Sustainability Book

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Story of the Sustainability Symbol…

Throughout history, the “V” symbol has represented Victory & Happiness. Back in the 20th Century, the two finger symbol was most famous during difficult times, when people were forced to work together, sacrifice and share limited resources.

In World War II, (1939-1945) Sir Winston Churchill used the “V” sign to encourage people to keep their optimism when the situation was very bad. In the 1960’s, the hippies used the “V” salute to stop the Vietnam war and share the idea of Peace + Harmony.

Now, in the 21st Century, there is a new emergency in the world where we all need to work together to slow global warming and protect the ONE planet we have from pollution and overheating.

So the people at the McMaster Institute for Sustainable Development in Commerce researched the history, looked into the future, and mashed the two ideas together. And that’s how the 3 finger Sustainability Salute into existence!

Peace + One ...balancing the elements of our everyday lives - Society, the Environment and the Economy.

Peace Plus One means if we want Peace in the World, we must Act as One, Care as One, Protect as One and Be One.

+

=

1 - Society 2 - Environment 3 - Economy

PEACE + ONE = HARMONY AND BALANCE

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Contents 1 3 5

PREFACE STATEMENT

18

NOW.FOREVER… Sustainable architectural projects.

Eco-Design

Ecology and Urban Renaissance

Mili Majumdar, TERI, discusses the basic measures

IMPRINTS

Harmoniously Urban

Architects who were forerunners in sustainable architecture.

Recylable Museum

Geoffrey Bawa Sri Lanka’s Regional Modernist

Kisho Kurokawa From Metabolist to Environmentalist

Laurie Baker Pioneer of Prudent Construction

Nader Khalili The Earth Architect

advocating sustainability for new built structures EDITT Towers by Dr. Ken Yeang Nomadic Museum by Shigeru Ban

Sustain‘Ability’ Bio-Solar House by Soontorn Boonyatikam

Coiled in Nature Springtecture H by Shuhei Endo

Green Living Environment Institute of Forestry and Natural Resources by Behnisch Architekten

Geometry & Ecology Water Cube by PTW Architects

Cardboard School

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A TALE OF NEW CITIES

Carbon Clean

Urban Planning Initiatives for creating Sustainable Cities.

Masdar City by Lord Norman Foster

Reclaim

Westborough Primary School by Buro Happold

56

EARTH ‘MOVERS’ Future Initiatives in Sustainable Architecture Projects.

“Pet” & Environment

Rehabilitation of Veerabagupathy by Habitat

Ecology of City, Enviornment & Culture Technopolis by Dr Kisho Kurokawa

The Built Textbook Islandwood by Mithun

Prototype

124

SUSTAINABILITY - AN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

126

CREDITS

Dongtan city by Arup

‘United Bottle’ developed by Dirk Hebel & Jörg

Urban Oasis

Stollmann

Senscity Paradise by Behnisch Architekten

Treehugger The modular tree house by Sybarite

Technology Group (HTG)

Grassroot Initiative The Vedaville Project by Anil Laul

Research on Sustainable Environments in India by Parul Zaveri & Nimish Patel, Panika, Ahmedabad.

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Preface Sustainability is defined as the capacity to maintain a certain process or state indefinitely. However this definition has to be altered when applied to the sphere of the built environment because it necessarily involves making a tangible addition to the space surrounding it. The attempt then, is to make as little an impact on the environment as possible.

In the last decade or so, sustainability has emerged as a buzzword in architecture, due to the increasing awareness of the diminishing nature of the resources used during construction and use of buildings. This has resulted in several projects that strive to change the regularly accepted consumption patterns of built structures.

At Ambuja Cement we have always been conscious of our responsibility towards the environment. We have endeavoured to consciously support Mavens of Green Design. As part of our ongoing campaign to support Sustainable Buildings, it gives us great pleasure to present, ‘World Endeavours in Sustainability’ - a compilation of projects that attempt to ‘touch the earth lightly’.

Sustainable methods were embraced by some practitioners who were ahead of their time and who walked the talk long before it was fashionable or cool to do so. The ‘IMPRINTS’ section is a tribute to the torchbearers who through their work showed the way forward to the next generation of practices.

The efforts of contemporary architectural firms are showcased in the ‘NOW.FOREVER…’, ‘EARTH ‘MOVERS’’ and ‘A TALE OF NEW CITIES’ sections via their projects, which amply demonstrate that the process of formulating new strategies for a sustainable future is well on its way.

We have partnered with Indian Architect & Builder, India’s premier architecture and design magazine to bring to you the ‘Global’ rundown on some of the best initiatives in architecture to Save The Earth.

Join us in the effort.

Amrit Lal Kapur Managing Director, Gujarat Ambuja Cements Limited

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Ecology and Urban Renaissance

Author : Prof. Steffen Lehmann

Statement

A

s new cities dawn, there is a necessity for greater awareness

without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their

towards urban principles for Ecologically Sustainable

own needs.”

Development (ESD), energy consumption, global warming,

urban density and other medium for Eco-Buildings.

Buildings are the biggest energy consumers. Roughly half the energy consumed in industrialised countries is used to run building, mainly

“Our biggest challenge today is to take the abstract idea of

to cool down and illuminate the interior spaces. A further 25 per

sustainable development and turn it into a daily reality.’

cent is accounted for by traffic and by transport. A large quantity of

non-renewable fossil fuel is needed to generate this energy, and the

Kofi Annan, UN (2004)

process involved in the conversion of fuel into energy has a lasting

INTRODUCTION

negative effect. This threatening situation calls for a rapid change and

Climate change is the most serious problem facing humanity. This

a fundamental reorientation of our thinking about the city (urban

issue can no longer be left to the evasions and window-dressing

design) and its buildings (architecture) – to base on the inexhaustible

that currently characterise much of the Government’s greenhouse

energy potential of the sun, wind, water and geothermal heat.

policy. At the moment, Australia and the US are the nations with

Layout, geometry and the form of new buildings should reflect such

the world’s highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, it is

possibilities for better harnessing of natural resources. However, the

an important time to undertake research on city centres. There is a

relationship between available technology and urban design decisions

strong interest in sustainability that is focusing upon understanding

has become a complex issue. There is much talk about “The

the local distinctiveness of a place, and the significance of heritage in forming individual and community identities within the context of cultural and technological change. Sustainable architecture is most effective when set in the urban context of a city centre, combined with high-density developments.

NEW ‘CONSTRUCTED ECOLOGIES’?

‘Sustainable development’ is defined by the Brundtland Report

Roughly half the energy consumed in industrialised countries is used to run buildings, mainly to cool down and illuminate the interior spaces.

(1987) as “development that meets the needs of the present,

11 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Compact City” and renewable energy sources, but what are some

consumption, i.e., operating costs to cool and light the interiors, not

practical strategies that can be applied to urban design? How can

construction costs that are increasingly problematic. A sensible trend

we design urban open spaces and buildings in such a way that only

to combat this problem is to shift away from buildings with intensive

a minimum of energy is needed to light, ventilate and service them?

technical installations and air-conditioning to ones using efficient

And by doing so, can we find a poetic response, where the building

new faced technology, e.g. double-skin facades. The exploitation of

envelope is formed by simple and strong architectural ideas,

solar energy in particular has become a strong formal determinant

rather than by being technologically driven? Importantly, sustainable

in developing new architectural concepts and facades, in which

building development means applying technical aids sparingly and

efficiency and sustainability are combined.

making the most of all passive means provided by the building fabric.

‘Decision-making in architectural design must be based on both an

REDUCTION OF AUTOMOBILE DEPENDENCE AND VEHICAL TRAFFIC

ethical position and a coherent understanding of the objectives and

The placement of buildings, and how compactly they are

systems involved.’

grouped, has immediately a direct impact on energy consumption,

With this in mind, Radford (2003) is right, when he demands that

determines traffic patterns and, thus, the production of greenhouse

INTEGRATION OF ECOLOGY IN THE URBAN DESIGN PROCESS As we begin to fully understand the consequences of our dependency on fossil energy, the automobile and the cost of mobility, it becomes clear that traditional knowledge of aesthetics of urban composition and construction (as was suggested by Camillo Sitte), is no longer sufficient. Today, all aspects of the environment have to be considered. In an urban context, the quality of space and light, the questions of urban form and grouping, the choice of materials, all have to be considered as an integral part of an ecological proposal. However, the greatest challenge in terms of sustainable building lies in the area of reduction of energy

A future without the automobile is highly unlikely. However, compact urban design can minimise greenhouse gases from transportation and traffic through a reduction in automobile dependency.

gases and global warning. A future without the automobile is highly unlikely. However, compact urban design can minimise greenhouse gases from transportation and traffic through a reduction in automobile dependency.

In US, and frequently in Australian cities too, there is a large disparity between where people live and where they work, resulting in longer commuting distances than for people in European or Asian cities. Sustainable architecture is only really

It is less environmentally damaging to stimulate the growth within established cities, rather than sprawling into new, formerly unbuilt areas.

effective when set in an urban planning context, which itself is based on sustainable principles. An answer is the urban renewal

In our post-industrial era today, the re-use regeneration of former

of the city centre as a place to live and work, where a higher

industrial sites or docklands offer much potential (e.g., the former mill

population density and more compact communities offer everything

sites in Mumbai would offer a great opportunity to build ‘SolarCity’),

within walking and cycling distance. Such high density centres close

since these ‘brownfield’ sites are located in close proximity to the city

to public transport nodes are the aim of what is called Transport

centre. Such economic re-use of land, with a reasonable population

Oriented Development (TOD) communities with a large degree

density, coupled with a program of well-designed, mixed-use infill

of self-sufficiency and, at the same time, good links by light railway

projects, and would also help reduce the need for more transport

(e.g., tramway system) with the rest of the city. The principle is

infrastructure. It is less environmentally damaging to stimulate the

to have higher-density building around well-planned public open

growth within established cities, rather than sprawling into new, formerly

spaces, close to the train station. Sustainable urbanism means

un-built areas. CO2 emission will not be reduced as long as we continue

to encourage travel on foot, bicycle and public transport, and

to build suburbs at low densities on the urban fringe, and as long as

discourage solo-driving to work and for other purposes.

populations continue to decline in the historical inner city areas.

A sustainable solution for congested Mumbai and many other

In previous years, new office parks outside the city and far from

mega-inner-city sites: reusing ‘brownfield sites’ and existing structures.

the residences of the workforce have been built. As such, all office

13 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

workers were forced to commute to the workplace. This is, of course, not ecologically sustainable, since the energy associated with work related travel is excessively high. By comparison, the adaptation of existing former warehouses, factories or storage buildings to new workplaces can easily lead to exciting architectural results, as many recent examples well illustrate this.

A well-designed, correctly oriented city would save regular power bills up to 30 to 40 per cent.

DENSITY AND RESIDENTIAL LAND CONSUMPTION PATTERNS

step toward increased density and revitalisation of the city centre is

There is a strong relationship between the sub-divisional planning

plot of land, and stop to further increase the footprint of the city

layout and a dwelling’s energy efficiency, because the layout, size

(e.g., introducing a growth boundary). Grouping residential units or

and orientation define the overall efficiency that a dwelling will be

townhouses together in compact volumes of around four storeys

able to achieve (e.g., potential for passive solar gain, ventilation,

similar to the 19th century ‘city block’ model, as we can find in Paris,

shielding, etc.). Better planning of subdivisions and higher density will

Barcelona or Berlin would bring considerable environment benefits

automatically help to reduce energy consumption. A well-designed,

such as:

correctly oriented city would save regular power bills up to 30 to 40

- Smaller building envelopes, therefore less land use;

per cent. Using solar hot water as well, would see up to 60 per cent

- Less materials, therefore lower construction costs; and

saving, resulting in signification reduction of greenhouse emission.

- Reduced energy consumption

to move away from the detached suburban house, set on its own

By varying densities of neighbouring communities and encouraging mixed-usage developments, the much appreciated diversity of use for compact urban areas would be delivered, with a good balance between living and working spaces.

DIFFERENT CLIMATE – DIFFERENT LOCATIONS: GETTING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VOLUME AND FAÇADE SURFACE RIGHT

Transport in a sustainable city involves less use of cars and much

If we base urban design and architecture on the local climate, we will

more use of a public light rail, cycling and walking facilities. A first

arrive at a more distinctive, regional architectural language. In a hot

cross-ventilation and to keep massive materials such as concrete

WHERE TO NOW? SOME CONCLUDING REMARKS

floors or masonry walls fully shaded, to avoid thermal storage and

Only slowly is the use of renewable energy sources being

gain of unwanted heat in the building mass. It is of prime importance

implemented. The reason is clear: at present, fossil-based

to avoid long west-oriented façades and an advantage to have

sources of energy are still less expensive. However, sustainable

compact volumes with a reduced façade surface area. Therefore,

cities are a matter of national priority. The most significant

the attached four-level dwelling-type, such as a ‘townhouse’, within

environmental challenges of our time are global climate change

a medium-density estate, is a very successful model, now widely

and excessive fossil fuel dependency. Related to this are rising

adapted in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

greenhouse gas emissions, and water, soil and air pollution – all

(e.g., sub-tropical or tropical) climate, it is important to ensure good

of which have significant environmental, social and economical

SOLAR ORIENTATION: MAKING THE FACADE SPECIFIC TO THEIR SUN ORIENTATION

consequences. It is important that we go on challenging the private sector to do more.

There is now a new generation of photovoltaic system available, using thin-film technology. Finally, over an operating lifetime of 15

The development industry must take a big share of the responsibility

to 20 years, these new photovoltaic modules will generate up to

for contributing to the current state of our environment. We need

ten times the energy that it took to make them. A necessity for

to invest in sustainability to get new technologies; many governments

the system to work efficiently is, of course, the optimisation of its

all over the world are introducing a regulating scheme to increase

orientation. Well laid-out subdivions are ones where homes and

the use of renewable energies. Cities are built resources with high

offices face the right way for passive solar heating and cooling, for

primary energy content. Renewable forms of energy present an

the use of solar hot water heaters, for maximum natural light, and

opportunity to make inner-city life more attractive. It is crucial to

for taking advantage of the local wind direction to catch the cooling

avoid the mistakes in urban design because such mistakes are later

breezes. It results in substantially lower energy consumption when

hard or impossible to fix.

the building facades are made specific to their orientation, with an international placement of closed wall surface, small window

Sustainability today is affordable and profitable – seen over the

openings or larger glazings.

lifetime of a building.

