including building code and appliance standards with

Energy efficiency, means using less energy

strict efficiency requirements. During the fol-

to provide the same level of energy. It is

lowing years, California ‘s energy consumption

therefore one method to reduce human

has remained constant.

greenhouse gas emissions.

Ahuja, D. (2009, February 1). Sustainable energy for developing countries. Retrieved from https://journals.openedition. org/sapiens/823

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Passive solutions for energy efficiency Adaptive Re-use Adaptive Re-Use, is making use of something that we dont need anymore, into something new that we now need instead. It can be up-cycling of old materials to use for a new purpose or changing the function of an already existing building or site. Making the

Deep Overhangs If you have proper window shading, it will allow for optimal solar heat gain during winter adn at the same time limiting the solar heat gain during summer.

most of what we already have instead of throwing it away and manufacturing new things.

Off-Grid If your building is off-grid it means that is does not rely on munic-

Heritage Conservation

ipal water supply, natural gas, sewer, power grid or other services.

Heritage Conservation is a big helper to sustainable strategies.

Water will be found on-site by using a well or harvesting rainwater.

When it comes to economically, it can increase property values,

This water is then treated with a septic system, composing toilets

bring new spirit to a naighbourhood and boost tourism opper-

or a sonstructed wetland. Electricity is generated by solar photo-

tunitues. Culturally it can help to produce a feeling of pride and

voltaics or wind turbines. Heating and cooling is created by passive

making the building a reference. Which brings with it, awarness

strategies.

and growth that respects the stories of the area and traditions. And when we talk about it in the environmental perspective, heritage

Natural Cross-Ventilation

conservation can help with the re-use of existing building materi-

This happens when air enters a building through a window or door

als or rehabilitating damaged materials.

on one side and exits on the opposite side. It can go hosisontally by pressure on the windward side and then negative pressure on the

Site-Optimization

leeward side. As well vertically through stack effect. Cross venti-

When you carefully take inconsideration a buildings site it will

laiton minimizes the energy consumption from air conditioning

minimize the impact on the land, protect the native landscape

units. Natural cross ventilation it adapted to the existing breeze

and provide oppertunitues for daylighting, solar heat gain, naural

patterns on-site.

shading and ventilation. Idealy, is to select a site where existing infrastructure such as roads, water supply and open green space is available close by. Depending on what kind of building purpose, its good to be close to community resources like, schools, entertainment, public transit etc as well.

Passive Solar This refers to heating and cooling of living spaces by the use of passive solar design. With this approach, the building will take ad-

Green Roof Known as living roof aswell is a roof that is completely or partially coverd in vegetation. It is ontop of root barrier and drainage layers and installed over the roofs waterproofing layer. If needed, their is automated watering system to help with the maintenance. Is helps with storm water retention, rainwater filtration, roof protection and it keeps the building cool.

vantage of the natural properties of material and air created from exposure to the sun. Some examples are operable windows that is places for optimal heat gain during winter, solar chimneys for the summer and shading devices. As well as thermal mass for both seasons. Solar cimneys creates the effect of hot air rising to induce air movment for cooling purposes. The suction pulls cooler air into the building from lower shaded spaces.

Rainwater Collection It collects runoff water from roofs or horizontal surfaces and is being reused on the property for ,for example, toilets, watering system and if filtered properly even drinking water and showers.

(2020, January 1). Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ microsites/building-futures/a-sustainable-design-toolkit/technical-modules/energy-and-climate-change/solutions.aspx)

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27

Analyse “Apple Campus 2” for energy efficiency and low invironmental impact

T

he Apple Park office campus is a

The landscaping of the new campus site was

single circular shaped building

increased from 20% to 80%. The number of

with four storeys above the ground

trees also increased from 3,700 to 6,000. The

and two basement levels. It has the

plantations include apricot orchards.

shape of a hoop and the appearance of a giant

(2020, January 1). Apple Park (Apple 2 Campus), California.

spaceship. The building also has a courtyard at

Retrieved from https://www.designbuild-network.com/

the centre with open green spaces for employ-

projects/apple-2-campus/)

ees.

Surface parking was decreased from the

Apple campus 2 Analyse

The site Apple had bought was an industri-

9,800 to 1,200 (90% underground) to facili-

al park, largely covered by asphalt, but Jobs

tate the landscaping. The landscaping of the

envisioned hilly terrain, with sluices of walking

150-acre campus was handled by a Stanford

paths.

