Research Paper: Sustainable Architecture

INTRODUCTION What is Sustainable Architecture? Sustainable a: of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged (sustainable techniques) Merriam Webster Dictionary Sustainable architecture is architecture that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space. The intention of sustainable design is to "eliminate negative environmental impact completely through skillful, sensitive design. Manifestations of sustainable design require no non-renewable resources, impact the environment minimally, and relate people with the natural environment. Beyond the "elimination of negative environmental impact", sustainable design must create projects that are meaningful innovations that can shift behavior. Objectives of Sustainable Architecture: Resource Efficiency Energy Efficiency (including Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction) Pollution Prevention (including Indoor Air Quality and Noise Abatement) Harmonization with Environment (including Environmental Assessment) Integrated and Systemic Approaches (including Environmental Management System) A dynamic balance between economy and society, intended to generate long-term relationships between user and object/service and finally to be respectful and mindful of the environmental and social differences.

SUSTAINABILITY AND GREEN BUILDING Green building and sustainability are buzzwords these days but they do not mean the same thing. In fact the two terms are hardly interchangeable. The reason for the interchange is the underlying environmental elements in both of these concepts, and also their often interconnecting, associated natures. A product is both green and sustainable when it: Performs as a green product Has low or no toxicity, and Is manufactured in a sustainable manner. Using sustainable products helps make things green and those that want to be green, need to use sustainable products or use the sustainable. GREEN VS SUSTAINABILITY Dimensions Green Sustainable Relation to sustainability Only one leg All three legs tripod (environmental (environment health, improvement) economy vitality and social justice) Focus Individual components Interplay of individual components and whole system. Tactics/Strategy Promoting individual Strategic discovery of the changes and reforms to proper scale that will make world less make successive policy unsustainable. steps and actions easier and less costly by designing and implementing a sustainable, selfbalancing system.

Research Paper: Sustainable Architecture

Some experts suggest that sustainability throws spotlight on the distant future for example the impact a design will have on the environment after 30 or 50 years whereas, green centers on the present or the near future. RELATED LITERATURE Sustainability as a concept can often be contradictory and muddled. To be sustainable is being aware of the long-term; the effects of what you do on your environment and the future. To sustain is not to over-reach but to endure. In this interpretation of the definition, sustainability is about so much more than just being green. Sustainability is not simply an environmental concept. We often forget that it is but one prong of a three-sectioned theory that additionally encompasses economical and social components. So in a sense, sustainability is far more complex than simply offering to save energy or reduce carbon emissions. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL OR PEOPLE, PLANET, PROFIT

Environmental Sustainability The idea of environmental sustainability is to leave the Earth in as good or better shape for future generations than we found it for ourselves. By a definition, human activity is only environmentally sustainable when it can be performed or maintained indefinitely without depleting natural resources or degrading the natural environment.

Environmental dimensions of sustainability: Reduced waste, effluent generation, emissions to environment Reduced impact on human health Use of renewable raw materials Elimination of toxic substances Site Water

No neighboring buildings to be negatively affected (access to sunlight, daylight, ventilation) Explore the possibility of including food gardens on site/building.

Water from hard landscaping shall either be collected, treated and used for irrigation or be returned to natural watercourse. Where water is not being collected from hard landscaping, porous paving surfaces are to be specified to enable water to return to natural watercourse and reduce storm water runoff. Storm water management and drainage shall protect natural watercourses. Watercourses shall be protected from contamination by run-off water during construction.

Research Paper: Sustainable Architecture

Energy Maximize use of local renewable energy (wind, solar. geothermal, biomass etc.) Minimize use of conventional air-conditioning. Maximize use of passive environmental control techniques (thermal mass, reflective finishes, modest glazing areas, shading & blinds). Use natural ventilation (wind and buoyancy forces). Where natural ventilation and passive thermal control is not possible, utilize simple decentralized cooling. Electric lighting levels should be kept low as practicable, with task lighting just where required.

Economical Sustainability

Sustainable building features can offer owners economic benefits from lower risks, longer building lifetimes, improved ability to attract new employees, reduced expenses for dealing with complaints, less time and lower costs for project permitting resulting from community acceptance and support for sustainable projects, and increased asset value.

Use Materials which Minimize Pollution

Minimize the use or hazardous materials on site. Adhesives should be water rather than solvent based. No use of asbestos in any form. Paints and coatings must be water-based where possible (emulsions, acrylic wood stains) and low VOC content. Lowest classification option shall be used. Minimal use of air conditioning to be encouraged to remove the need for refrigerants. Refrigerants where required need to be non ozone depleting.

Economic dimensions of sustainability: Creation of new markets and opportunities for sales growth Cost reduction through efficiency improvements and reduced energy and raw material inputs Creation of additional added value Building Efficiency

Landscaping Design

Quality of local flora and fauna to be enhanced. Landscaping shall be based on indigenous species. The landscape design shall be appropriate to avoid use or synthetic fertilizers, pesticides etc.

Through design, maximize the building capacity percentile usage at any given time (actual number of users / number of users at full capacity*100 not to be below 30%) Through design, encourage 24 hour occupancy. Ensure space provision per user not higher than 10% than values in SANS 10400 Coordinate building design with material/component sizes to minimize wastage.