15 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

“Treat the Earth not given to parents. It was by your c

rth well. It was you by your s loaned to you children” - Kenyan Proverb

17

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

IM P RINT S Architects who were forerunners of sustainable architecture. Well before their time, they created environments that are as relevent today as they were when they were built, leaving their imprints on the future.

19 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

GEOFFREY BAWA Sri lanka’s regional modernist Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa, FRIBA (1919–2003) is the most renowned architect in Sri Lanka and was among the most influential architects in Southeast Asia in the last decades of the 20th century. He was the principal force behind what is today known globally as ‘tropical modernism’.

Imprints: • 1978, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka – Bawa used a limited vocabulary of forms and materials borrowed from the ancient building traditions and designed the scheme in a way that least disturbed the natural topography.

• 1980, Parliament of Sri Lanka, Colombo – The most outstanding feature of the design was that the marshy valley was flooded to create a lake of 120 hectares and the new complex was built on a knoll of high ground which would become an island at the lake’s centre.

Geoffrey Bawa did not work without first reading the lines of the land, the influence of the climate, the kinds of things that grow here or there. His was architecture that conforms as it adorns.

He thought through the landscape, opened space up to it, let the outside mingle within. His structures are airy and light, open and outstretched; they speak of bright winds, partake of greenery, breathe the warm breath of the beach. An acute sensitivity to his surroundings characterised everything he did.

Photographs: courtesy Indian Architect & Builder

“You must ‘run’ with the site; after all, you don’t want to push nature out with the building.”

21 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

KISHO KUROKAWA FROM METABOLIST TO ENVIRONMENTALIST Kisho Kurokawa made his debut into the world of architecture at the age 26, as a cofounder of the Metabolism Movement. His major works include Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, National Ethnological Museum, and Nagoya City Art Museum.

Although he had practiced the concept of sustainable and ecominded architecture for four decades, Kisho Kurokawa became more adamant about environmental protection in his later years. Looking at his architecture — particularly at metabolism — tradition may not appear to be present, but, underneath the hard skin of the surface, his work is indeed Japanese. Kurokawa’s architecture evolved from the Japanese tradition, and there is a Japanese aesthetic in the context of his work. His architecture focused on keeping traditional Japanese concepts invisible, especially materiality, impermanence, receptivity and detail.

Photographs: courtesy Indian Architect & Builder

Imprints: • 1995, Kuala Lumpur International Airport - This scheme was designed with the aim of negating the possible harm to the environment caused by such a largescale development.

• 2007, National Art Centre, Tokyo – Designed to rival the mechanical display space is the atrium facade, which is an enormous transparent undulation. As the trees surrounding the museum grow, the atrium becomes enclosed within a forested public space.

“a transition from the age of the machine to the... Age Of Life”

23 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

LAURIE BAKER Pioneer of PRUDENT construction Laurence Wilfred “Laurie” Baker was an award-winning British-born Indian architect, renowned for his initiatives in cost-effective energy-efficient architecture and for his unique space utilisation and simple but beautful aesthetic sensibility. He came to India in 1945 in part as a missionary and since then lived and worked here for over 50 years. Baker sought to enrich the culture in which he participated by promoting simplicity and home-grown quality in his buildings. Seeing so many people living in poverty in the region and throughout India served also to amplify his emphasis on cost-conscious construction, one that encouraged local participation in development and craftsmanship - an ideal that Mahatma Gandhi expressed as the only means to revitalise and liberate an impoverished India.

Photographs: courtesy Indian Architect & Builder

Imprints: • 1969, The Hamlet, Kerala – Baker’s own home was situated on a steeply contoured and rocky site, but Baker did not disturb even a single rock or a tree.

• 1976, Chitralekha Film Studio, Aakulam - Baker used methods here, as with many of his other projects, that were economical and durable, and materials that were locally available and reflected the architecture of the area.

“I have never doubted that in a country like ours any of us has any right to squander or waste, or use unnecessarily money, materials or energy.”

25 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

NADER KHALILI THE EARTH ARCHITECT He was an Iranian-born architect, writer, and humanitarian who received his philosophy and architectural education in Iran, Turkey and the United States. Khalili was known for his innovation into the Geltaftan Earth-and-Fire System known as Ceramic Houses and the Earthbag Construction technique called Super Adobe. He was involved with Earth Architecture and Third World Development since 1975, and was U.N. consultant for Earth Architecture.

He developed his Super Adobe system in 1984, in response to NASA’s call for designs for human settlements on the Moon and Mars. In 1991 he founded the California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture (Cal-Earth), where he taught his Super Adobe building technique. Although Khalili’s work received mixed support in his native country, arguably due to social paradigms and political unrest, he became a prominent American leader on the value of ethically based architecture, where the needs of the homeless are considered above all else.

Photographs: courtesy Indian Architect & Builder

Imprints: • 1980, The Sustainable Desert Village, Iran - Based on ancient clay technologies, these tow sculpted-earth construction methods, combined with a dome-shaped design, are capable of withstanding severe heat, cold, rain, snow, wind and earthquakes.

• 1996, The Hesperia Museum and Nature Centre, California - Khalili combines ancient techniques with space age technology, the Centre serves as a model for low-cost, durable housing around the world and was constructed entirely of naturally-occurring elements: earth, air, fire and water.

“The architecture of timeless materials is not a lot of clever innovation. It’s distilling.”

27 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

“We share th only with our f beings, but other cre

the Earth not fellow human t with all the eatures.”

- The Dalai Lama

29

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

NO W . FORE V ER . . .

Architectural projects which exemplify the principles of sustainability to create a better future for humans.

31 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Eco-Design

S

helter is a basic human need. Buildings and habitats are

design approach involving all key stakeholders in the process of

designed and constructed to fulfill this basic human need.

designing, planning and construction. The architect, landscape

Since the industrial revolution, the world has witnessed

engineer, owner, user, electrical, mechanical, plumbing engineers

incalculable technological achievements, economic and population

and energy professionals need to work hand in hand to evolve a

growth and ever-increasing use of natural resources. Increased

sustainable design that is designed to leave minimum environmental

urbanisation seen today is a result of this overall growth. The

footprint and yet not forego any of the modern day comfort

green cover, ground water resource have been forced to give way

requirements of human beings.

to these rapidly developing urban structure. Energy is another major resource that is being consumed indiscriminately to meet

The basic principals of sustainable design or ‘green design’ as it is

the power demand for air-conditioning, lighting and equipment.

popularly known, are to aim for maximum resource conservation,

Citing an example of the growing urban metropolis of Delhi in

to enhance efficient utilisation of non-renewable resources by

India, which lost its green buffer to give way to the growth of

adopting efficient systems, to maximise use of renewable forms

satellite towns of Noida and Gurgaon and in turn resulted in

of energy and recycle and reuse throughout the building life cycle

sudden weather changes due to unobstructed hot / cold winds

e.g. during the site planning, development stage building planning &

from neighbouring states. On the other hand, had the impacts been

construction and building operation & maintenance.

studied earlier, preventive interventions could have been possible.

Through this article, I attempt to analyse the causative reasons

Author : Mili Majumdar (TERI)

Most conventional practitioners of modem design and construction

behind ‘un’sustainable design, during different stages of the building

find it easier to develop buildings in a vacuum as if nature, place

life cycle and measure ways and means to address these concerns.

and context do not exist. Most of today’s architectural expressions

The first section of the article addresses the site planning issues

demonstrate human dominance over nature. Inefficient and overuse

and design interventions that optimise energy use in buildings. A

of limited natural resources is evidently rampant. On the other

subsequent article in the next issue shall cover the water and waste

hand, sustainability demands restraint over use of natural resources.

management techniques. Health and well being of a building’s

Sustainability in the sector of building design is a complex concept

occupants is another important aspect in green buildings, which

of multidisciplinary character. Its realisation requires an integrated

would also be addressed.

1. SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN

damages from carving, nailing, fires or heat emitting construction

Development of a site for building purposes requires disruption

activity. The topsoil, in most cases, is the most nutrient rich layer

and disturbance of existing natural systems. The most sustainable

that supports vegetative growth. Topsoil removal and preservation

and environmental sensitive development is one that requires

should be mandatory for projects with site area greater than

very minimal site disturbance. Resource conservation measures

10,000sqmt. The preserved topsoil should be re-laid for vegetative

pertaining to site planning should entail minimum disturbance and

growth through suitable process. After ensuring its nutrient

depletion. Some recommended measures to achieve efficient site

contents as per laid out codes and standards, suitable measures

planning are giving below.

such as contour trenching, mulching to prevent soil erosion and run-off should be taken.

1.1 Preserve and protect vegetation and soil from degradation during construction

On the design front, the site planning should reflect design

Preservation and protection of existing vegetation, particularly

strategies that promote use of green belts and protected wetland

mature trees, is highly recommended. This is done by avoiding cut

to establish an innate network of native habitats and support

and fill in the root zones, delineating and fencing the drip line of all

flexible spaces integrated with the landscape for community

trees or a group of trees. Trees should also be protected against

gathering or informal activities.

Most conventional practitioners of modern design and construction find it easier to develop buildings in a vacuum as if nature, place and context do not exist.

1.2

Reduce hard paving

Hard paved parking lots, pathways, plazas and courts should be minimised. Hard paved areas enhance imperviousness of the site and generate a heat island effect, which causes a sharp microclimate temperature rise. By reducing perviousness of the site, hard paving also lowers the localised aquifer recharge potential. Dark coloured and constructed surfaces absorb solar energy and radiate it back when the ambience is cooler. So, typically one finds a sharp temperature rise in built urban areas

33 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

combination of soft and hard landscape, use of pervious paving,

1.4 Enhance site lighting efficiency and avoid light trespass/ light pollution

light coloured surfaces with higher solar reflective index and

Site lighting is mainly used to illuminate connections between

shaded hard paved surfaces. Planting trees and bushes adequately

buildings and support facilities such as sidewalks, parking lots, roads,

also helps to minimise the heat island effect.

community gathering spaces, landscaped areas and for security

than in green areas. Thus, design strategies should look at a

purposes. It must be carefully designed to avoid waste and nuisance.

1.3 Use more native/indigenous species in the landscape

It must address a few basic standards such as, it should avoid over

In the current design paradigm, architectural projects particularly

luminance; it should be properly shielded to avoid light pollution; the

large residential projects boast of extensive green cover. In effect,

optical control of light is also critical. Light pollution can be defined

we get to see expansive lawns, which symbolise the ‘green spaces’.

as waste light emanating from building site that produces glare and

Little do we realise that maintained lawns are one of the largest

adversely affects the environment. Waste light does not contribute

water consumers in any landscape. Lawns need as much as 40% to

to increased night time safety, utility or security and needlessly

60% more water as compared to native / indigenous plant species

consumes energy. Light pollution can also potentially disrupt

or trees.

biological cycles in plants and animals, as well as in humans.

Native species protect the nutrients in the biomass, promote

1.4.a Recommended practices

eco-diversity and require less maintenance and water as

Restrict area and time for night time illumination - minimise areas

compared to exotic species. Because of their ability to adapt

on site that need to be illuminated all night. For security lighting,

to local conditions, the native communities slow down the

motion-sensors may serve the purpose, in place of constant lighting.

depletion of natural resources while maintaining the character of

Clearly identify the actual purpose of lighting to determine minimum

regional landscape. Diverse communities with varying ages and

acceptable levels – safety and security lighting is an important part of

characteristics such as trees shrubs, vines and perennials should

exterior lighting. Layered lighting provides minimal ambient illumination

be planted, and monocultures and invasive species should be

with accents on hazards, destinations and architectural features.

avoided. In addition, water requirement for landscaping should be controlled through adoption of efficient irrigation practices e.g.

Use energy-efficient lamps and ballasts – the most efficient new

drip irrigation.

lamps produce ten times as many lumens per watt of power as

Preservation and protection of existing vegetation, particularly mature trees, is highly recommended.

This is done by avoiding cut and fill in the root zones, delineating and fencing the drip line of all trees or a group of trees.

2. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN GREEN BUILDINGS One of the primary requirements of a green building is that it should have optimum energy performance and yet should provide the desirable thermal and visual comfort. The three fundamental strategies adopted to optimise energy performance in building can be broadly classified into the following.

2.1 Incorporate solar passive techniques in a building design and enhanced building material specifications to minimise load on conventional systems (heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting) Passive systems provide thermal and visual comfort by using natural energy sources and sinks. e.g. solar radiation, outside

a conventional incandescent bulb. Savings on operating-cost and

air, sky, wet surfaces, vegetation, internal gains, etc. India has

labour, including deferred bulb replacement quickly recover the cost

six climatic zones ranging from extreme conditions in the cold

of re-lamping. Technologies to reduce light pollution include full cut

deserts of Leh and Ladakh to extreme hot & dry conditions in

off luminaries, low-reflectance surfaces, and low-angle spotlights.

Rajasthan. A building in a cold climatic zone needs to adopt measures to maximise its solar heat gains by embracing measures

Use of appropriate control strategies – simple timers or photocells can

like maximum exposure to south, windows to capture heat, dark

be used to turn light on and off at appropriate times. Use renewable

coloured surfaces, high thermal mass and insulation to retain

energy sources for lighting and other outdoor power – photovoltaic

the captured warmth of the sun or use of design elements such

power is low-maintenance and very reliable. Its design must be specific

as trombe wall, sun spaces etc. On the other hand, a building

to both the region and the site. It requires storage batteries for night

designed for a hot climate should take measures to reduce solar

time lighting. Manufactures also offer solar path-lights, streetlights, and

gain like smaller window sizes, shaded walls, minimum exposure

security light. Low voltage lighting with photovoltaic collectors should

to west and east or use of design elements like solar chimneys,

be considered for an energy-efficient alternative.

wind towers, etc to maximise ventilation.