University arborist.

The project is an integrated design and envi-

Jobs did his best thinking during long walks

ronmentally friendly development and exceeds

in nature, and he envisioned a tree-filled

social and economic sustainability goals. The

campus where Apple workers could find

development incorporates strategies to reduce

inspiration in what one architect calls Jobs’

water and energy consumption. The 2.8-mil-

“idealized California.” Apple will plant almost

lion-square-foot Ring will run solely on sus-

9,000 trees, all of them drought-­tolerant so

tainable energy, most of it from the 805,000

that they can survive a climate crisis.

square feet of solar arrays on the campus.

Levy, S. (2017, June 1). Apple Park’s Tree Whisperer. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/apple-parks-tree-whisperer/

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Features and conclusion

T

he glass fins that protrude from the

Unlike sealed buildings in which the temperature is

Ring at every floor are sloped at a

rigidly controlled, the Ring circulates outside air. The

slight downward angle to regulate

concrete in the floor and ceiling is embedded with

light and glare. They also prevent

tubes of water and is supposed to lock in a tempera-

rain from streaking down what Ive describes as

ture between 68 and 77 degrees, so that the heating or

the “miles of glass” that make up the Ring’s walls.

cooling system will kick in only on very hot or cold days.

Jobs hated air-conditioning and especially

Levy, S. (2017, may 16). Apple Park’s Tree Whisperer.

loathed fans. (He vigilantly tried to keep them

Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/2017/05/ap-

out of his computers.) But he also didn’t want

ple-park-new-silicon-valley-campus/

people opening windows, so he insisted on natural ventilation, a building that breathes just like

In conclusion, Jobs and Norman Foster did alot to

the people who work inside it. “The flaps and the

achive low environmental impact and being energy

opening mechanism,” Behling explains, “all have

efficient. Combining passive and active solutions/

to relate to sensors that measure where the wind

hybrid solutions. Everything from ventilation, energy

is coming from and how the air goes through it.”

source, native landscape, less maintenance (rainwater stains for example) and overall site impact. Referring to underground parking, more trees that works with

Air Native landscape Electricity 30

Sustainability

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31

Biophilia

B

iophilic design can reduce

Diversity of design strategies

stress, improve cognitive func-

Patterns in combination tend to increase the

tion and creativity, improve

likelihood of health benefits of a space. Incor-

our well-being and expedite

porating a diverse range of design strategies

healing; as the world population continues

can accommodate the needs of various user

to urbanize, these qualities are ever more

groups from differing cultures and demo-

important. The fact that U.S. business-

graphics and create an environment that is

es squander billions of dollars each year

psycho-physiologically and cognitively re-

on lost productivity due to stress-related

storative. For instance, vegetated spaces can

illnesses, design that reconnects us with

improve an individual’s self-esteem and mood,

nature – biophilic design – is essential for

while the presence of water can have a relaxing

providing people opportunities to live and

effect. Adding multiple biophilic strategies for

work in healthy places and spaces with

the sake of diversity may backfire unless they

less stress and greater overall health and

are integrative and supporting a unified design

well-being.

intent.

(2019, April 22). What is biophillic design?. Retrieved from https://cleanclarity.com/blog/2019/4/1/biophil-

Climate, ecology and the vernacular

ic-design

Historically, humans have built shelters from locally available materials that reflected the

Biophilic design patterns are flexible and

regional ecology; form and function were in re-

replicable strategies for enhancing the user

sponse to the topography and climate. Known

experience that can be implemented under

as vernacular architecture, these buildings and

a range of circumstances. Just as lighting

constructed landscapes connect to where they

design for a classroom will be different

inhabit. Use of local timber, climate responsive

than for a spa or home library, biophil-

design and xeriscaping – using native, drought

ic design interventions are based on the

tolerant plants to create landscape designs

needs of a specific population in a partic-

that resemble the climate of the surrounding

ular space, and are likely to be developed

landscape – can each be effective strategies in

from a series of evidence-based biophilic

designing for a resilient, biophilic experience.

design patterns, ideally with a degree of

Browning, W. (2019, January 1). 14 PATTERNS OF BIOPHIL-

monitoring and evaluation for efficacy.

