Getting Back to Nature or Getting Nature Back (Core Studies)

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA) Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture) ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABLE DESIGN (ARC 1413/1412)

______________________________________________________________________ Project 2: Nature & Us Getting back to nature or getting nature back?

Lecturer: Ms Selvi Name

Student ID

Email

Cheah Ee Von

0308719

94vonne@gmail.com

Gennieve Lee

0311622

genn_lee@y7mail.com

Getting back to nature or getting nature back?

Lately, we have been experiencing hot and humid days for prolonged periods with little rain in the Klang Valley. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, projection of seasonal temporal rainfall variation 20 years from now on is largest (-60% to 40%) during the months of December, January and February. The great amount of reduction in rainfall has a significant relationship with the rise of temperature in Malaysia.

Figure 1.1 Annual Mean Temperature Trend for 4 Meteorological Stations in Malaysia (Malaysia Meteorology Department, 2009)

As shown in Figure 1.1, Petaling Jaya and other parts of Malaysia is experiencing a constant increase in temperature throughout the years. It is estimated to escalate to higher points in the graph as for ages to come. The main reason to this phenomenal global climate change is the vast amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted into the atmosphere. In the early 1990s, Canadian ecologist William Rees and Swiss-born regional planner Mathis Wackernagel came out with the carbon footprint that makes up the greenhouse gases concept to measure the weight of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. Carbon footprint is defined as amount of carbon dioxide emissions associated with all the activities of a person or other entity (e.g., building, corporation, country, etc.) (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014).

Past vice president of United States and enthusiast in fighting global warming, Al Gore stated that carbon load in the atmosphere have just past the 400ppm mark last year (Klein, 2013).

Figure 1.2 Relationships between Temperature Rise and Carbon Dioxide Graph

The graph in Figure 1.2 also shows that the observed temperature rise can simply result from the observed rise of CO2 , based on simple numerical experiment. (Smoothed temperature data in Jones et al., 1998; CO2 forcing data from CO2 history, and calculated expected rise in temperature assuming 2 degree Celsius rise for CO2 doubling; sunspot abundance from J.Lean, NASA). Hence, this occurrence would sum up to global warming and other disastrous effects such as rising of sea levels, drastic change of climate and then leading to the disruption of our ecosystem.

The value for CO2 emissions from manufacturing industries and construction (million metric tons) in Malaysia was 32.21 as of 2010. The construction industry is one of the major contributors to carbon emissions in the world. Awareness has been raised locally and internationally to counteract this problem. Hence, green buildings or green architecture was introduced. In Malaysia, the Green Building Index (GBI) council was modeled after other international green architecture councils. For example, (LEED) Green Building council USA and UK Green Building Council.

Green buildings promotes efficiency of resource use such as energy, water, and materials, while reducing building impact on human health and the environment during the building’s lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and disposal. Green buildings are designed and operated to decrease the overall effect of the built environment on its surroundings.

Figure 1.4 Number of green buildings all around Malaysia (Malaysia GBI, 2014)

Figure 1.5 Carbon dioxide reduction by GBI certified buildings in Malaysia (Malaysia GBI, 2014)

Tony Arnel, chairman of World Green Building council states that green architecture could actually reduce operating costs such as electricity and water bills by 9%, increase building values by 7.5% and realize a 6.6% increase in return of investment. So, green buildings don’t just make ecological and environmental sense, but also economic sense too.

Figure 1.6 Nipah leaves roof (Yosri, n.d.)

Figure 1.7 Batek people traditional architecture (Kayrol, 2013)

Getting nature back is now possible by introducing green architecture back in our cities. However, men have forgotten that we actually knew how to build environmentally friendly buildings since thousands of years ago. One good example is the indigenous architecture in Taman Negara. Originally from Papua New Guinea, the Batek people practiced temporary shelter made from natural vegetation such as bamboo and Nipah leaves. The shelters are cooling and do not need air conditioning due to its high pitched roof and good ventilation.

The natural living quarters usually houses 10 to 30 family members. The accommodation is slightly raised as a sleeping platform for protections from insects and open hearth for cooking and heating. The settlement is located near rivers for easy access to water. Structures are not strong as they are only needed for a few months before the community's moves to another place (Mountain Goal Consultant, n.d.).

Hence, urban designers should incorporate the techniques of building and utilize local materials like the indigenous people more in our current architecture trend. By incorporating tradition and also environmentally friendly measures, the new architecture scene would be able to be revolutionized.

Percentage(%)

Industrial Revolution and Growth rate of Recreational Park from 1600-2000

6 5 4 3 Increase of Recreational Park from year 1600-2000

2 1 0 1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

Year

In contrast, getting back to nature is not a new phenomenon. For hundreds of years, wealthy city dwellers have travelled to summer residences, resorts and forest retreats annually. They've enjoyed fresh air in their gardens and homes. The need for recreational options has escalated since the industrial revolution. Today, people live in an even more urbanized environment. With this, there is even more competition and tension rising up among people to perform well in their job. Hence, more people are seeking for a refuge to relax and escape from their stressful lifestyle. Families today even prefer to go on long drives in recreational vehicles, camping, hiking and so on just to escape from their concrete cities. As a result, the Tourism business has boomed and being in nature is becoming a vogue thing to do. For example, Taman Negara is a good place to go for such activities. As we seek balance in our hectic lives today, we see solutions in the outdoors. "Green space" in the widest sense of the word in cities and surrounding areas is beneficial from recreational, ecological, economical, social and health purposes, but mostly we love it because it is just plain beautiful.