35 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Harmoniously Urban

1 Information Based Architect ©

Transforming a completely urban, non-organic site at which the natural ecosystem has been completely devastated — EDITT Towers by Dr. Ken Yeang ecologically balances urban environment as a living-breathing organism.

S

ingapore is an epitome of urban migration scenario: with little land and lots of people. The need of ecologically sound urban planning and architectural design takes on a special importance here. Rising to this challenge, Dr. Ken Yeang’s proposal for the EDITT Towers won the 1998 competition for Ecological Design in the Tropics.

The project design integrates green space to human-use area in the ratio of 1:2. A particularly important point in the design of the organic components is the survey of plant life in the neighbourhood of the building to ensure that the plants incorporated in the building

Photographs: courtesy T.R.Hamzah & Yeang Sdn.Bhd

project do not compete with indigenous species. The design approach is to re-habilitate this with organic mass to enable ecological succession to take place and to balance the existent ‘inorganicness’ of this urban site.

The unique design feature of this scheme is in the well-planted façades and vegetated-terraces which have green areas that approximate the gross useable-areas of the rest of the building. The vegetation areas are designed to be continuous and to ramp upwards from the ground plane to the uppermost floor in a linked landscaped ramp.

The organic spaces are intended also to ramp up from the street

1. The EDITT Tower will rehabilitate a site classified as “zero-culture”: a completely urban, non-organic site at which the natural ecosystem has been completely devastated.

2. The project design integrates green space to human-use area in the ratio of 1:2.

3. The EDITT tower will achieve almost 40% energy self-sufficiency through a system of solar panels.

level to the top of the building, effectively integrating the sky scraper’s 26 storeys into the surface landscape. This extension of the horizontal plane into the vertical space is further promoted by drawing the street-level shops and pedestrian activities up to the sixth floor along the system of landscaped ramps.

The building will have over 55% water self-sufficiency based on water reuse relying on built-in filter systems. The EDITT tower will achieve almost 40% energy

self-sufficiency through a system of solar panels. Additionally, sewage will be reclaimed to fertilizer and built in waste hoppers will drop separated waste streams to the basement to facilitate recycling. Architectural elements are designed to direct wind for ventilation and ceiling fans with water misters to minimise refrigerant based air conditioning.

The building is designed to have mechanically-joined connections of materials and its structural connections to facilitate future reuse and recycling.

Vegetation placements within the tower at different heights respond to the microclimates of each individual sub-zone of the tower.

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37 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Recylable Museum

1 Information Based Architect ©

Composed of 152 steel cargo containers and recycled paper tubes for the roof, reusable wooden planks, gravel and sand for the floor, the Nomadic Museum by Shigeru Ban is a recyclable museum.

A

temporary structure made of shipping containers located on an abandoned pier, where the survivors of the Titanic were docked in 1912, is something which most are unlikely to expect for a museum. But not when you know about the creator who has the reputation to create amazing structures from unexpected materials including paper. The colossal temporary construction is a simple act of stacking 148 containers in two 4-storey, 672ft long walls along Pier 54.

The 45,000sqft museum is made from multicoloured steel shipping containers and recycled paper tubes which are arranged in checkerboard pattern and held

Photographs: courtesy Shigeru Ban, Gregory Colbert

together by twist locks. The idea behind using containers was their availability in every place the museum would travel to, rather than having to ship the entire exhibit to locations around the world. Though standardised steel boxes as a new route for architectural expression was experimented for more than 40 years now, Shigeru Ban does not fetishise the containers qua containers. Indeed outside they are purely functional; inside they alter their functionality. The 8ft x 8.6ft containers are arranged in checkerboard pattern, with every other spot left void and covered with an angled white plastic trap.

The roof is custom designed consisting of 18 modules bolted

1. To show his art around the world, Gregory Colbert had a building made that could go around the world with it.

2.The aluminium roof trusses and tensile roof fabric are engineered and fabricated to be easily deconstructed, stored and shipped to future locations.

together. Each module consists of two 2’x10’ rafters; one 4’x10’ rafter and four PVC white fabric panels tensioned with 2’x4’ fastening tubes. An ethaform core is placed between the rafters to make it watertight seal. Fabric was secured with aluminium extrusion custom made with a flat bottom to fit tightly against the steel. The containers easily span the distance locked in at their corners as they are designed to be on the deck of a ship or waiting all those battered steel boxes. Kitsch is thus banished, as the walls become mere windscreens and a means to take the load off the roof.

The columns bear no weight; their only function is to take over in earnest to shape the space.

The specially designed paper tubes composed of recycled paper feature an inner and outer waterproof membrane and are coated with a waterproof sealent.

An open-air piazza area and the original arched-steel gate of Pier 54 mark the entrance of this cultural sanctuary. An impressive handmade curtain, suspended from the ceiling, made from one million used paper tea bags, filters the light and emits a sepia tone throughout.

3. Nomadic Museum building is composed largely of recyclable and reusable materials, demonstrating sustainable practices and an innovative architectural approach.

4. Designed for easy assembly and disassembly, the entire exhibition is packed into eight containers as it travels from place to place.

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Truly “nomadic,� the museum was designed to be disassembled and reconfigured to house the traveling exhibit.

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5. A colonnade of 64 cardboard pillars supports the gabled roof of the Nomadic Museum.

6. The wide wood-plank walkways are bordered on either side by bays filled with river rock.

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The most surprising fact of this structure is that the whole exhibit moves in only 40 containers, while each host city supplies the other 100 to complete the structure: simple and efficient. Even though the use of containers in architecture is not new, it is usually for space efficiency and not for structural purposes. This is what makes this museum so innovative and ecologically sustainable.

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41

Sustain‘ability’

1

The house embodies a “philosophy of modern living,” based on economy, technology, environmental preservation, and social values. This comfort extends to air quality, cooling, lighting, and acoustics despite the reduced load on the environment.

T

hailand’s first Bio-Solar House, known for its sustainability is a completely self-reliant abode in Bangkok where nothing goes to waste. The Bio-Solar House was developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team comprised of students and faculty from architecture, engineering and science departments by Soontorn Boonyatikam, a professor of architecture at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. The bio-solar house is a high-tech, ecology-friendly version of what Le Corbusier called “a machine for living.”

The house’s energy is generated through solar panelling.

Photographs: courtesy Soontorn Boonyatikam, Indian Architect & Builder

Water supply is maintained collectively via rain, dew and condensation from a cooling system which is recycled and used to replenish the garden.

Eco-consciousness is extended beyond the premises with an electrical car that is powered by surplus electricity generated by the house. The house is selfreliant and produces its own electricity, water, and cooking gas. Solar energy powers the air-conditioning, lights, and household appliances. Rain, dew, and condensation from the cooling system produce enough water for a family of four. Recycled water irrigates the garden, and surplus electricity is sold to the power

1. Sustainability is wholly integrated with home life with Thailand’s first Bio-Solar House, a completely self-reliant abode in Bangkok where nothing goes to waste.

2. The Bio-solar home’s energy is generated entirely through solar panelling.

3. Site plan of the house.

company or used to drive an electric car 30 miles (50 kilometers) a day.

At first sight, the house hardly stands out among the other homes in a gated residential community. The house has a slanting roof with overhanging eaves, sand-coloured walls, a tastefully landscaped garden, and an attached carport.

Buried in the garden are a photovoltaic system, biogas unit, air conditioner, condensation collection unit, water recycling

equipment, filtering units, and storage tanks. Nothing in this home-cum-ecosystem goes to waste. Garden clippings (grass and leaves) and wet kitchen waste fertilise the small, organic vegetable garden.

The roof, absorbs most of the heat and is made of metal.

Between the roof and the one-foot thick insulation is an air duct, allowing the wind to ventilate the heat absorbed by the roof. The garden has several artificial mounts

designed to direct the wind towards the house. While the house has windows on all four sides, eaves and recessed windows prevent the sun from shining directly into most of the interior. To further reduce heat gain, all windows and doors have triple-paned (“heat-stop”) glass. The only room receiving direct sunlight is the “green room,” a square, glass-encased space that cantilevers over the swimming pool. The extended part of the floor is made of glass, providing an unobstructed view of the water. At night, when the room is lit, it seems to float above the pool.

The sun powers all equipment, including the pumps for the oval-shaped swimming pool. A modified personal computer linked to dozens of sensors controls the system and the temperature and humidity in all the rooms and reads the outdoor wind speed. The biogas unit produces cooking gas from household waste.

Control Panel

Battery

TOU METER

Inverter

Load Center

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Soontorn estimates that if Thailand built 300,000 such houses, the country would not need any additional power stations.

43 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Coiled in Nature

1

The liveliness and freshness of the Springtecture H by Shuhei Endo demonstrates that prestigious and environmentally responsible architecture can be created even from a washroom, a landmark that changed the landscape around it and has an influence on contemporary architecture.

T

he public lavatories are

of the geometrical complexities

required to provide

revealed by modern science. As

convenience, based on

the functional program required

1. Public washrooms... an unattractive, somewhat embarrassing subject, and yet they were the inspiration behind architect Shuhei Endo’s investigation of his “Rooftecture”.

2. This small building only 119sqmt in Singu-cho Park demonstrates that prestigious architecture can be created even with limited means, economy and an unattractive subject.

openness and security, deriving

an economical ‘open’ scheme

from enclosure. This small

yet a formal appearance of a

meets in the centre of the coils,

which architect Shuhei Endo

119sqmt building demonstrates

‘closed’ environment to give

each leading to the various

defines as ‘halftecture’ and

that prestigious architecture

the user a sense of security, the

spaces which are separated and

introduces outdoor space into

can be created even from a

architectural concept was to

defined by battered, translucent

the Springtecture H construction.

washroom, a landmark that

create a link between it through

glass infill panels. Each wet area

changed the landscape around

the continuity of the material.

is created as a simple orthogonal

The Springtecture H structure

brick structure that sits lightly

takes the basic form of a large

inside each coil.

spiral, a very dramatic form

it and has an influence on contemporary architecture.

The characteristics of the ‘open’ are essentially the possibility of

Photographs: courtesy Shuhei Endo, Indian Architect & Builder

which nonetheless arises out

The dramatic form grows out

free passage which Shuhei Endo

Shelter (the sense of being

of the nature of the material

of the nature of the material

supplies in three directions: a

closed in) is provided by the

and appears very logical and

and, once seen, seems natural,

janitor’s room and toilets for

sheets of steel enveloping the

natural in its place. The idea was

logical and economical. But the

men and women, yet no single

visitor and accompanying the

to create a link between open

Springtecture H form is entirely

clearly-defined entrance. Instead,

visitor from the outdoors. This

and closed spaces through the

new and has mysterious echoes

a system of forked pathways

duality is a part of the style

exploration and celebration of

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45

3

The Springtecture H is a small attempt towards a new sustainable architecture realised by continuous interplay between the interior and the exterior, challenging architectural norms expected by the observer, and suggesting a new, heterogeneous architectural form.

4

3. The spaces in this tiny building are strongly characterised using a single basic element: strips of steel which can be recycled.

4. The sheets have structural strength and are long-lasting and recyclable thanks to their galvanised surface.

5. The structure takes the basic form of a large spiral, a very dramatic form which nonetheless arises out of the nature of the material and appears very logical and natural in its place.

the potential of a commonplace product: galvanised corrugated metal in thickness of 3.2mm, with gate-shaped auxiliary materials partially inserted. The material is an industrial product as its structural strength is long-lasting and recyclable. The sheets are of standard size, and the structure was erected directly on the site with nuts and bolts.

What are walls inside become ceilings and floors on the outside, continuing into external walls and roofs, they coil back into the interior. It is a series of fluid changes without distinguishing them as elements.

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47 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Green Living Environment

1

A functional, user-friendly research facility working in harmony with nature; versatile and ecologically sound, the Institute of Forestry and Natural Resources by Behnisch Architekten encompasses all these.

T

his EU pilot project for

to dominate its rural setting,

ecological construction

but to embrace the landscape,

incorporates progressive

with all workplaces in direct

ideas from both the client and

contact with indoor and outdoor

user groups, creating a multi-

gardens. Two indoor gardens

layered framework that is

provide the focus for daily

capable of responding to the

activities and function as informal

multitude of demands in such

meeting areas. Beyond this, they

sustainable building techniques

their identity as a place inhabited

a research establishment. The

are an integral component of

can be realised without extra

by nature experts.

design’s deliberate aesthetic

the building’s energy concept,

costs. Behnisch Architekten

imperfection is an appeal to an

improving the performance of

created a multi-layered concept

The building form begins from

unmediated, primarily sensory

the external envelope.

and framework incorporating

an open concrete skeletal

ideas from the client and user

spine that acts as a thermal

experience of architecture. The

Photographs: courtesy Behnisch Architekten

1. Institute of Forestry and Natural Resources (re-named Alterra) — integrates vegetation into the urban fabric which allows to improve quality of life issues, while offering many innovative opportunities for green architecture.

2. It offers biophilic benefits (an affiliation between humans and other living organisms) to inhabitants, increase the ecological productivity of the site, and connect buildings with their unique local environment.

project was realised within a

The building concept required a

group. In this way, the users of

mass, or natural cooling system.

standard budget demonstrating

strategy to maximise reduction

the institute could show how

The large air volumes of the

that durable and sustainable

of carbon dioxide emissions.

sustainable landscaping and

covered garden equalise and

building techniques can be

This project was achieved

an ecologically sensible use of

buffer the temperature of inside

applied without additional costs.

with a standard budget to

nature might be realised. At the

and outside. This has virtually

The building was designed not

demonstrate that durable and

same time, they could express

removed the necessity for

After careful analysis of the surrounding neighbourhood, the architects developed a landscape that added elements such as dry-stone walls, scattered groups of tress, hedges, beams, ponds, swaps tree lanes etc with the potential for future growth.