IC DESIGN. Retrieved from https://www.terrapinbright-

“ ‘This is what I prayed for,’ wrote the Roman poet Horace. ‘A piece of land – not so very big, with a garden and, near the house, a spring that never fails, and a bit of wood to round it off.’

green.com/reports/14-patterns/#content

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33

B

3 different areas iophilia, like air quality, thermal comfort

Natural Analogues addresses organic, non-liv-

and acoustics, is an essential component

ing and indirect evocations of nature. Objects,

of environmental quality that expands the

materials, colors, shapes, sequences and patterns

conversation from daylight, materials tox-

found in nature, manifest as artwork, ornamen-

Nature of the Space addresses spatial config-

icity, and air, water and soil quality, to include human

tation, furniture, décor, and textiles in the built

urations in nature. This includes our innate and

biological health and well-being.

environment. Mimicry of shells and leaves, fur-

learned desire to be able to see beyond our immedi-

niture with organic shapes, and natural materials

ate surroundings, our fascination with the slightly

Biophilic design can be organized into three catego-

that have been processed or extensively altered

dangerous or unknown; obscured views and revela-

ries – Nature in the Space, Natural Analogues, and

(e.g., wood planks, granite tabletops), each pro-

tory moments; and sometimes even phobia-induc-

Nature of the Space – providing a framework for

vide an indirect connection with nature: while

ing properties when they include a trusted element

understanding and enabling thoughtful incorporation

they are real, they are only analogous of the items

of safety. Such as:

of a rich diversity of strategies into the built environ-

in their ‘natural’ state. We have:

ment.

• Prospect. An unimpeded view over a distance, for • Biomorphic Forms & Patterns. Symbolic

surveillance and planning.

Nature in the Space addresses the direct, physical

references to contoured, patterned, textured or

• Refuge. A place for withdrawal from environ-

and ephemeral presence of nature in a space or place.

numerical arrangements that persist in nature.

mental conditions or the main flow of activity, in

This includes plant life, water and animals, as well as

• Material Connection with Nature. Materials

which the individual is protected from behind and

breezes, sounds, scents and other natural elements.

and elements from nature that, through minimal

overhead.

Nature in the Space encompasses different biophilic

processing, reflect the local ecology or geology

• Mystery. The promise of more information,

design patterns such as:

and create a distinct sense of place.

achieved through partially obscured views or other

Browning, W. (2019, January 1). 14 PATTERNS OF BIO-

sensory devices that entice the individual to travel

• Visual Connection with Nature. A view to elements

PHILIC DESIGN. Retrieved from https://www.terrapin-

deeper into the environment.

of nature, living systems and natural processes.

brightgreen.com/reports/14-patterns/#content

• Thermal & Airflow Variability. Subtle changes in air temperature, relative humidity, airflow across the skin, and surface temperatures that mimic natural environments.

• Presence of Water. A condition that enhances the experience of a place through seeing, hearing or touching water.

• Dynamic & Diffuse Light. Leverages varying intensities of light and shadow that change over time to create conditions that occur in nature.

34

Sustainability

April 2020

35

Strategies

B

iophilic design interventions that

For the design of the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in

integrate with other building perfor-

Singapore, architect RMJM met with ecologists and

mance strategies have the potential to

engineers early in the project development process to

improve user experience and overall

employ biophilia, ecological conservation and water

systems efficiency. Herbert Dreiseitl’s design

sensitive urban design to manage rainwater, mitigate

for Prisma in Nürnberg, Germany, is a good

loss of biodiversity and create a restorative envi-

example; sculptural water walls serve as both a

ronment for patients, reaping more benefits for the

thermal control device and exposed rainwater

project than any one of the three teams could have on

conduit, while contributing to the visual and

their own.

acoustic ambiance of the enclosed garden-like

Kishnani, N. (2017, September 8). Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital:

atrium.

(2020, January 20). The climate in the Nuremberg Prism. Retrieved from

Biophilic Design in Action. Retrieved from https://blog.interface.com/ khoo-teck-puat-hospital-singapore-biophilic-design/

https://www.northernarchitecture.us/water-management/the-climate-inthe-nuremberg-prisma.html

Biophilic Design Examples 36

Sustainability

Prisma in Nürnberg, Germany.

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore.

