Buildings are amongst the leading drivers of climate change. During construction they consume a great deal of energy, and continue to do so throughout their operation. Large examples of commercial architecture typically bear the most blame for damaging the surrounding environment, particularly if they are built without extensive effort to minimise the impact they have. Many one off structures throughout history have disregarded the environment to deliver the best designs but in the modern world there are several projects that do the opposite.
As architects in London, we are always striving to produce designs which work well within their environment and contribute to improving peoples’ lives and surroundings, rather than having a detrimental effect. We have been inspired in these efforts by the work of many architects around the world. Here are some examples of projects that have actually helped to tackle global warming problems.
The first is O-14 Tower in Dubai, a beautiful structure with a perforated concrete exoskeleton that creates a chimney effect to warm or cool the building. The passive climate system is cutting edge and reduces the need for expensive, energy consuming air conditioning units.
Next we have the New Urban Ground proposal from the Architecture Researchers Office. The plan would see a series of wetlands encompassing the shores of Manhattan Island. These would improve flood protection, help to manage runoff and create additional green spaces that would offset the carbon emissions of the city.
More focus has been put on using recycled materials in new buildings to lessen the impact of using new ones. The Tetrabrik Pavilion constructed in Spain in 2013 showed what could be done by using 45,000 old milk cartons to make the temporary building. It set a world record and after the two week period the installation was needed for all of the materials were taken to be recycled.
The City Dune in Copenhagen is a unique way to utilise an important public space. The area is a sand dune made of folded white concrete that reflects heat and keeps the area cool. It also breaks the wind that comes in off the harbour and uses rainwater for additional cooling. The simple method of passive climate control is astonishing, particularly when you consider how amazing the space looks.
The Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 brought air pollution into the spotlight as people saw, perhaps for the first time, how conditions could get in some of the most highly populated cities in the world. To research the situation people carried sensors in backpacks as they walked around the city. The data they gathered helps provide important points for planners and public health campaigners to use to drive change.
The final project takes a look at living architecture and how it could help cities to survive in challenging settings. Venice is faced with a big challenge in that the city is actually sinking. AVATAR (Advanced Virtual and Technological Architectural Research) has looked into building a limestone reef under the city that uses light activated algae. This could help to prop up the city and prevent it from sinking. A similar process could also be employed in other coastal cities and towns struggling with similar conditions.