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49

mechanical air treatment in the three office wings. In addition, a self-regulating capacity ventilation system for temperature is achieved through the operable “green houses� glass roof that collects natural daylight and opens to allow for maximum ventilation.

The roof and facades are also fitted with heat reflecting foil and sun blinds to aid in regulating sun exposure. The singleglazed covered gardens offer a variety of possibilities. One is the positive influence of the climatic 3

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This project utilises renewable or recyclable building materials throughout, such as indigenous woods, larch and robinia, for timber because they emit less carbon dioxide than tropical or other northern European woods.

conditions of the building as a whole. The rainwater collected from the roof is recycled for use in the toilets and to irrigate the indoor gardens.

This project utilises renewable or recyclable building materials

throughout, such as indigenous woods, larch and robinia, for timber because they emit less carbon dioxide than tropical or other northern European woods.

In consideration are the energy consumption of the building for construction and running costs, energy consumption in the production of the materials, and the costs of de-mounting and disposing the building in the safest possible way in the future. In comparison to other analysed buildings, the costs 8

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imposed on the environment by the institute building summarised

3. Interior courtyard successfully integrates plants into buildings and their systems require a team approach.

4 - 6. Evergreen vines on a wall trap an insulating cushion of air and reduce wind chill.

7 - 10. Indoor plants purify, humidify and oxygenate air, improving indoor air quality greatly.

Purifying air in this way can lead to lower requirements for exterior air, and associated conditioning, lessening energy demand for the building’s HVAC system.

to 127% of the initial investment costs. Other buildings analysed had values of 150% to 200%.

Of particular note, the institute building also performs above 9

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experimental standards.

51 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Geometry & Ecology

1

The Water Cube by PTW Architects based on the formation of soap bubbles uses state-of-the-art technology and materials to create a building that is visually striking, energy efficient and ecologically friendly.

Photographs: courtesy PTW Architects

T

he design, known as the

The structural design of the

“Watercube”, plays on

National Aquatics Centre, also

the geometry of water

known as ‘The Water Cube’, is

bubbles, fantastically crystallised

based on the natural formation

as a massive rectangular form.

of soap bubbles which give a

Central to the design philosophy

random, organic appearance.

that underpins the Water Cube

The Water Cube has been

is the core objective of water

constructed using the latest

conservation, more specifically,

technologies in dew prevention,

the design of water efficient

heat radiation, cleaning systems

systems. The architect proposed

and ventilation.

the reuse and recycling of 80%

Appearance-wise, it is a giant

of water harvested from the roof

luminescent bubble. The

catchment areas, pool backwash

building uses solar energy to

systems and overland flows, by

heat the pools and the interior

incorporating water sensitive

area, and all backwash water

urban design principles into the

is filtered and returned to the

Water Cube.

swimming pools.

1. “Watercube”, plays on the geometry of water bubbles, fantastically crystallised as a massive rectangular form.

2. The structure of the Watercube is based on a unique lightweight construction and is derived from the structure of water bubbles in the state of aggregation found in foam.

3. The Watercube associates water as a structural and conceptual “leitmotiv” with the square, the primal shape of the house in Chinese tradition and mythology.

2

Located inside the Olympic Park, it contains 6,000 permanent and 11,000 temporary seats and its total surface area covers 80,000sqmt.

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53 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

5

4

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4. Behind the totally random appearance hides a strict geometry that can be found in natural systems like crystals, cells and molecular structures - the most efficient subdivision of three-dimensional space with equally sized cells.

5. The transparency and apparent randomness is equally transposed into the inner and outer building-skins, made of inflated ETFE cushions.

6. The reflection of light changes the colour; outside it reflects the sky and the outer layer is slightly tinted in blue, inside the white prevails, the sun coming through highlights the ETFE and the structure.

7. 90% of the solar energy falling on the building is trapped within the highly efficient structural zone and is used to heat the pools and the interior area.

The structure comprises a steel space frame, the largest ETFE clad structure in the world, with over 100,000sqmt of ETFE pillows that are only eight one-thousandths of an inch thick.

The building’s skin, made from

around the world. This state-of-

screening of the competitions

an innovative and lightweight

the-art material provides a cost

and is an ecologically-sensitive

transparent “teflon”, abbreviated

effective cladding solution for

venue, as its design includes

as ETFE, has been designed to

modern architecture, enabling a

implementation of alternative

react specifically to lighting and

wide range of applications where

energy sources, such as

projection – and particularly the

use of traditional materials, such

solar, geothermal, wind and

advanced systems which will

as glass, may not be possible.

waste water.

four years – to create a stunning

An indisputable highlight of the

The overall structure of the

visual and sensory experience

Beijing Olympic green is that

building is so strong that if it

that will also be shared by

the facility offers spectators a

were stood up on its end, it

millions of television viewers

multiple-angle, three-dimensional

would still retain its shape.

become available in the coming

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WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

55

Cardboard School

1 Information Based Architect ©

The Cardboard Building for Westborough Primary School by Buro Happold is Europe’s first permanent cardboard structure, providing a much needed educational and community space as well as an inspiring structure that works with the properties of a recyclable material.

Photographs: courtesy Buro Happold

C

ardboard is commonly used for packaging and storing, and the material is almost entirely made from recycled material. Cardboard in combinations with other building components and coatings, can be made water and/or fire resistant. The aim of the project was primarily environmental – cardboard is a recycled product that can in itself be recycled. What was to be showcased here was that cardboard, in construction, has potential to be a green building material. The aims of

with an estimated life of 20 years with 90% recyclable and recycled ability and to develop business opportunities for all partners.

the project varied from the demonstration of its potential with a real building, to deliver a useful building for the school

Obvious hazards to be aware of when building with cardboard are fire and water. Perhaps surprisingly, cardboard is

The design allows exposed cardboard to reflect its nature, with “corrugations” on the south wall. Although it might have been simpler to produce a basic “box,” the team felt that this would not adequately show off the capabilities of the material and the manufacturing processes available for it.

1. Cardboard made from recycled paper is proving to be an inexpensive and environmentally sustainable building material as demonstrated by the School made of card by Buro Happold.

2. The aim was to use cardboard components wherever possible, with a target of 90 percent recycled materials.

somewhat resistant to fire, behaving in a similar manner to solid timber, charring on the surface rather than burning quickly. An additional chemical treatment, however, further minimises the risk of surface spread of flame.

Water is a challenge, because wet, soggy cardboard loses its strength. So each panel is waterproofed with a technique adopted from the packaging industry. The designers applied a recycled plastic coating

to external layers, for both exterior and interior surfaces, to protect an inner loadbearing core.

Furthermore, the walls and roof were given an extra layer to keep rain off the exterior surface. This layer gives the cardboard additional impact protection, which further extends its useful life. The main output from the product is the building itself. It consists of one standard product, tubes and a specially devised

5

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product, the panel, so this can be seen as a product in its own right. Finally, but importantly, the engagement of the school has also been an important feature of the project. Most aims sought were achieved, except for recycling. An environmental analysis done showed that Buro Happold had to use more material than expected that was neither recyclable nor recycled.

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3

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3. Cardboard is somewhat resistant to fire, behaving in a similar manner to solid timber, charring on the surface rather than burning quickly.

4. Each panel is waterproofed with a technique adopted from the packaging industry.

5 - 7. Cardboard tubes acting as structural columns support the roof panels around the perimeter.

8. The project demonstrates the possibilities of the innovative use of cardboard in building construction, bringing long-term benefits through reduced Š Information Based Architect energy consumption and material waste.

57 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Lab for Future Cities

1 Information Based Architect ©

Arcosanti was founded on the lofty concepts of “arcology,” an elision of “architecture” and “ecology” that was coined by Paolo Soleri and re-imagined by many science fiction writers.

The movement envisions superstructures that provide commercial and residential space for the masses, but with minimal environmental impact.

A

rcosanti is an experimental town that began construction in 1970 in central Arizona, 70 miles north of Phoenix. Architect Paolo Soleri, using a concept he calls, ‘arcology’, started the town to demonstrate how urban conditions could be improved while minimising the destructive impact on the earth. Arcosanti is being built on 25 acres of a 4,060 acre land preserve, keeping its inhabitants near the natural countryside.

The built and the living interact as organs would in a highly evolved being. Many systems work together, with efficient

Photographs: courtesy Cosanti Foundation

circulation of people and resources, multi-use buildings, and solar orientation for lighting, heating and cooling.

The major concepts of an arcology are complexity, miniaturisation, and duration.

The long-term design of

1. Arcosanti is being built on 25 acres land preserve, keeping its inhabitants near the natural countryside.

2. Architecturally, Arcosanti is remarkable for its use of tilt-up concrete panels cast in a bed of silt from the local landscape.

3. The intricate, organic design of the city maximises land use.

Arcosanti has changed somewhat multiple times since work began.

In Arcosanti, apartments, businesses, production, technology, open space, studios, and educational and cultural events are all accessible, while privacy is paramount in the overall design. Greenhouses are planned to provide gardening

2

The entire population of the city may be small, but living closely in a dynamic environment increases interactions and bonds, creating abundant stimulus and opportunity.

Š Information Based Architect

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4. The amphitheatre serves as a common community ground for the inhabitants.

5 - 7. Acrosanti is much more than a new-age craft centre; it is a place to live, work, and play—comfortably, sustainably, and in harmony with nature.

space for public and private use, and act as solar collectors for winter heat.

Architecturally, Arcosanti is remarkable for its use of tilt-up concrete panels cast in a bed of silt from the local landscape. The silt gives the concrete a unique texture and colour, helping the structure to blend with the land.

The intricate, organic design of the city maximises land use, so the city feels much bigger than it actually is. The city serves as an educational complex where workshops and classes are offered. Students from around the world are constructing Arcosanti. In addition, about 50,000 tourists visit Arcosanti each year.

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61 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

“We nee environmental co a global basis. need to educ

ed a new consciousness on . To do this, we cate people.”

- Mikhail Gorbachev

63

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

EARTH ‘ MO V ER S ’ Architecture.Sustainability.Innovation. Three actions that will see a better future for future generations.

Projects that show promises of a sustainable world.

65 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Towards a Sustainable Living‌

Author : David Cook, Behnisch Architekten

T

he term sustainability has come to mean all things to all men.

offset by reducing or eliminating the need for expensive mechanical

The widespread concern for the state of the environment

and electrical systems, etc. This in turn gives rise to savings

popularised the phrase `sustainable development’ which

in running costs, the cost of maintenance of the systems and

is defined as a way to meet the need of the present without

ultimately to the cost of their replacement. We propose adopting

compromising the ability to future generations to meet their

strategies where the system recognises the response of human

own needs. The political definition of sustainable development

beings as an integral part of the system. For the last 15 years ever-

has however been extended to include social development and

increasing pressure has come to bear on developments in terms

economic progress. New buildings can only be truly sustainable

of building technology and architecture, particularly in Europe. The

if they suit their purpose and are efficient to operate, otherwise

focus has been upon the necessity to handle natural resources

they consume unnecessary resources, are a burden to owners

in a more economical and responsible manner. In this context

and risk premature replacement. The philosophy of sustainability

seemingly simple truths, for example our definition of comfort,

recommends the consideration of the whole life costs of a building,

have been questioned, new descriptions have been offered and to

both in terms of economics and environmental impact. It follows

some extent accepted. The cycles of nature have once again been

that for a building with a design life of 60 years, the cost of

recognised and considered a quality in areas where temperature

ownership and operation actually exceeds the cost of construction.

and air quality are not strictly determined by operational factors.

This may lead to slightly higher initial capital expenditure on

We seem to have begun to understand that the artificial worlds

the building elements such as cost associated with high levels of

created inside many buildings are not only unhealthy but often

insulation and air tightness, exposed thermal mass and shading are

harmful. Statistically, for example, people suffer most from allergies,

Seemingly simple truths, for example our definition of comfort, have been questioned, new descriptions have been offered and to some extent accepted

MEASUREMENT To date, not many systems have been created to comprehensively assess the environmental value of buildings, or better, assess the improvement of a building’s influence on environment, compared to traditional benchmark buildings. The general problems in assessing the environmental soundness of building is the limited understanding of the term sustainability. Currently, it is a quantityoriented term focusing on energy consumption. Yet sustainability is really about qualities and patterns of use. It could be argued that

when they have been brought up in an sterile environment, to a

you could build an energy-efficient building, which could easily be

large extent isolated from natural influences. In general, we have

a hostile architectural environment that hardly anybody would use.

become accustomed to, quite unnecessarily, demanding constant

Objectively considered, it is a sustainable building, at least in terms

internal climatic conditions. Dependant upon the exact nature of

of today’s common understanding. But relatively seen, it is not

use, it is totally accepted and even healthy if temperatures inside

sustainable at all, for if anybody uses it, it is not efficient as a building

the building fluctuate quite significantly during the different seasons.

and thus useless. For a truly sustainable approach, the design of the

This would, of course, require departing from standard set up in

building needs to be a more holistic endeavour. A basis for a more

the 60s and the 70s such as ASHRAE. To do so, architects as well

sustainability-driven view would take into consideration the purpose

as engineers require the help and understanding of both clients and

of the building, its use, energy consumed in the building’s production,

tenants, but perhaps most importantly the authorities.

the predicted lifetime of the structure, energy used for light and

67 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

heating/cooling, comfort levels (based on human-driven definitions),

A basis for a more sustainability-driven view would take in to consideration the purpose of the building, its use, energy consumed in the building’s production, the predicted lifetime of the structure, energy used for light and heating/cooling, comfort levels (based on human-driven definitions), cultural impact, and, user efficiency.

cultural impact and user efficiency. Without doubt, buildings need to be more flexible in response to ever changing patterns of life.

Wouldn’t it be more sustainable to create structures that can be used for housing, retail, office or storage without needing major structural changes? This is not only a design and construction issue, it is also an issue of how people perceive their built environment.