April 2020

37

How to R E A C H S U S TA I N I B I L I T Y

Magazine by Anna Bengtsson | Interior Architect Student

Content

1

Sustainable is the only way

T

LEED

oday, companies face pressure to expand their corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. SolarCityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sustainability briefing found that 75 percent of consumers are more likely to buy a product or service if the company is making an effort to be sustainable, while 82 percent are more likely to purchase a product that represents CSR over one that does not.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green building certification system.

3

Green Star Green Star assesses the sustainable design, construction and operation of build-

6

ings, fitouts and communities

Green Globes Green Globes is an online assessment protocol, rating system, and guidance for green building design, operation and management.

8

2

Rating Systems

Many companies have turned to accredited CSR certifications and awards. Sustainability certifications are voluntary norms and standards relating to environmental, social, ethical and food safety issues.

These certifications help consumers and stakeholders understand that the company has gone through a third-party verification process to make sure the company is actually walking the walk regarding sustainability,â&#x20AC;? Josh Prigge CEO of Sustridge said.

With sustainability reporting on the rise and a lot at stake for companies, there are several certifications businesses can choose from. Choosing the best one can be difficult, but here are some of the more popular ones to make your decision a bit easier.

The Broad Museum

Edwards, C. (2018, July 9). The Small Business Guide to Sustainability Certifications. Retrieved from https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10950-sustainability-certifications-guide.html

The Broad is designed by world-renowned architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro in

Anna Bengtsson

collaboration with Gensler.

3rd Year Interior Architect Student

| April 2020

3

LEED

L

EED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green building certification system, pro-

viding third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

LEED is flexible enough to apply to all building types â&#x20AC;&#x201C; commercial as well as residential.

It works throughout the building lifecycle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; design and construction, operations and maintenance, tenant fitout, and significant retrofit.

And LEED for Neighborhood Development extends the benefits of LEED beyond the building footprint into the neighborhood it serves.

LEED provides a point system to score green building design and construction. The system is categorized in five basic areas: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Buildings are awarded points based on the extent various sustainable strategies are achieved. The more points awarded the higher the level of certification achieved from Certified, Silver, Gold, to Platinum. LEED is worldwide!

This information was sourced from the U.S. Green Building Council website

In Between 4

Rating Systems

| April 2020

5

Green Star

G

reen Star assesses the sustain-

Since its creation 17 years ago, the Green Star

able design, construction and

rating system has been a consistent leader

operation of buildings, fitouts

in the sustainability space. Green Star have

and communities. Choosing

achieved this by continuously pushing the

Green Star can help you save money, create a

boundaries, exploring new opportunities to

healthy place for people, minimise your envi-

improve the quality of the Australian built en-

ronmental footprint and build a better future

vironment and by evolving our rating tools in

for us all.

line with international standards. You get rated from 1-6.

Our built environment is currently the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s single largest contributor to green-

They have issued more than 2,350 Green Star

house gas emissions, and also consumes

certifications in Australia.

around a third of our water, and generates

40% of all office space is Green Star certified

40 per cent of our waste. From individual

40% of all retail space is Green Star certified

buildings to entire communities, Green Star is transforming the way our built environ-

There are four Green Star rating tools available

ment is designed, constructed and operated.

for certification of design, construction and op-

Launched by the Green Building Council of

eration of buildings, fitouts and communities.

Australia in 2003, Green Star is Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only national and voluntary rating system

Communities

for buildings and communities. Green Star is

-Certify a plan for a precinct-scale develop-

helping to improve environmental efficiencies

ment.

in our buildings, while boosting productivity,

Design & As Built

creating jobs and improving the health and

-Certify the design and construction of a build-

well-being of our communities.

ing.

Interiors -Certify the interior fitout of a building.

Green Star assesses the sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings, fitouts and communities.

Performance -Certify the operational performance of a building.

This information was sourced from the Green Building Council of Australia website

6

Rating Systems

| April 2020

7

Green Globes

G

reen Globes is an online

However, in its early days, when it was not well

assessment protocol,

known, it tended to be used for projects with

rating system, and guid-

limited budgets, based on the premise that the

ance for green building

system could be done without the need for

design, operation and management. It

consultants to manage the certification process,

is interactive, flexible and affordable,

and that it was therefore a more affordable cer-

and provides market recognition of

tification system than LEED. Green Globes is

a buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental attributes

used in US and Canada. You get rated in points

through third-party assessment.

