Posturbanism

Sustainable Architecture
A Primer

(sus- under + tenere, to hold) to keep in existence; maintain or prolong
(archi-, chief + tekton, carpenter) the science, art, or profession of designing and constructing buildings, etc.

Contents

Sustainable Architecture
Introduction
Theory
Sustainable Architecture process
Vernacular Architecture
Environmental Design
Conclusion
See also
External links

Introduction

Sustainable Architecture, from the Latin and Greek word origins, is in part, the enduring production of space, as described by Lefebvre. Architecture, to be retained from the past, must have value (perhaps beauty too), which distinguishes it from building, and defines its sustainability. The Parthenon is the place that is the oldest and most used of all.

Illustration 1. Parthenon.

This fine example of the elusive sense of place is the production of space and endures. Sustainable Architecture applies the ideals of Vitruvius: “…three levels on which human activity functions, those of: necessitas (necessity), commoditas (commodity), and voluptas (aesthetic pleasure).” Vitruvius has been interpreted, “A Green Vitruvius”.
Two fields related to Sustainable Architecture are: 1. Vernacular Architecture, a sub- field the following specifics of which are included for purposes of this discussion- (natural building and ecological design); and 2. Environmental Design, also a parallel field the following specifics of which are including for purposes of this discussion- (green architecture, sustainable landscape, sustainable urban design and regional resource conservation)

(Pluralism in architecture allows this multi-part, multi-form version of reality.)

Ideally, Sustainable Architecture:
is artistic;
is functionally effective;
is low-cost;
is low-tech; Simple solutions
is equitable; - allowing architecture to be accessible to everybody now and in the future and not just the current wealthy elite and
it should be minimise resource use being materially durable or renewable and
minimise negative impacts on the environment and
should be designed for low or zero energy consumption through its occupation.
is designed to be reused(adapted) or recycled as a whole or in part at the end of its (long) life