Flexibility and adaptability

Office space to have a minimum of 3m floor to ceiling height. External spaces to be designed to accommodate various uses.

Research Paper: Sustainable Architecture

Internal partitions that are easily adapted (loose partitions and stud walls) to be used. Incorporate modular planning (structure, envelope and services) where possible to allow easy internal adaptation.

Provide high contrast clear signage where appropriate 100% of space to be accessible by ambulant/disabled users (excluding service spaces) Fully accessible toilets for disabled use to be provided no more that 50m from any point in building

Long term costs Access to facilities (via public transport or 400m walking distance)

All users to receive induction training on building systems through either face to face training or a building operation manual. Users to be informed of building performance figures on a monthly basis (water, electricity, waste) Localized monitoring systems for water and electricity. Maximize the use of local non hazardous materials throughout the building lifespan.

Access to schools and crches Access to banking facilities Access to retail facilities Access to communication facilities (post, telephone and internet) Access to exercise facilities

Principles of Sustainable Design Social Sustainability 1. Understanding Place - Sustainable design begins with an intimate understanding of place. If we are sensitive to the nuances of place, we can inhabit without destroying it. Understanding place helps determine design practices such as solar orientation of a building on the site, preservation of the natural environment, and access to public transportation. 2. Connecting with Nature - Whether the design site is a building in the inner city or in a more natural setting, connecting with nature brings the designed environment back to life. Effective design helps inform us of our place within nature. 3. Understanding Natural Processes - In nature there is not waste. The byproduct of one organism becomes the food for another. In other words, natural systems are made of closed loops. By working with living processes, we respect the needs of all species. Engaging processes that regenerate rather than deplete, we become more alive. Making natural cycles and processes visible bring the designed environment back to life.

Architecture enhances social sustainability by providing built opportunities for balance and connectivity.

Social dimensions of sustainability Worker health and safety Impacts on local communities, quality of life Benefits to disadvantaged groups e.g. disabled Inclusive environments

Ensure that disabled public transport is easily accessible (400m walking distance)

Research Paper: Sustainable Architecture

4. Understanding Environmental Impact - Sustainable design attempts to have an understanding of the environmental impact of the design by evaluating the site, the embodied energy and toxicity of the materials, and the energy efficiency of design, materials and construction techniques. Negative environmental impact can be mitigated through use of sustainably harvested building materials and finishes, materials with low toxicity in manufacturing and installation, and recycling building materials while on the job site. 5. Embracing Co-creative Design Processes - Sustainable designers are finding it is important to listen to every voice. Collaboration with systems consultants, engineers and other experts happens early in the design process, instead of an afterthought. Designers are also listening to the voices of local communities. 6. Understanding People - Sustainable design must take into consideration the wide range of cultures, races, religions and habits of the people who are going to be using and inhabiting the built environment. This requires sensitivity and empathy on the needs of the people and the community. CASE STUDIES FOREIGN 1 DARLING QUARTER / COMMONWEALTH BANK PALACE

Darling Quarter comprises an international standard commercial office known as Commonwealth Bank Place, and a family/leisure precinct with extensive public amenity, including a vibrant retail food precinct with a range of dining options; a world class family playground, one of Sydneys largest covers more than 4,000 square meters; a community green; youth theatre; and 600 bay public car park. The precinct has greatly improved public activation by bringing together commercial, retail and leisure all within the one area.

A major part of the project, Commonwealth Bank Place, which fronts Harbor Street, comprises two eight-storey campus-style commercial office buildings with around 58,000sqm of office space and 200 underground car spaces. The two buildings were designed in a campus-style to reactivate the precinct as a public space and encourage pedestrian flow into the area.

Research Paper: Sustainable Architecture

The ecological sustainable initiatives include: Highly efficient building envelope which optimizes the availability of natural daylight whilst controlling solar loads Chilled beam technology throughout office areas 100 per cent fresh air provided to office tenancy, avoiding the recirculation of stale air Tri-generation plant that generates electricity, heat and cooling which significantly reduces carbon emissions Black water treatment and supplies 166,000 liters of recycled water a day for WC flushing, irrigation and cooling tower water supplies. Local sewer is used as a reliable source of black water 320,000 liter rainwater harvesting tank. Recycled water is supplied to the public domain for irrigation and to the Civic Connector water feature. Use of low VOC materials improving the internal environment quality Motion sensor activated lighting to control unnecessary use of lighting systems and generate electricity savings About 80 per cent of on-site construction waste was recycled Photovoltaic (PV) solar array panels generating 10.2kW of renewable energy from sunlight. The timber venetian blinds, skylight tension blind system and roller blinds integrate to control the daylight, glare and thermal heat gain in the office interiors. Viewing the buildings externally, the timber venetian blinds become an architectural feature that visually creates a warm, animated backdrop. In detail, the timber venetian blinds, installed on the western side of the two facades, respond to the exact position of the sun throughout the day, by their tilting positions.