1-6.

Green Globes is structured as a self-as-

Flexible

sessment to be done in-house using a

Designed for use on building projects of any

project manager and design team. The

size, the Green Globes system is suitable for

system is questionnaire-based with

large and small buildings including offices,

pop-up tips, which show the applica-

multi-family structures and institutional build-

ble technical tables that are needed

ings such as schools, universities and libraries.

to reply to the questions. An online manual is also available. Users can see

Applies to new and existing buildings.

how points are being awarded and how

From new construction, to fit-ups, retrofits and

they are scoring.

management and operations of existing buildings - the Green Globes suite of tools can help

They has been used on projects that

ensure that environmental goals are achieved

range greatly in size, complexity and

continuously throughout a buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

degree of innovation.

This information was sourced from the U.S. Green Globes website

8

Rating Systems

| April 2020

9

The Broad Museum

O

pened just one year ago, The

The Broad is designed by world-renowned

Broad has it all: looks (its

architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renf-

soaring edifice resembles a

ro in collaboration with Gensler. With its

sheer glacial wall); a world-

innovative “veil-and-vault” concept, the

class collection of contemporary art (expect

120,000-square-foot, $140 million building

heavy-hitters ranging from Cindy Sherman

features two floors of gallery space to show-

to Yayoi Kusama and her selfie-worthy mirror

case the Broad’s comprehensive collection

rooms); and LEED Gold certification. One

and is the headquarters of The Broad Art

of only a handful of museums in the U.S. to

Foundation’s worldwide lending library.

earn those credentials, the museum did so thanks to its electric car charging stations,

Dubbed “the veil and the vault,” the muse-

bike parking, clean energy use, and its day-

um’s design merges the two key components

light-favoring design.

of the building: public exhibition space and collection storage. Rather than relegate the

Directly south of the museum is a public pla-

storage to secondary status, the “vault,” plays

za also designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro,

a key role in shaping the museum experi-

in collaboration with Hood Design Studio,

ence from entry to exit. Its heavy opaque

Inc. The landscaping features 100-year-old

mass is always in view, hovering midway in

Barouni olive trees and an open lawn, add-

the building. Its carved underside shapes the

ing another parcel of critical green space to

lobby below, while its top surface is the floor

Grand Avenue.

plate of the exhibition space. The vault stores the portions of the collection not on display

(2016, September 30). 6 of the Most Stunning and Sus-

in the galleries or on loan, but DS+R pro-

tainable LEED Certified Buildings. Retrieved from https://

vided viewing windows so visitors can get a

www.zipcar.com/ziptopia/city-living/stunning-and-sus-

sense of the intensive depth of the collection

tainable-leed-certified-buildings

and peer right into the storage holding. The vault is enveloped on all sides by the “veil,” an airy, honeycomb-like structure that spans across the block-long gallery and provides filtered natural daylight.

10

Rating Systems

| April 2020

11

Recycled and innovative

Materials

By Anna bengtsson

BOLON flooring

FluidSolids

Mycelium walls

Eco Alabaster

Mycelium acoustic panels and tiles

Ferrock

Cork

Caffeinated material to stain

Furniture made out of Flax

BOLON Taking its name from the Swedish words for cotton (BOmull) and nyLON, BOLON uses a unique weaving technology to produce designs that were not previously feasible, specializing in patterns and colours that create energetic and dynamic settings.

With its beginnings as a manufacturer of traditional Swedish rag rugs, the family business quickly moved on to the production of awning mats for the camping sector in the sixties and seventies.

Through the years the company has gradually developed from a small traditional

Mycelium

FluidSolids

Ferrock

FluidSolids® is an innovation that makes

The name Ferrock is a reflection of its

Eco_Alabaster is the latest stylish and

Flax is nutritious for its high-fibre content

it possible to transform organic waste into

composition – largely iron-rich ferrous

sophisticated idea by Ceramica Fioranese

and omega-3 fatty acids and, according

biocomposites. Material innovation justi-

rock. It’s actually created from waste steel

for natural stone floor and wall coverings,

to Dutch designer Christien Meinderts-

They produce materials by growing select-

fies itself on the strength of added value:

dust which is normally discarded from

a classic stone given a contemporary twist,

ma, the seed is also quite good for making

it makes products and applications more

industrial processes and silica from ground

featuring extraordinarily beautiful, delicate furniture. Her Flax Chair, which was immediately bought by the prestigious Vitra shades and modern patterns.

ed strains of mycelium on pre-engineered

substrates made of agro-industrial residues. flexible, stable, ecological, and cost efficient. FluidSolids® meets all these requireFungal mycelium acts as a reinforcement to the matrix structure, creating a 100%

drying, for reduced energy consumption.