The US - based LEED system currently takes a lot of diverse aspects into account: energy, location, recycling, daylight, views to the outside environment, innovation, primary energy, material proximity, energy sources. It remains in development and can definitely be improved by the users’ working or living habitats.

Importantly, issues of sustainability must be addressed, the potential impact is greatest in the infrastructure, city planning, transportation and energy sourcing. The ongoing privatisation of the energy

With the privatised energy market of today, the stakeholders seem to have no interest in energy efficiency

and that until recently the limits of natural resources were never acknowledged. As long as energy remains subsidised, with the world continuing to actually pay for the environmental damages caused by reckless generation and use of energy, there is no pressure for such companies to act in a truly responsible manner. Once we have a more responsibility-driven demand, the industry would itself start promoting more sustainable standards forcefully.

sector will continue to obstruct an efficient centralised approach.

An obvious solution is for communities to provide district heating

Following this logic, society as a whole needs also to apply the

and cooling by using a pure by-product of electricity production

term sustainability for the way which we both live and work.

(steam) to provide heat and chilled water. However, with the

Naturally, this more holistic approach cannot easily be quantified

privatised energy market of today, the stakeholders seem to have

without generalising. It remains mostly a matter of common sense

no interest in energy efficiency.

and of promoting a responsible 21st century way of living and doing business. For we are convinced in 20 years time, we will ask

From the actions of some of the multinational companies, one

ourselves how our western civilisation was able to act in such a

gains the impression that the energy market remains uncontrollable,

short-sighted, selfish manner.

69 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

1 Information Based Architect ©

The modular tree house by Sybarite, situated just above the tree top level, uses lightweight recyclable materials in its construction, and underneath the house, there are “undulating kinetic baffles” that use wind power to generate electricity, give us the treehouse that we always wanted as kids — but this version is totally green.

Treehugger

T

reehouses that enthral both children as well as adults have come a long way from the makeshift hideaways that were built using scrap wood and rusty nails. The UK-based Sybarite has a new concept for treehouses - ones built using prefab modular members that are partly self-sustainable and can be assembled on site in two weeks.

The design is primarily a flexible modular system focused around the sun path, i.e., how one enjoys daylight throughout a typical day.

The house is designed to be assembled just above a natural tree line and very much out of the view of the public. The fluid organic lines of the design

Photographs: courtesy Sybarite, Indian Architect & Builder

are intentional and visually less imposing - very much like a helicopter floating in the sky - detached from the ground.

The design direction primarily evolves from the underside, to the interior and then outwards concentrating on views and aspects above the tree horizon.

The belly of the treehouse accommodates ‘kinetic baffles’ that use wind power to generate electricity. The propeller-shaped plan, which is generated by repeating standard modules that are specifically designed, accommodates modular sections that can be pre-fabricated to allow the size of the home. The concept of the system is also intended

1. A radical approach for housing units in a rural setting — the concept is an amazing display of creativity and consideration to the environment which is clearly the way things are rightfully heading these days.

2. The curvaceous undulating belly with its kinetic baffles shimmering in the wind are very much inspired by the senses experienced walking amongst woodland in strong winds.

3. The approach of this project has been directed towards achieving a design that has minimal impact upon its particular site while being extremely quick to erect, contextual within its countryside location and, most importantly, maximising the views for the home owner.

to be one of total flexibility to the extent that a two-bedroom module with two wing elements can be created as well as a typical four-bedroom plan with three wings.

One of the principle environmental designs for the house utilises a series of ‘kinetic baffles’, which are lightweight aluminium blades on the belly of each wing that are specifically

designed to increase the air flow around and under the house.

When the batteries are fully charged, the controller switches the excessive electricity to a heating element in the hot water cylinder. To back up the wind-generated power, a series of solar cells are placed around the perimeter of the roof that also provide for the central system. The baffles on the belly of the structure serve a double

purpose; they force fresh air into a ‘plenum’ around the floor perimeter, which can be controlled through adjustable grilles in the small up-stand around the floor edge.

Another key environmental factor within the design is the ‘smart glazing’, where the glass is capable of being clear and colourless on a cold day 2

with the ability to be switched to a tinted, heat reject state on hot & glary days. At a flick of a switch, the glass can also become completely opaque through the use of electronic LCD within the glass construction. The modular treehouse concept is an amazing display of creativity and consideration to the environment, which is clearly the way things are rightfully heading these days.

Solar cells are built into the roof perimeter and the ‘belly’ contains undulating kinetic baffles that capture wind power to generate electricity. Combined with top quality insulating techniques, natural cross-ventilation enhanced by the baffles and ‘smart’ triple glazing, the Treehouse is designed to be 70% energy self-sufficient.

3

71 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

“Pet” & Environment

1

A simple water bottle as a building material in crisis situation — ‘United Bottle’ developed by Dirk Hebel & Jörg Stollmann works at the intersection of architecture, nature, technology and communication by foregrounding the body as a biological and social construct.

F

ifty billion PET bottles are

cycle and deliver them to a crisis

currently circulating in

region upon demand.

Europe alone. Since the

obligatory bottle deposit was

The concept, can be used by

introduced, the return quota

Governments and NGOs to

has exceeded 90 percent. PET

distribute water locally and

bottles can be used as returnable

regionally and to upcycle the

bottles as well as recycled and

bottle as a building material

transformed into a variety of

in combination with found

products - from all forms of PET

materials such as sand, earth

vessels to textiles, such as linings

and natural insulation materials

and fleece fabrics. This process

such as animal hair. The simple

is called “up-cycling”.

water bottle would operate as a

1. The United Bottle project’s working hypothesis is that design should think beyond the product and consider the waste for future use.

2. Filled with local materials, “United Bottle” turns into construction material for temporary or even long-term shelter.

container for the awareness of This intersection of local and

the next crisis.

global circuits forms the basis of

Photographs: courtesy Dirk Hebel & Jörg Stollmann

the project “United Bottle.” The

The form of newly designed

concept is to withdraw the PET

PET/PP bottles can efficiently fit

bottles from their usual recycling

into standardised shipping boxes,

2

3. The United Bottle project designs a second life for an everyday product, building upon local knowledge of construction techniques, patterns of improvisation, and existing uses of consumer waste.

4. The form of newly designed PET bottles can fit into regular boxes or on palettes used for water bottle distribution, and can be joined to build solid walls.

“United Bottle� functions as a solid shelter construction and as a water reservoir.

3

4 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

73

5

6

7

5. The process — from bottle to shelter.

6-7. Taking into consideration the increasing scarcity of resources, United Bottle explores the possibility of additional recycling circuits.

to be used as prefabricated

for prospective use and abuse.

collected and recycled with

building units for the

The PET bottle offers an ideal

the help of a bottle deposit

construction of both temporary

model with which to study and

system. In the case of crisis, the

and permanent structures.

implement this design agenda.

bottles are taken from those circuits and distributed via the

Taken into consideration the

“United Bottle” is a PET water

UNHCR (United Nations High

increasing scarcity of resources,

bottle and prefabricated building

Commissioner or Refugees) into

“United Bottle” suggests

unit. Leading producers of

the respective zones.

additional recycling circuits to

mineral water as well as NGOs

the existing ones. The project’s

use it for their water sales

Local knowledge of building

working hypothesis is that future

or distribution. The bottle is

techniques, improvisation, and

design should think beyond the

integrated into the regular PET

misuse of consumer waste is

product, and design the waste

recycling circuits. It arrives in

employed to build small free-

the project will turn into - in

foiled six-packs on palettes

standing buildings and to extend

order to open up possibilities

at the local stores and is

and repair existing structures.

The redesigned standard PET bottle form allows them to be slotted together into stable, nine-bottle units that a single person can carry easily.

Filled with local materials, the bottles become astable construction material for temporary or even long-term shelter.

75 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

“We are seeing new perspective where ecology a are two sides of

ng the birth of a ve of the world, and economics f the same coin.�

- Leif Johansson

77

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

TALE OF NE W C ITIE S Sustainable development of cities for improving the quality of life of a population within the capacity of Earth’s finite resources, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

79 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable Building Practices

A

clear understanding of sustainability can be achieved

This agency or even a group of individuals acts like an anchor in the

primarily from an evaluation of its principal aspects

region and initiates and sustains the process of forming a community

ecological, social and financial. For that, it is critical to break

of sensitive practitioners in the region. This is of particular importance

down ‘sustainability’ into manageable subcomponent, which can be

to the SBP methodology, which needs an initial mobilisation of

objectively assessed. These sub-components are then evaluated as

stakeholders to get together.

measurable performance indicators. The selection of these indicators and their accurate definition is the most challenging aspect of this

II. Regional Workshops:

methodology. The indicators must be context specific and responsive

Stakeholder workshops are structured in a manner so as to achieve a

to the needs of the stakeholders to be effective in the long run.

common understanding of the concept of sustainability and of a process

Therefore, to ensure proper implementation of all imperatives in

for its evolution. Typically, the workshops should consist of a mix of

a sustainable development, stakeholder participation is increasingly

participants to ensure a complete representation of stakeholders in the

recognised as a critical requirement. It enhances the effectiveness of

building process – not only architects and engineers but representation

the entire process by favouring a people-centred definition to the

from builders as users of the building practices and government officers.

indicators of sustainability.

In the rural context, participation from masons, village contractors, village leaders, rural housing officials and participation from the community,

Stakeholder Process

particularly women become critical. Typically, a workshop should consist

Stakeholder workshops mark the first in the Sustainable Building

of 30-35 participants. It has been observed that two workshops are

Practices (SBP) process. This confirms the important characteristics of

optimum to set up a functional regional platform of stakeholders. The

sustainability from the point of view of the stakeholders. The significant

first workshop serves to validate the SBP indicator-based methodology.

advantage that this process has over the other option of an expert-

It involves information sharing and identification, through debate of

drive methodology is that there is a sense of ownership and belief in

critical issues. A list of ecological, social and financial indicators pertaining

the outcome by people. A stakeholder-based process is the only way

to context is usually the key outcome of the workshop. At the second

to ensure commitment to sustainability as the stakeholders themselves

workshop, refinement of indicators takes place. The discussions are

are building professionals.

typically centred on the practical application aspects of the tool for sustainability rating of buildings.

I. Local Implementing Partner:

Author : Pankaj Khanna & Zeenat Niazi, Development Alternative

In a regional methodology of working with stakeholders, it is important

III. Formation of Core Group and Case Studies:

to first identify a local agency, which can serve as an interface for

After the first stakeholder workshop, a core group of 3-5 building

interacting with the community of building professionals in the region.

professionals should be formed which is drawn from among the

participants in the workshop. This group should undertake the task of

indicators are measured qualitatively instead of quantitatively. For

clearly defining methodologies for measuring the indicators and laying

instance, it was found in case of Gujarat, India that, resource efficiency

down a structure for the same, Subsequently, the core group needs

and credit worthiness of built assets are more relevant indicators than

to further refine the evaluation tool by applying it on real building

embodied energy and net investment.

projects in different contexts. In the process, final practical adjustments are made to make the sustainability analysis more sensitive to a

Sustainability Indicators

broader range of conditions.

The process of indicator selection begins with the identification of key concerns for sustainability as perceived by the stakeholders in

IV. Contextual Application

the workshop. They are then clustered and arranged as indicator sets

In the SBP process, depending on the perceptions of the stakeholder

pertaining to ecological, social and financial sustainability.

community, different approaches need to be evolved for measuring indicator in the urban and rural contexts. Previous experience

I. Indicator Selection:

indicates that in the urban context, sustainability of building practice

The prime objective of the first workshop is to identify ecological,

is often looked at from a ‘single building’ point of view. On the other

social and financial indicators. It is believed that by analysing data on

hand, in the rural context, sustainability of ‘ housing projects’ could be

most critical concerns in an informed manner, one can arrive at a fairly

considered important where social dynamics play a prominent role.

accurate and useful judgment of sustainability. These critical concerns

Application of the SBP process in a rural context can also feed into

should dictate the final selection of indications as being most influential

a process of community empowerment. It must therefore be applied

within a family of similar indicators.

through a participatory process involving the community where

The following must be kept in mind while selecting indicators: • The indicators must be limited in number and these should be

A stakeholder based evaluation methology is a practical tool for buildings based on collaborative process of ‘people defining sustainability’

the most representative and influential. Clustering the issue under common heads can easily identify them. It has been observed that 2 – 4 indicators for each of the three group(ecological, social & financial) are an optimum number for a fairly accurate assessment.

• Data collection to measure indicators should be done at a practical level. The indicator, for which data collection is impossible or very difficult, must be eliminated or modified.

• For an objective assessment, the parameters for measurement should be checked.

81 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

II. Frames of Reference:

groups, which rates the user feedback. Hence, it also involves the

Different contexts with specific characteristics need to be identified for

opinion of a moderator/facilitator who assigns a qualitative value

a critical assessment of sustainability. It emerges from the selection of

to the answers obtained in the survey. It is best for the purpose of

indicators that they acquire different meaning and implications when

measurements to formulate a methodical datasheet of questions to be

placed in diverse contexts. Therefore, frames of reference must be

answered in order to measure an indicator.

adequately chosen so that indicators can be more accurately defined an urban context. For example, residential/institutional/industrial are

IV. Benchmarks for building Practices and Scoring Indicators:

distinct frames of reference in the urban context as opposed to simply

The Practical Evaluation Tool (PET) should serve the purpose of

houses or community buildings in the rural context.

demonstrating a shift towards sustainability if it is used to base

and measured. A broad distinction would be between a rural and

decisions regarding choice of building systems. The shift only becomes

III. How to Measure Indicators:

clear when a comparative evaluation is articualted. Benchmarks are

Evaluation is an important pre-requisite for indicator selection. It must

established in an evolution process as a reference point against which

be kept in mind that sustainability evaluation should avoid complicated

values can be compared and understood practically. These should

mathematical calculation required for pinpoint accuracy. However, it

be clearly defined by the stakeholders judging by the type of building

is critical that each indicator be defined accurately to specify what it

practices. It is advisable to identify most common practices in each

sets out to measure and what it excludes from its scope. Accordingly,

frame of reference so the sustainability advantages are clearly visible

units of measurement can be derived from indicator definitions. For

when a PET evaluation is carried out.

instance, ‘energy’ as an ecological indicator can include embodied energy of building materials used in the construction or may include

Bandwidth of Building Performance

energy invested in a building over its lifetime considering material

In a SBP project, a bandwidth of indicator values is evolved signifying

salvaged at the end of lifetime of the building. The ecological and

the best and worst building practice with respect to sustainability. This

financial indicators can be measured objectively as they rely on

is based on the prevailing trends in building practice as observed by

factual and numerical data. The social indicators have an element

the core team members in their work experience. The bandwidth

of subjectivity because they are based on small surveys of the user

extremes correspond to the two end points of a scale (1 to 10 in this

workshop, the PET can be applied to case studies and this exercise

The ecological, social and financial indicators are assessed and defined in order to enable more people to initiate and replicate this methology

should be documented in details.

