In recent years, everything that has to do with building design, choice of materials and construction techniques has been forced to address the issue of sustainability.
In recent years, everything that has to do with building design, choice of materials and construction techniques has been forced to address the issue of sustainability.Designing and building sustainable architecture means minimising the impact of constructions on human health and the environment through limited consumption of non-renewable resources and use of materials which are not harmful in order to safeguard the relationship between man, buildings and the environment.
The environment, defined in terms of climate and source of raw materials, has always had a profound impact on architecture and determined its features. But with the passage of time, new materials, widespread availability of energy and the rapid evolution of technologies have broken this ancient bond between environment and buildings which is so essential to the design process, not restored until the advent of sustainable architecture.
Deciding which materials to use and giving preference to natural and locally produced materials which do not generate a lot of pollution during production and disposal; designing electrical systems to minimise the presence of electromagnetic fields; choosing types of construction that permit proper transpiration and ventilation of buildings; using systems that reduce energy consumption and applying the necessary measures to reduce heat dispersion and administrate water, a precious resource, in a responsible way.
Urban greenery, both public and private, is one of the most important elements in design.It is not only essential for psychophysical wellbeing but can become a factor in micro/macroclimatic control and comfort and, if conscientiously designed and controlled, can become a tool for environmental sustainability.
These are the principles underlying the new “healthy building”, improving not only the building’s functioning and sustainability but the quality of life and health of the people who live in and use it.
This is why many manufacturers of construction materials, while continuing with industrial production making large-scale use of chemicals and valuable raw materials or demanding large amounts of energy for their processes, are seeking to come up with solutions that limit the negative effects of harmful products on health and the environment in some way.
And so let us “sustain” sustainable, intelligent architecture that allows us to optimise the energy and environmental performance of buildings, starting with respect for the landscape and ending with construction of healthy, comfortable homes.
Exclusive news, articles, in-depth features and projects focusing on sustainable architecture and eco-design in Floornature’s blog on the topic: Livegreen Blog.