The resulting products are completely stable, safe and durable - and biodegradable

carbonate. It’s this that is fused into the

Eco_Alabaster also complies with LEED®

unveiled in 2016, is made entirely from

physical qualities, the new biocomposite

matrix of Ferrock and, like concrete, after

requirements, thanks to its high recycled

pulped seeds mixed with starch and sugar

it’s dried, it cannot be melted back into a

material content (over 40%), which does not pulp. Almost no waste is created during production, as the chair’s back, seat and affect the appearance of the product.

near future as an alternative material for

liquid form but retains its hard, rock-like

tangular sheet.

myriads of products made of metal, wood, and especially plastic.

Compared to Portland cement (made from chalk and clay and resembling Portland

food supply chain—it is made of by-prod-

types in use throughout the world today,

high regard within both design and archi-

ucts of renewable raw material.

Ferrock is actually five times stronger. It

genic and VOC Emissions. They are saf-

can withstand more compression before FluidSolids® is a biodegradable compos-

breaking and is far more flexible, meaning

ite material. The components consist of

it could potentially resist the earth move-

renewable resources that are procured

ments caused by seismic activity or indus-

from industrial by-products, therefore

trial processes. One of the unique prop-

no agricultural land is used. The material

erties of Ferrock is that it becomes even

is nontoxic, odor- and emission-free and

stronger in salt water environments, mak-

Hayon,Tom Dixon, Jean Nouvel and Giulio

has a minimal carbon footprint. FluidSol-

ing it ideal for marine-based construction

Cappellini. Using recycled material in 100%

ids® features maximum surface finish and

projects. And rather than emitting large

of their collections.

molding accuracy, a variety of surfaces,

amounts of C02 as it dries, Ferrock actu-

structures, and colors next to highly modi-

ally absorbs and binds it! This results in a

fiable physical qualities and durability.

carbon-negative process that actually helps

orations with some of the world’s leading creators, visionaries and entrepreneurs which include Missoni, Armani, Google, Mercedes and Sheraton, as well as leading architects and designers such as Jaime

er than wood and many other industrial materials populating our everyday indoor environments.

Companies: KNOW, MOGU

legs are all cut from a single, compact rec-

qualities.

stone in color), which is one of the leading

The materials have been tested for aller-

Design Museum in Switzerland when it was

reacts with C02 and rusts to form iron

ments. With its excellent ecological and

plastic-free and coherent material compos- FluidSolids® developed in Switzerland has the potential to capture the market in the ite. At the end of the production process, mycelium materials are inertized by slow

up glass. The iron within the steel dust

FluidSolids® does not compete with the

conventional flooring through its collab-

Flax seed

Mycelium’ is a network of interwoven, thread-like hyphae that constitute the vegetative part of mushrooms.

weaving mill into a successful international too! design brand. Nowadays, BOLON is held in tectural circles for how it has reinvented

Eco_Alabaster

to trap greenhouse gases.

Cork

FluidSolids® is developed for industrial production and can be processed in various manufacturing techniques such as: – Compression molding – Extrusion – Injection molding

Coffee Stained

The value of cork is further enhanced by its Designer Zhekai Zhang has developed a low conductivity of heat, sound and vibra-

method of staining porcelain with used

tion. This is because the gaseous elements

coffee grounds to mimic the texture of

it contains are sealed in tiny, impermeable

marble, and applied the technique to a col-

compartments, insulated from each oth-

lection of lamps called Coffire.

er by a moisture-resistant material. This endows cork with one of the best insulating The method, inspired by ancient Chinese capacities, both thermal and acoustic, of

pit-firing techniques, forms an “imperfect”

any natural substance. It neither spreads

random texture, meaning each Coffire pen-

flames nor releases toxic gases during com- dant light is different. bustion.