Future Action The SBP process can potentially be promoted and adopted effectively through different channels. In the urban context, there is good scope for initiating this process with decision-making bodies. For instance, the principal concept of a people-based process can be a strong driver for incorporating sustainability issues in urban development processes.

case). It should be noted that the two extremes of a bandwidth may

For the large volume of builder promoted construction, the PET is

not necessarily correspond to an actual building in the region but are

an invaluable device to create and strengthen a ‘sustainable’ brand of

informed projections based on prevailing building practices.

buildings. It is also important to make students of architecture more

Measured values of the building being evaluated are plotted on a scale

aware and sensitive to a design based SBP guidelines. In the rural

depending on where they fall in the bandwidth established for that

context, the SBP process is of immense significance to village level

particular indicator. Within this bandwidth of building performance,

governing bodies and community based organisations (CBO). Training

indictor values corresponding to the most common practice can also

modules for implementing the SBP methodology can be formed for

be identified. Using this instrument, a comparative evaluation between

CBO’s and NGO’s for them to incorporate in their activities. It can also

different technologies is also possible. One can also consider two different

be used by governments to develop guidelines for rural housing and to

building technologies or design alternatives at the design stage to make an

evaluate their housing projects.

assessment of the sustainability of the building.

For the purpose of global sharing and dissemination of the SBP It is important that the stakeholders apply the SBP process on real

process, the PET can also be used as an on-line tool for sustainability

building projects. A preliminary application should be carried out after

rating. A web environment provides a suitable platform or online

the first workshop for clarity on practical considerations regarding

workshops where practitioners from different parts of the world can

the use of such a tool. After the indicators get finalised in the second

share building practices and assess them.

83 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

An Ecology of City, Enviornment & Culture

1

The iconic development designed by the internationally-renowned Japanese architect late Dr Kisho Kurokawa will foster cutting-edge research to create next-generation technologies that will spur the creation of future industries and inspire the world’s future lifestyles with an aim to reduce environment impact.

G

reen buildings are not

strategy for the 21st century, the

a process of reducing

Government of China proposed

environmental impact.

to follow the economic

It is rethinking the relationship

development of Shanghai

between humans and nature

Shenzhen and other coastal

and is a holistic approach that

regions with the development

incorporates environmental

of the interiors of the country,

concerns into the design process

particularly the western regions.

from the start. Late Japanese architect Dr. Kisho Kurokawa had

Located about 1,000km

nurtured a dream of planning

southwest of Beijing, Zhengzhou

nature inspired eco-cities, which

is considered an important core

have a symbiotic relationship

city that adjoins the western

with nature.

part of the country. The masterplan concept is based

Photographs: courtesy Kisho Kurokawa Architects

Zhengzhou, a 3,500-year-old

on creating an environmentally

city with a population of about

sensitive city through preserving

two million, is the capital of

and nurturing the region’s

the Henan Province. As its

natural water-bodies. The

1. Technopolis, with its distinctive and futuristic façade, its innovative engineering in construction, and its state-of-the-art infrastructure, is a legacy of Dr Kurokawa’s genius.

2 & 3. Models of Technopolis 4. The development features a unique double-skin structure, which will help to cool the buildings by cutting out solar radiation with the use of glass curtain walls. This will help reduce air-conditioning costs by 30-35 percent.

5. Narrow street on the ground surface are cracks (void spaces) of atriums opening to the level zero. Natural light reaches underground level zero through the cracks in the ground.

6. The buildings of Eco-Tec City achieve column free space thanks to the core columns and the super slab.

2

3

The structure of the building is the most advanced super structure consisting of a core column and cantilevered super slab.

4

5

6

85 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

The roof of the building is made of solar panels that are half transparent and symbolise an Eco-building that uses solar energy. By allowing part of the light to pass through, it supports the growth of trees in the Sky Garden

scheme proposes preserving all

urban functions such as business,

34 rivers of the Zhengzhou City

research, education, culture,

region and planting vegetation

commerce and housing. The

along their banks to create river

cityscape of the new urban

parks that will form a network of

centre, reflected in the water,

eco-corridors. These

is expected to send the world

eco-corridors will inturn form

a unique impression of the new

a network of independent

Zhengzhou of the 21st century.

ecosystems to preserve

The International Tourism

bio-diversity. The scheme also

and Housing Centre on the

proposes using an existing fish

peninsula, which will protrude

breeding pond to form China’s

into Dragon Lake, will have a

largest artificial lake with a surface

pond at its centre. A ring city

area of 800 hectares. The entire

will be located here, which

master plan of the city has two

will include an international

nodes: the core area and a

resort hotel, a convention hotel

sub-core around Dragon Lake.

provided with an international

Roof Structure Steel Beam H-300x300

Super Slab Steel Truss (the height is 4.0m) Composed of H-600x600

Sub Structure Steel Girder H-250x125

Sub Structure Steel Column 190.7

Super Slab Steel Truss (the height is 2.5m) Composed of H-600x600

Super Slab Steel Truss (the height is 4.0m) Composed of H-600x600

conference centre and reception This new urban area will be

halls, an apartment hotel for

formed as the central core of a

extended stays, a service hotel

larger region, combining diverse

linked to the hotel and housing

Super Column SRC Column 1000x1000 3000 with a built-in H-600x600

7

Super Column RC Bearing Wall t=200mm 400mm

LIVING DINING BED ROOM 1 BED ROOM 2 KITCHEN

PRIVATE GARDEN

8

10

11

TECHNOPOLIS

SKY GARDEN APARTMENT

7. The whole building will function as an ecosystem, and strive to strike

for foreigners, all arranged along

as recycled wastewater. The

the loop road.

rainwater is collected from the

(MAISONETTE TYPE)

sidewalks and used along with

a balance between the organic and inorganic elements so as to make the

Green buildings incorporate

the recycled wastewater. The

materials that promote

double skin sharply reduces the

dimensionally layering differing

environmentally-sensitive industry.

penetration of heat from the

elements (residential, office, public

The roof of the building is

outside. The road pavement is

services, commercial). A Layered City

made of solar panels that are

rainwater permeable that allows

half transparent and symbolise

part of rainwater, not recycled,

Horizontal Zoning.

an eco-building that uses solar

to return to the ground for

9. The master plan concept calls for

energy. By allowing part of

maintaining eco-systems.

high-density narrow streets for

the light to pass through, it

building work like a living system.

8. Eco-Tec City is created by multi-

is created by a new method called Vertical Zoning instead of conventional

pedestrians.

supports the growth of trees in

The construction of this

solar panels that are half transparent

the Sky Garden. The garbage

eco-friendly city – a city that will

and symbolise an eco-building that uses

produced from residential zones

be in a symbiotic relationship

solar energy.

is composted or processed to

with the natural environment

form solid fuel. While the former

of its rivers, with the artificial

outside air is discharged from the top

is used to fertilise the trees in

lake and with the 3,500-year-

by a rising air current inside the double

the Sky Garden, the latter is used

old Central Chinese cultural

skin from bottom of double skin curtain

as fuel for home generators.

traditions of the old city will be

Used water is purified for use

completed in 2015.

10. The roof of the building is made of

11. When sunlight strikes the outside glass of the double skin, the warm

wall with zeolite filter.

9

87 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

The Built Textbook

1

IslandWood project is an ecosystem designed for children to see and feel many of the sustainable technologies using the environment as a classroom.

A

n environmental learning

is as close to invisible as you

centre—nestled into a

can make a six-acre, 18-building

rustic 250-acre nature

campus, along with various other

preserve – plays a dual role as

structures (tree houses, a bird

a symbol and as a teaching tool.

blind, a helter, a greenhouse, a

IslandWood was first dreamed

suspension footbridge) out in the

up in 1997, when Seattle’s

woods. Some of the buildings are

the room from the outdoors

A differential outlook at the

Debbi Brainerd started thinking

situated to hide them from one

viewed through the window.

way common materials have

about how to address two

another, and all of the buildings

IslandWood’s architecture is like

been used or treated seems to

apparently unrelated problems:

are made of materials that so

“a textbook.” The buildings are

make the first difference – glass

environmental degradation and

closely match the hues of their

a meta-environment: they are

walls for solar/light access

shortfalls in inner-city education.

natural surroundings that they

not only sustainable, they are

and structural unadorned

In 1998 she and her husband,

serve as camouflage.

about being sustainable. There

wood, which synchronises

doesn’t seem to be any element

with the outdoor

Paul, purchased a parcel of

Photographs: courtesy Mithun Architects

1. IslandWood’s mission is to provide exceptional learning experiences and to inspire lifelong environmental and community stewardship.

2. A 92-foot, 120-year-old salvaged wood beam serves as a member in the primary roof truss of the main centre.

3. Section through the Learning Centre 4. The Islandwood territory.

undeveloped land on Bainbridge

IslandWood was Washington

to the architecture that isn’t

nomenclature, make frames

and started planning to make

State’s first LEED Gold project,

making a statement about itself.

ready to receive the recycled

spectacular, harmless use of

and the buildings’ interiors look,

The campus is exclusively vehicle

wood chips and chunks that

their acquisition.

at first blush, decidedly odd. Their

free. A natural gas pump fuels

match the riotous random

walls are all glass and unadorned

gas-powered vehicles, though the

pattern of the ferns, salal,

Now in its sixth year of

wood; so natural is this interior

first vehicle for the campus is a

tree trunks, and forest-floor

operation, the learning centre

that it is hard to distinguish

hybrid car.

detritus visible outside.

Sustainable design features such as the use of passive solar design, recycled materials, composting toilets, on-site wastewater treatment systems, rainwater collection, and solar photovoltaic system illustrate various ways to reduce human impacts.

3

2

4

89 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

MAIN CENTRE (LEED Gold) • Energy efficient T-5 fluorescent lighting in offices.

• 92-foot, 120-year-old salvaged wood beam serves as member in primary roof truss.

• Salvaged fir flooring in Great Hall.

• Skylight and mechanically operated louvers provide solar heating and natural ventilation.

• Retractable canopies to lower summer heat gain.

• 50% recycled content carpeting in offices.

GENERAL OVERVIEW • Solar meadows and building orientations maximise passive solar gain. High performance windows optimise solar heat gain and reduce energy consumption.

• All concrete contains 50% flyash substitution for cement.

• Natural ventilation replaces air conditioning. Buildings designed using computer modeling to locate window openings and operable skylights for maximum air circulation.

• Walk-off mats at entry doors are made from recycled tires.

• Most building materials are left untreated to reduce off-gassing of volatile organic compounds.

• Roof rainwater used for landscape irrigation and boot washing.

• Wood harvested from solar meadows used for 50% of exterior siding and 95% of interior trim.

• More than 57% of wood products are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified.

• Low VOC paints, finishes, sealants and adhesives throughout project.

• Furniture made by local craftsmen from site harvested and salvaged materials.

• Sustainable features designed for educational interpretation throughout project.

Stephanie Bower Lynn Shimamoto

5

DINING HALL (LEED ® Gold) • Solar hot water provides 50% of annual demand in kitchen, restrooms and laundry.

• Photovoltaic-powered ventilation fans • Bathrooms feature recycled glass tiles in floor and as wainscoting.

• Waterless urinals reduce water consumption.

LEARNING STUDIOS (LEED ® Gold) • Photovoltaic panels (23 KW) provide 50% of lighting and electrical needs.

• Composting toilets eliminate water use.

• Sustainability classroom features digital metering to allow students to monitor their energy and water consumption throughout campus.

• Each classroom features a different renewable resource flooring: cork, bamboo, recycled rubber, and recycled-content concrete.

• Bathroom stall partitions made from recycled plastic.

• Each classroom countertop features a different sustainable surface: recycled-content concrete, recycled yogurt container composite, or soybean/ sunflower seed bio-composite.

CREATIVE ARTS STUDIO • R-45 walls constructed from straw bales.

• High efficiency masonry heater provides alternative heat source.

• Skylights and bay windows provide natural daylighting.

SLEEPING LODGES • Solar hot water system provides 50% of annual hot water demand.

• Throw rugs in bunkrooms are woven from upholstery remnants and discarded clothing.

• All wastewater is naturally treated with on-site constructed wetlands.

• Sustainable flooring materials include cork and salvaged fir planks.

LIVING MACHINE TTM • On-site treatment system provides tertiary treatment of wastewater.

Reclaimed water used for low-flush toilets and potential landscape irrigation.

7

5. The building programme and its green impact.

6. The green house in the foreground (Living Machine) serves as a wastewater treatment facility. Water from toilets or irrigation is filtered and oxygenated. In the background the Learning Studio’s butterfly roof is precisely angled to capture the winter-solstice sun.