Figure 1.8 Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Based on research, it was concluded that humans are dependent on nature not only for material needs such as food, water and shelter, but also more importantly, it is for the psychological, emotional and spiritual needs. The brain's response to the sights, sounds and even smells of nature has the power to trigger our hormones, readjust our heart rate, balance our mood, perk up our cognition and boost up our immune system. There many other benefits that can be reap from being surrounded by nature. For example, one can have an improved and better quality of sleep because of the natural sunlight in the natural environment that helps to set the body's internal clock and tells us when to eat and sleep.

Besides, being surrounded by nature will also help in increasing our attentiveness because it gives your mind the time to rest and think. In addition, the natural environment would also enhance satisfaction within an individual. Based on researches, people with access to nearby natural settings have been found to be healthier overall than other individuals.

Percentage of Increase of Brain Function and Time Spend in Nature Percentage (%) 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5

Person A

2

Person B

1.5 1 0.5 0 1

2

3

4

5

Time(hour)

Whether you're trying to heal a current health condition or protect your health in the future, getting back to nature should be a part of everyone's health care plan. The stressors of life can really take its toll on us physically, spiritually and emotionally and it is essential to renew ourselves from time to time. On the biochemical level, spending time with nature stimulates our feel good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins and turns off the sympathetic nervous system, improving our moods and brain function, decreasing pain, heightening feelings of well being and connectedness and reducing stress.

Thus, communing with nature on a regular basis is a great method for nourishing and renewing ourselves as well as optimizing our mental, physical and spiritual health. It can be as simple as watching the sunset, gazing at the moon and stars or hypnotizing yourself with soft patter of rain. All of it cost nothing and the best part is, it is everywhere, whether it is the forest or in the urban city areas. One can also connect with nature by taking their daily walk or just sitting under a tree at a nearby park. Such activities will not only just improve the physical health, but the emotional and mental health as well. Hence, we should visit places like Taman Negara more often. (Holistichelp.net, 2014) As a conclusion, getting back to nature or getting nature back is all within our reach.

While we can benefit so much from nature, we can also bring some benefit back to Earth by considering small details in our new way of constructing buildings. We as humans should be

more responsible when taking care of the environment. Development goes on in our life, but we shall not forget that without the Earth, there is no human.

REFERENCE Binder, L. (2010). 8 Ways to Get Back to Nature - Earth911.com. [online] Earth911.com.

Available at: http://www.earth911.com/living/art-entertainment/8-ways-to-get-back-tonature/ [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Cbc.ca, (2014). Back to Nature | Think About It with Roberta Walker | CBC Radio. [online] Available at: http://www.cbc.ca/thinkaboutit/episodes/2013/07/29/the-natural-brain/ [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Encyclopedia Britannica,. (2013). Carbon footprint (ecology and conservation). [online] Available at: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1585219/carbon-footprint [Accessed 20 Jun. 2014].

Greenbuildingindex.org,. (2013). Greenbuildingindex.org - What & Why Green Buildings?. [online] Available at: http://www.greenbuildingindex.org/why-green-buildings.html [Accessed 20 Jun. 2014].

Healthyfamiliesbc.ca, (2013). The Importance of Getting Back to Nature. [online] Available at: https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/blog/importance-getting-back-nature [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Holistichelp.net, (2014). Back to Nature. [online] Available at: http://www.holistichelp.net/back-to-nature.html [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Jacquemin, T. (2012). Report on the Green development of Malaysia with a focus on the Building sector. 1st ed. [ebook] Kuala Lumpur, pp.5-29. Available at: http://www.mblbc.org/mblbc/images/business/Report%20on%20the%20green.pdf [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Klein,. (2013). Al Gore explains why he’s optimistic about stopping global warming.Washington Post. [online] Available at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/08/21/al-gore-explains-whyhes-optimistic-about-stopping-global-warming/# [Accessed 20 Jun. 2014].

Mohd Sood, S., Dr. Chua, K. and Dr. Leong, Y. (2014). Sustainable Development in the Building Sector: Green Building Framework in Malaysia. 1st ed. [ebook] Malaysia, pp.18. Available at: http://www.uniten.edu.my/newhome/uploaded/admin/research/centres/iepre/papers/Sus

tainable%20Development%20in%20the%20Building%20Sector%20Green%20Building %20Framework%20in%20Malaysia.pdf [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Mums.bodyandsoul.com.au, (2014). Getting back to nature. [online] Available at: http://mums.bodyandsoul.com.au/pregnancy+parenting/parenting+tips/getting+back+to +nature,12143 [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Mymountaingoal.com,. (2014). Taman Negara – Pahang [online] Available at: http://www.mymountaingoal.com/taman_negara_pahang.htm [Accessed 26 June 2014].