7. Sketch of treehouses - the life of treehouses are enhanced with bolting and collars.

The buildings are modelled for

milled to provide all interior trim

natural ventilation and solar

and 50% of exterior siding more

orientation using T.A.S. (Thermal

than half of the wood products

Analysis System) software. The

used were certified according

classroom buildings get additional

to Forest Stewardship Council

heat from high-efficient in-floor

(FSC) standards.

hydronic heating. Photovoltaic

Strict clearing limits were enforced around all structures. All concrete contains flyash in place of half of the cement. Interior finishes were omitted where possible, and low-emission stains, paints, sealants, and adhesives were used wherever finishes were necessary.

system provides half of the

Thus, the biggest learning centre

classroom energy. Operable

IslandWood provides is in its

awnings shade dining and office

vision statement that propels its

spaces while T-5 fluorescent

visitors to envision a future in

lamps light offices and classrooms. which all people view themselves These strategies work in tandem as lifelong learners, and share an

6

with prioritising natural over

extraordinary bond of stewardship

electrical light. The on-site wood

for the environment, for their

from the solar meadows was

communities and for each other.

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

91

Prototype

1

Dongtan city by Arup may sound like a futuristic plan from a Scifi film, but it is the world’s first eco-city that won’t produce environment harming carbon emissions — the city will make full use of the latest in alternative energies.

Photographs: courtesy Arup

C

hina’s rapid

agriculture and used to create

planning into a blueprint for the

transformation period

a buffer zone of ‘managed’

future planning of Chinese cities.

is enabling amazing

wetland between the city and

breakthroughs. While politicians

the ‘natural’ wetland.

and citizens of the world keep

Minimising the environmental impact of all this development

avoiding the key challenge of

Dongtan will produce its own

is essential to the project’s

transforming our resource-

energy from wind, solar, bio-fuel

mission. Sustainable

depleting cities into sustainable

and recycled city waste. Clean

development runs through

organisms, China has taken the

technologies such as hydrogen

practically every element of

necessary step into a new era

fuel cells will power public

Arup’s master plan, which

of urban development: Building

transport. A network of cycle

is a work in progress. Public

Sustainable Cities.

and footpaths will help the city

transportation will be plentiful

achieve close to zero vehicle

and encouraged. Many streets

Dongtan is located on the third

emission. Farmland within the

will be arranged as service

largest island in China at the

Dongtan site will use organic

roads, not through roads, to

mouth of the Yangtze River.

farming methods to grow food.

promote walking, biking, and

The 86sqkm site is adjacent to

It will be a city where people

public transportation. Cars and

a wetland of global importance.

will be able to live and work in

trucks will use hydrogen or fuel

The urban area will occupy

a high quality environment. The

cells, rather than fossil fuels.

just one third of the site with

intention is to evolve Arup’s

Buildings will harness energy

the remaining land retained for

sustainable urban design and

from wind turbines, photovoltaic

1. Dongtan city will be sustainable not just environmentally, but also socially, economically and culturally.

2. The cities are planned to be ecologically friendly, with zero-greenhouse-emission transit and complete self-sufficiency in water and energy, together with the use of zero energy building principles.

2

Dongtan will be self-supporting, generating all its energy needs, including transport, from renewables and will have zero emissions from the tailpipes of vehicles. The city’s design will aim to prevent pollutants reaching the adjacent wetland areas.

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

93

3

The city region will supply the bulk of its energy from wind turbines, bio-fuels and recycling organic material. A combination of traditional and innovative building technologies will reduce energy requirements associated with heating and cooling of buildings by up to 70%.

3. Dongtan proposes to have only green transport movements along its coastline.

People will arrive at the coast and leave their cars behind, traveling along the shore as pedestrians, cyclists or on sustainable public transport vehicles.

panels, and converted waste.

They will also be constructed using organic and biodegradable materials, while refuse can be either converted into energy or turned into compost via a machine called an anaerobic digester. The city will be built using a strict ecological footprint analysis, which measures how many resources each inhabitant consumes.

Dongtan will become a model for future development in China.

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

95

Urban Oasis

1

Senscity Paradise by Behnisch Architekten is a large-scale inhabitable educational tool capable of demonstrating nature and natural laws where visitors will be able to directly experience how the forces of the inhospitable local climate - sun, wind, and extreme temperature ranges - can be utilised, through a progressive, sustainable design approach, in the midst of the desert.

Photographs: courtesy Behnish Architekten

T

he Senscity Paradise

its surroundings. A variety of

Universe combines

spatial links – green areas,

elements of a typical

plazas, an artificial lake, and

theme park including a

meandering paths – will make

toy gallery, a theatre,

the complex easy to navigate.

auditoria, and restaurants, with landscape and garden

The park’s signature will be

features, exhibition spaces,

iconic “desert flowers”. These

and a series of playgrounds.

light-weight metal structures (similar to those used in the

The architects have designed

airplane industry) up to 120

an energy-efficient and

feet high and 300 feet wide

enjoyable environment,

will protect the landscape

rising like a green oasis from

(and visitors) from the desert

the Nevada desert. The

sun. Evaporating water on

“architectural landscape” is the

the structures’ expansive

central feature of the design,

“leaves” will cool the air; their

formed and modulated using

enormous height will generate

“natural” barriers to separate

a down-draft airflow bringing

and protect the park from

cool air streams into the

1. The concept for Senscity project is to create a leisure park for families that also serves as a large-scale inhabitable educational tool capable of demonstrating nature and natural laws.

2. Concept mechanism of 10-storey “trees” - the signature feature of Senscity Paradise Universe.

3. An integrated design process between the architect and the structural and mechanical engineers led to the development of a series of innovative, multi-purpose “flower-like” structures which will span large parts of the park, providing both shade and cool air.

Some of the alloy-and-fabric structures will act as giant coolers - water circulating through them will vaporise to create cold downdrafts that blanket the 150-acre complex; others will bristle with photovoltaic cells and wind turbines, potentially generating more than 20,000 megawatt-hours annually.

3 2

97 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

4. The leaves are envisaged as energy collectors as well: photovoltaic cells or solar collectors within their construction are capable of transforming radiation into electricity or heat.

5. Beyond its sustainable makeup and extreme conditions, Senscity follows a recent trend of multi-use leisure parks, which combine family entertainment adorned with a convention centre, theatre, restaurants, playgrounds, and garden features, as well as a variety of shops and toy galleries.

public spaces, creating a very comfortable environment. In addition, the “leaf� surfaces will be cooled down by cold air on the inside, adding radiant cooling.

The leaves can also be used as energy collectors. Photovoltaic cells or solar collectors can transform radiation into electricity or heat. A vertical axis wind turbine in the centre of a flower could transform wind into electricity.

When done correctly, the affect can be overwhelming.

4

5

99 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Grassroot Initiative

1

The Vedaville Project, envisaged as a statement is sustainable human settlement design, that re-examines the very concept of sustainable development with respect to modern urban planning.

Photographs: courtesy Anangpur Building Centre

U

nsustainability begins from the very moment the first brick is laid or a human settlement plan is developed. Not to say that one should therefore stop building. One has to — but can nature’s bounties be used in a more appropriate manner? Can

as a statement in Sustainable Human Settlement Design.

human settlements be planned in a more humane manner respecting the environment and the needs of man? Can human settlement design be seen as a partnership between man and nature? These principles were applied in the Vedaville Project in Jamaica. Spread over an area of 1200 acres, this project provided for an ideal testing ground for agenda not being merely Utopian.

The Vedaville project is envisaged

Architect of Anangpur Building Centre, the Vedaville Sustainable Township embodies all the principal building applications developed by the centre. The variety of building types ranging from simple single-storyed residential buildings, multi-storeyed dormitory buildings, playful primary school structures, to large-span hotel and sports facilities have given the architects the opportunity to employ a

Rich in tradition, Jamaica has all the natural elements in its favour, notwithstanding its proximity to the most developed nation. The brain child of Anil Laul, Principal

1. Vedaville Jamaica development project — the re-housing of slum dwellers carried out in a more affordable and sustainable manner.

2. The project provides sufficient infrastructure and dealing with the problem of scarce land supply.

large array of building systems.

The stress has been on efficiency of the structural materials, structural systems and overall on a cost effective and appropriate building proposal. The entire building construction activity will be conducted using materials and labour that will be local, thereby providing employment opportunities to the locals. Apart from this, the strategy also helps in reducing overheads of transport, taxes, and large expenditures that would normally be associated with such large development projects.

Such a sustainable proposition

aims to demonstrate the viable alternatives to the conventional construction methods and systems which not only add tremendous loads and tilt the balance of the environment and economy of the region, but also fail to perform as efficient building systems.

The environment also contributes to the sustainable factor in this project. The soil of Vedaville is largely limestone, which provides for excellent natural water filteration. The additional lining of the leech pits with charcoal, activated charcoal or a mix of

101 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

2

3 – 6. The project was conceptualised respecting the social fabric of Jamaica. Construction methodology was simplified so that that it can be imparted to the local masons with a two-week training.

By growing wide leafed plants like Banana and Papaya a ‘High-rate Evapotranspiration’ system would be achieved. The lengthy capillary-like tissue structure of these plants encourages the rapid absorption of water and nutrients. These trees use undigested grease as nutrients.

6

3

4

5

charcoal and lime provides for the best filtration system. To add to that effect, the Vedaville property stands on the ‘Gibraltar-Bonnygate limestone formation that functions as the principal aquifer in the area.

Scientific data also proves that pure drinking water can be sourced from the ground safely at a distance of only 30 metres from the point of disposal.

The houses were built in accordance with the traditional texts, which prescribe a square plot than the present day rectangular plot. The clusters

themselves, by consensus, determine use of other courts, whether it be for growing flowers, exotic herbs or organic vegetables, in other words produce that can serve the needs of Vedaville. The Vedaville Sustainable Township establishes the fact that one has to go beyond just the parcel of land to be built upon and examine the planning principles that are faulty right from inception. This is the most critical area of intervention if at all we are to think of Appropriate Architecture.

3 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

103

Carbon Clean

1

Masdar City is an ambitious project which will be the latest of a small number of highly planned, specialised, research and technology-intensive municipalities that incorporate a sustainable living environment.

Photographs: courtesy Foster and Partner, Nigel Young

T

he cleanest city in the

be a model for sustainable

entire world will take root

architecture. The vision behind

in Abu Dhabi, a place

this unprecedented effort is based

best known for its oil. Masdar,

on 10 broad-based principles

an initiative by the Government

of sustainable living. The 10

of Abu Dhabi, relies entirely

principals are (1) zero CO2

on solar energy and other

emissions, (2) zero waste, (3)

renewable energy sources, with

sustainable transportation, (4)

a sustainable, zero-carbon,

use of eco-conscious materials,

zero-waste ecology. Masdar

(5) sustainable food supply, (6)

(which means “the source”

sustainable water, (7) protection

in Arabic) will be capable of

of habitats and wildlife, (8)

housing 47,500 people. Initiated

integration of local culture and

in 2006, the project is estimated

heritage, (9) equity and fair

to cost US$22 billion and take

trade, and (10) overall health and

some eight years to build.

happiness of its residents.

The vision of the city, designed

A solar-photovoltaic power plant

by Foster and Partners, is to

will deliver energy to buildings.

1. The Vision of Masdar (which means “the source” in Arabic) city is to be a model for sustainable architecture.

2. Satellite image of Masdar city.

3. Masdar will employ a variety of renewable power sources which will supply power for all other construction activity.

2

Wind farms will be established outside the city’s perimeter, capable of producing up to 20 megawatts, and the city intends to utilise geothermal power as well.

In addition, Masdar plans to host the world’s largest hydrogen power plant.

3 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

105

4

5

4. No cars will be allowed in the city. People will get around through an electric light-rail system that will be linked to the centre of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

5. Masdar City will be the home of the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, which backers hope will attract some of the best academics from the around the world.

Builders also envision using solar

linked to the centre of Abu

innovations that can lend to a

canopies that provide shade,

Dhabi, the capital of the United

sustainable way of living for its

as well as power. The city will

Arab Emirates. A desalination

residents, and for the rest of the

be placed to take advantage

facility will be 80 percent more

world. In the future, fuels such

of the cool sea breezes, while

efficient than existing plants, and

as solar, wind, hydro etc. may

a perimeter wall around the

all wastewater will be purified

become available world wide,

entire city will protect buildings

and recycled to grow plants that

but Abu Dhabi is positioning

from the hot desert air and

could be used for biofuels.

itself as the centre of the next

noise from the nearby Abu

generation energy industry. And

Dhabi airport. No cars will be

The Masdar initiative is Abu

with Masdar it will be possible

allowed in the city. People will

Dhabi’s way of investing in

to do so with a carbon footprint

get around through an electric

their future, experimenting

that is as white as the colour of

light-rail system that will be

with technology and business

the dresses that its local wear.

107 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Reclaim

1

Habitat Technology Group (HTG) initiated a reconstruction project from a participatory and long-term development perspective within a small tsunami affected community by building a low-cost, appropriate environment sensitive technology.

V

eerabagupathy is a

destroyed were the houses,

beautiful, small village

mostly huts built with soil bricks

in Kanyakumari District,

walls called vettuckals with

about 12 kilometers from the

thatched roofs. To reconstruct

town of Nagercoil. What is

their life the villagers purchased

unique about it is that although

land and approached Habitat

this is a coastal village, the

Technology Group (HTG), a

main occupation here is not

non-governmental organisation

fishing. The villagers, about 76

providing architectural solutions

families, are mostly daily-wage

using appropriate building

village – affected areas and

they wanted from the various

labourers engaged as masons,

technologies – the only

some of the surrounding areas.

design options.

carpenters, farm-workers, soil/

precondition being that the

In addition, HTG held many

stonecutters etc.

building be constructed solely

consultations with the local

What really sets these

with environment sensitive

community for suggestions

houses apart from the other

The Tsunami of 26 December

technologies. The project started

and considerations in designing

conventional houses is that they

2004 did not spare this village.

in June 2005.

the layout plan of the houses.

use two low-cost techniques in

They decided that the houses

their construction – the rat trap

th

In Veerabagupathy, seven lives

Photographs: courtesy Habitat Technology Group

1. The reconstruction project of Veerabagupathy can serve as a reference and experiment for other communities.

2 - 7. The images of the village before and after Tsunami.

were lost and quite a few

The first step was a village

be almost similar in design and

bond (RTB) and the filler slab

people injured. But what it really

mapping exercise of the whole

each could opt for the typology

technology. With this technique

2

The masons were all from the local community trained by a team of qualified masons of HTG to construct using these techniques. At the end of this project, these teams will be able to use these techniques and carry out construction of quality, independently.

4

5

7

there is reduction in cost of the

the project was sponsored for 76

wall by 25%. Also the reduced

houses and only 58 houses have

number of joints reduces

been constructed, the balance

the mortar consumption. No

amount is being planned to be

plastering of the outside face

utilised to provide solar streetlights

is required and the wall usually

for the village, and additional

is quite aesthetically pleasing

features to the houses like water

and the air gaps created within

harvesting, outdoor kitchen slabs,

the wall help make the house

smokeless chullahs and outdoor

thermally comfortable. In

toilets with individual or collective

summer, the temperature inside

septic tanks.

the house is usually atleast 5 degrees lower that the outside

This reconstruction project

ambient temperature and vice

can serve as a reference

versa in winter.

and experiment for other communities. Detailed

3

6

Other features that are used

documentation will help

in the houses here are stone

demonstrate the technical and

foundations with a concrete tie

financial credibility of such a

beam at plinth level, pre cast

contextualised processes of

cement doors and window frames,

rebuilding that is participative and

brick bat flooring and no internal

integrated with environmental,

plaster but pointing is done. As

social and economic issues.

109 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

“Only after the la cut down. Only a has been poison the last fish has Only then will you cannot be

ast tree has been after the last river oned. Only after as been caught. ou find that money be eaten.�

- Cree Indian Prophecy

111

WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

S U S TAINABILITY AN IN D IAN P ER S P E C TI V E

An understanding of the principles of Sustainability & Sustainable Environments in the Indian context.

Researched by Parul Zaveri & Nimish Patel, Panika, Ahmedabad, India

113 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

For how many centuries has India demonstrated sustainable living patterns?

Architecture and Dwelling Levels

16th Century: Raja Mahal, Orchha

18th Century: Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

18th Century: Patwon-kiHaveli, Jaisalmer

Cut out of a natural rock face,

13th-18th Century: Padmanabhapuram Palace

was almost a city in a building

a faรงade with stone jallis and

is a large family mansion

the craftsmen build

is a response to the hot &

format, with climate responsive

jharokhas for the viewing of the

where the upper rooms have

top-down. It did not require

humid climate with its use

features like courtyards,

ceremonial processions, and

balconies and carved screens

any external building material

of the planning principles,

underground halls and

also to receive that

perforating the walls to funnel

to be transported to the site.

courtyards, ventilation systems

networking bridges connecting

available breeze.

the slightest breeze and provide

and roof forms.

the spaces.

8th Century: Kailash Temple, Ellora

visual contact with the street or courtyard below.

115 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

At Urban & Rural Levels Street Scapes

Water as a Community Reserve

Community Housing of Indigenous Origin

15th Century: Adalaj Stepwell

Bhungas of Kutch

Monasteries of Ladakh

The Chaupads are the

9th Century: Abhaneri Kunda

have survived an earthquake

built respecting the terrain,

route was a pained intervention

intersections of the city’s main

near Jaipur harvested rainwater

near Ahmedabad, similarly

measuring 7.9 on the Richter

were almost like a village within

that survives even today as the

streets that become public

for the community, and allowed

has been the source of water

scale.

itself.

temple town’s arterial traffic

squares and nodal points of

the people to reach the water

for villagers, with easy access

network.

reference, and continue to

even at its lowest level.

even up to its lowest level of

10th Century: Purl

18th Century: Jaipur

The processional Ratha yatra

serve a similar purpose almost 300 years later.

reserves.

At Regional & Settlement Planning Levels

16th Century: Amber Fort

Fatehpur Sikri

had rain water harvesting

16th Century: Pichhola lake of Udaipur

was one of the first planned

techniques for sustaining a

was created by making 1km

could sustain a siege for more

vacated because water-supply

residential university township.

township.

long embankment wall that

than 2 years by trapping its own

was not part of its planning

demonstrations of town

trapped 250sqkm of catchment

rainwater without affecting the

processes.

planning principles like street,

area. The lake meant for only

water or food supply for its

water and waste management

10,000 people, even today

inhabitants.

networks.

continues to serve as a primary

decision to begin with, did not

source of water supply for its

survive.

3rd Century BC: Mohenjodaro, Lothal & Dholavira

6-8th Century AD: Nalanda

14th Century: Hampl

were the first planned urban

of 16 th century had to be

What was an unsustainable

4,500,000 residents and 800,000 annual visitors.

How many unsustainable decisions are we taking today, which may lead to similar consequences as Fatehpur Sikri? Are we prepared for the consequences to be handed over to the next generation?

117 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Initiators in the field

Mahatma Gandhi Laurie Baker Joseph Allen Stein Nari Gandhi Chamanlal Gupta Vinod Gupta Revathi Kamath

Organisations working towards sustainability in the built environment: • Alternative Technology Foundation (Alt. Tech), Bangalore • ASTRA, Bangalore • Auroville Building Centre, Auroville • Barefoot Architects of Tilonia • Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee • Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi • Centre for Scientific Research, Auroville Gautam Bhatia, Delhi

• Development Alternatives, Delhi • Gram Vikas, Bhubaneshwar • Habitat Technology Group, Trivandrum • Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Delhi

Anupama Kundoo, Auroville

• Hunnarshala, Bhuj • The Energy Research Institute, Delhi • Vastu Shilp Foundation, Ahmedabad …and many others

Chitra Vishwanathan, Bangalore

Anil Laul, Delhi

Shibani & Kamal Sagar (Total Environment), Bangalore

Individual architects whose focus is primarily on sustainability • Anil Laul, Delhi • Anupama Kundoo, Auroville • Arvind Krishnan, Delhi • Ashok B. Lal, Delhi • B.V.Doshi, Ahmedabad • Chitra Vishwanathan, Bangalore

Jaisim - Fountainhead, Bangalore

• Gautam Bhatia, Delhi • Jaisim-Fountainhead, Bangalore • Latha Raman and Jaigopal Rao (Inspiration), Kochi • Leo Pereira, Ahmedabad • Parul Zaveri & Nimish Patel ( Abhikram/Panika), Ahmedabad Parul Zaveri & Nimish Patel, Abhikram

• Sanjay Prakash, Delhi • Shibani & Kamal Sagar (Total Environment), Bangalore • Shirish Beri, Kolhapur

Sanjay Prakash, Delhi

…and many others

119 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Desert Resort Location: Mandawa Architect: Revathi Kamath Year of Completion: 1986

Golconde House Location: Pondicherry Architect: Antonin Raymond Years of Design - Construction: 1937–1948 T-Zed Homes Location: Bangalore Architect: Sanjay Prakash Year of Completion: Ongoing

Works of Impact

India International Centre Location: New Delhi Architect: Joseph Allen Stein Year of Completion: 1962

Global Pagoda (Vipassana Centre) Location: Mumbai Architect: Pervez Dumasia Year of Completion: Ongoing

Centre for Development Studies Location: Trivandrum Architect: Laurie Baker Year of Completion: 1972

CONTEMPORARY EXPRESSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY /GREEN BUILDINGS IN INDIA

What are sustainable / ‘Green’ Buildings?

Sustainable buildings in recent past have also begun to be called ‘GREEN’ buildings, so much so that it has now emerged as a brand name.

From a broader prespective almost all buildings till the 19th century can be considered as primarily sustainable or ‘Green’ buildings. It was during the 20th century, with the rapid strides made by the industrialisation in almost all sectors, an increased pace of development and the emergence of a variety of new products and processes that the application of principles of sustainability seems to have take a backseat. A resurgence towards the end of the century and has since gained momentum.

In the broadest sense Sustainable or ‘Green’ Buildings are: • Environment Friendly • Contextual • Resource Conserving • Energy Efficient • Thermally Comfortable • Ones which make use of renewable resources • Ones which avoid the use of unsustainable building materials

In the process, and the yet to be emerged clarity on the understanding what constitutes ‘Green’building, the unsustainable buildings have been surfacing under the ‘Green’ banner. Their performance in many cases has not lived up to the expectations. This process contributes to help us refine the definition of sustainable buildings in different regions of India.

The present scenario is continuing to throw up a wide range of interpretations of what constitutes a ‘Green’ building. This process is still in a fluid state because the understanding of what is ‘Green’ varies from country to country…region to region...and context to context. This has led to an added confusion, particularly for India, since the definition of US Green Building Council has been one of the early influences on the present trend of architecture in India.

Many individuals and practices, agencies and organisations, corporate and administrative bodies have been attempting to break grounds in evolving, repeating and replicating these sustainable principles by making this cause a focus of their attention.

In a few years only, the profession has realised that India needs to evolve its own definition of what can be called a ‘Green’ building in each of the varying contexts of its regions. This translates to that what is sustainable and ‘Green’ for the Deccan plateau may not be for the North Eastern region or vice versa. Also with the increasing awareness towards global warming warnings, observed climatic changes increased natural disasters, there has begun a process of questioning what constitutes ‘Green’ for a context. Consequently, it is the responsibility of all of us professionals, connected with the design and implementation processes of the built environment, to delve deeper into the understanding of issues related to sustainability at all levels, from macro to micro. It is only this understanding that will help us contribute in making out built environment more responsible for and towards our own country.

121 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

Material choices through tim e

Principal Building Materials of India over Centuries The richness of variety in the built environment across the length and breath of India is a result of the use of building materials like Mud, Brick, Stone, Wood, Bamboo & Cane, Metal and Lime.

For many centuries the potentials of their inherent strengths have been explored and evolved by using them in a variety of building elements and crafts.

They have characteristics which have demonstrated their sustainable nature. They are: • Bio-degradable and recyclable.

• Low energy consumers in their manufacture and production processes.

• Readily available in close proximity.

• Labour intensive and generate demands for local skills to sustain local economies.

• Less polluting.

• Often regenerative and allow reuse.

• Highly durable and show longer life span.

Why are some materials less sustainable?

After two years of construction of a lime mortar based building, when cracks were still visible, a craftsperson was asked “Ye dararen Kyon abhi bhi dikhti hain?” His reply was “Sa’ab, abhi bhi deewar saans le rahi hai”.

While he was preparing the lime plaster he was asked, “Isme kitna pani dalna chahiye?” His reply was, “Itna hi jis se maal ki Reacting to a design milawat sahi ho, par hath change he responded, mein maal laddu nahi “Kayde se ye khambha bana sake ”. yahan nahi hona chahiye”. There is an unwritten order that master craftsmen do not violate.

Because they demonstrate… … h igh levels of embodied energy. … less longevity and durability. … h igher thermal conductivity which facilitates the ingress of heat. … h igher consumption of fuel in production and implementation processes. … less recyclability. … u nhealthy, hazardous and difficult to treat waste generation.

While preparing Aarish lime plaster he was asked “Aarish kaisa hona chahiye?” His reply was “Aisa ki us per chinti bhi nahi chadh paye” (So smooth and without even hairline cracks).

123 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

How does one know what not to use where?

It is prudent not to use materials from one climatic zone in another. …Mud walls are not an ideal choice in humid climates like Kerala. …Wood is not an ideal choice in the Thar desert region, except for babul which is indigenous.

Are some materials more sustainable than others? How do we recognise them?

Some materials are reusable.

Judicious use of the material

For example a part of the 250-year-old lime from the plaster of

Traditional crazy stone flooring (not contemporary) is the most

Chand Pol Gate in Jaipur was removed, ground and reused for the

intelligent pattern that can be used, as it requires minimal cutting

new plaster as an ingredient in the conservation process of the

and can use all shapes and sizes of stone.

Gate in 2003.

The amount of waste generated is a gauge of its sustainability.

The reuse of a material in any form after two and a half centuries, speaks volumes about its sustainability.

Opportunity for adaptive reuse Stone jallis, jharokhas and other elements can be used again in a

Some materials are more durable.

new setting.

“The life of most conventional buildings is more likely to end at

The materials that offer the built environment to evolve over

90 years whereas the life of lime dominated building begins at 70

centuries by adaptive re-usage, is testimony of their timeless

years” –a Jaipur craftsman on the lifespan of a building.

sustainability.

The sustainable character is demonstrated by the longevity of the buildings.

Embodied Energy Embodied energy is the energy required to bring the material from

Waste generated in the processes can be used elsewhere.

its natural state to its usable form. It also includes the cost of its

Surkhi, a by-product in the brick-making process is used in lime

Sustainable materials generally have Low Embodied Energy.

plaster and mortar.

The use of all the by-products is also a measure of its sustainability.

transportation to site.

Why do some materials get used more in one region and not in the other?

They have greater chemical congruence with other materials

The use of Chhachh (buttermilk) along with Gur, Gugal and Methi,

In many parts of India, communities use limestone as a primary

observed to produce more moss when used in Ahmedabad.

building material, bonded with lime mortar, cover the walls with

Omitting the Chhachh from the plaster concoction at Ahmedabad

lime plaster and paint it every year with lime wash. The continuous

reduced the moss.

ingress of lime over a long period converts the wall into one

This is attributed to different quality of available material and the

monolithic rocky mass over 50-60 years, after which its life span

craftsmen’s understanding of it.

extends to centuries.

They are more conducive for use in local climate since they originate there and have also experienced the climatic cycle for a longer period

the normal ingredients in traditional lime plaster in Jaipur was

A local material should be used in its region of origin, as it has existed in the same climatic extremes, and thus does not undergo trauma when used in similar circumstances.

For Aarish in Jaipur the preparation time is 15 months while for Ghutai in Udaipur the lead time is 9 months.

125 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

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WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

129 WORLD ENDEAVOURS IN SUSTAINABILITY

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