Orlando Sentinel, (2014). Back-to-nature Movement Brings Fresh Breath To New Home Designs. [online] Available at: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1993-0306/business/9303030686_1_aria-nature-indoors-back-to-nature [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Radio National, (2014). Getting back to nature. [online] Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/getting-back-tonature/5272066 [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Slideshare.net, (2014). Boost creativity and productivity by getting back to nature.. [online] Available at: http://www.slideshare.net/TaskRabbit/boost-creativity-and-productivity-bygetting-back-to-nature [Accessed 19 Jun. 2014].

Thoreau, H. (n.d.). Walden. 1st ed. Raleigh, N.C.: Alex Catalogue.

Reflective Essay

Cheah Ee Von My first trip to Taman Negara was a great experience. I gained more awareness about the importance of nature and the impacts of the built environment have brought to mother earth. The experiences have helped me to become a more sensitive designer and be alert about my surroundings.

The night we arrived at Taman Negara, we went straight for the night jungle walk and Tahan Hide to look at nocturnal insects and animal observation. We hop onto a boat across Sungai Tahan to reach Mutiara Resort at the opposite bank to reach our destination. We walked in teams of 10 and we had a tour guide to lead us through. The path to our jungle trek is deep within the jungles behind Mutiara Resort.

It was very intriguing because I never went for jungle trekking at night before.

I was very careful throughout the journey because it was pitch black. All of a sudden, I felt like I am one with Mother Nature. With only the moon light and stars above shining our pathway, all you could rely on was your four senses to feel and follow your instincts. I was thinking: So this was what it feels like in the old ages, when man feels small in the midst of darkness. Instantly, I feel very humbled and grateful at the same time to be able to enjoy Figure 2 Boat to cross Sungai Tahan nature in harmony without superficial disturbance.

We spotted several insects and also a mouse deer. I was so excited to see the mouse deer because our tour guide said we were very lucky to see it as it was a rare sight. Many of these creatures are only active at night, and it made me realize that I almost forgotten that nature’s cycle go on 24/7 even when men are sleeping. It is nature’s cycle that keeps our ecosystem balanced so that life can continue.

Then, we went for jungle trekking the next morning. It has a long pathway.

Throughout the pathway, we saw many animals and plants. Again, I was very

Figure 3 Lesser mouse deer spotted

humbled to see so many kinds of flora and fauna living in harmony. It reminded me that men are not at the top of the food chain but nature is. The experience

Figure 4 Pathway at jungle trekking

also made me realize that if men do not take care of the environment, nature would soon be destroyed and all of these natural wonders would be long gone before our next generation could even see them with their own eyes.

At the canopy walk, we get to experience the beauty of Taman Negara. The canopy walk was 5 storeys high. I was feeling a little shaky walking at first because I was afraid of heights.

However, the beauty of nature captivated me immediately and my fear of heights was gone. It is amazing to know that how levels could actually manipulate views of a certain place. Positioning yourself at various heights while Figure 5 Tall trees in Taman Negara viewing the same area could exude different kind of feelings and mood. The experience actually gave me inspiration for my next design in my studio final project.

Lastly, we went on a boat ride to visit the indigenous people at Taman Negara. They were called the Batek People and they have been here since 2000 years ago. Coming originally from Papua New Guinea, they have natural tan skin.

What amazed me the most is that the women of their tribe actually built their houses!

Using natural vegetation like bamboo and Nipah leaves for roofing, the shelter is temporary and could be moved from one place to another due to their believes. The shelter was cooling and sturdy. Hence, there was no need for air-conditioning because it had good ventilation.

Their technique of building houses actually inspired me to do the same in urban design. I have always questioned our current architecture scene where ventilation was terrible and we only relied on concrete, bricks and steel all the time.

Design of natural ventilation is very important, but urban designers tend to neglect this aspect and just place air conditioning systems every corner of the house for convenience. During the olden days, especially the Straits Baba Nyonya era had vents in their houses to regulate air and used lime walls and natural mineral paint to cool the house. Coming back to the 21st century, where has all these small considerations been? I have also always felt that these modern materials are great but should not we utilize more of our local natural resources? Not only it does enhance the identity of our Malaysian architecture and it is much more economical.

Nevertheless, we have to bear in mind that the natural resources used in construction has to be sustained carefully so we do not disrupt our ecological cycle.

As a conclusion, the whole trip was inspiring and informational. Nature works as a whole, if any part of the system was to be disturbed, the whole chain would be affected. Most of all, human who is the most fragile would extinct due to our own consequences of not taking care of the environment. Moreover, as architects, we should be more responsible. A designers’ role is to solve problems creatively.

Hence, it is essential to consider all the small details like ventilation, choice of materials, passive and active energy systems when designing new structures for a better Earth and a better future for humans.