The centerpiece of Darling Quarter is the spectacular world class 4,000sqm playground - the largest and most elaborate in Sydney. It is the largest illuminated playground in the country. The innovative playground design is one of the worlds first large-scale play areas to integrate explorative play equipment and interactive water play in a landscaped environment.

The exterior of the building has been designed to utilize natural energy to maximize energy efficiency. Natural light flows into the building, simultaneously reducing lighting costs and inviting the outdoors in. A huge atrium in the middle of both buildings will also make use of this space and contribute to the open plan style of the offices. High performance glass is used to reduce excess heat accumulation,

Research Paper: Sustainable Architecture

and automated timber blinds were installed to reduce glare and provide sun shading.

Children's Theatrethe first dedicated theatre for children. Illuminated Faadethe entire western faade of the buildings becomes an interactive digital canvas with low energy lights and solar power. Feature Lightingthroughout the Darling Quarter, feature lighting creates a vibrant night time precinct, dining experience and the first illuminated playground with low energy lighting.

Environmental initiatives have been setup on the site to ensure that it is sustainable in the long term. Social Economic The Darling Quarter project has revitalized the former Sega World site at Darling Harbour with a focus on place making, good design and community activation. Lend Lease have brought stakeholders and community together to generate a shared vision of place that recognizes the Darling Harbour precinct's importance as a major family and tourist destination. The precinct is now activated seven days a week, night and day. The following place making initiatives have enhanced the site:

Darling Quarter is a mixed-use precinct that integrates a vibrant public domain with a commercial development. There are various attractions for families at the site including retail facilities, the children's theatre, the playground and the community green. The campus-like environment at Commonwealth Bank Place and the community green are popular with nearby workers.

Retail Terracea mix of bars, restaurants, cafes and convenience stores to cater for families and workers.

The Darling Quarter development addresses social and cultural issues through place making initiatives to ensure long-term social sustainability. These include:

One of the largest illuminated playgrounds in the country and a regional attractor to the city.

Research Paper: Sustainable Architecture

The first theatre dedicated to performances for children in Australia. A community green. A busting retail terrace. An interactive digital media faade: one of the world's largest interactive digital media canvases. Interpretive text in the Civic Connector paving.

Safety at night-time is maximized through low energy public domain and building lighting with dimming switches, which also maximize energy efficiency. The precinct's playground is well illuminated at night, providing a safe place for children to play after dark. Changes to roads, parking and pedestrian walkways at the site have improved the safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The development unites all aspects of the built environment and exhibits excellence in architecture, landscape, interior design, engineering, construction and place making. Darling Quarter draws together the physical environment, social function and economic viability to create a place of distinct beauty and identity.

Ecology Zero energythe project is designed to use only energy from renewable sources generated on site. There are 777 square meters (8,360 sq ft) of solar panels. High qualitythe apartments are finished to a high standard to attract the urban professional. Energy efficientthe houses face south to take advantage of solar gain, are triple glazed, and have high thermal insulation. Water efficientMost rain water falling on the site is collected and reused. Appliances are chosen to be waterefficient and use recycled water when possible. A "living machine" system of recycling waste water was installed, but is not operating. Low-impact materialsBuilding materials were selected from renewable or recycled sources within 35 miles (56 km) of the site, to minimize the energy required for transportation. Waste recyclingRefuse-collection facilities are designed to support recycling.

FOREIGN 2 BedZED, London, England Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) is an environmentally friendly housing development in Hackbridge,London, England. It is in the London Borough of Sutton, about 2 miles (3 km) east of the town of Sutton itself. It was designed by the architect Bill Dunster to support a more sustainable lifestyle. The stated goal of the project is the desire to create a net-zero fossil energy development, one that will produce at least as much energy from renewable sources as it consumes. BedZED provides a total of 82 homes plus a number of other mixed-use spaces. The mixed-use components include commercial buildings, an exhibition center, a childrens nursery, and a model show flat to explain the project to visitors.

Research Paper: Sustainable Architecture

Encourage eco-friendly transportElectric and liquefied-petroleum-gas cars have priority over cars that burn petrol and diesel, and electricity is provided in parking spaces for charging electric cars.

One particularly noticeable element is the heat-recovery wind cowls located on the roof of the buildings. In conventional applications a high-grade fan is used to ventilation and conditioning of interior air, in the BedZED community however a system of air cowls draws cool air down into the space. The elements are highlighted as a colorful element on the roofscape that react to changing wind directions.

Education and employment is important to the project especially since resident buy-in is needed for the proper operation of many of its systems. The BedZED community has become an educational tool cited globally for its carbonneutral strategies. Social Transport plan acknowledges that a large portion of energy is consumed by transportation. The plan encourages walking, bicycling, and the adoption of public transportation.

Triple bottom line is a term describing an expanded spectrum of principles and values that measure not only the economic viability of a business or endeavor, but also the environmental and social costs. The BedZED community is described by Arup as possessing the qualities of 3BL because of its: Social Amenities, Financial Effectiveness, and Reduced Environmental Impact. CONCLUSION Sustainable architecture involves a combination of values: aesthetic, environmental, social, political, and moral. It's about using one's imagination and technical knowledge to engage in a central aspect of the practice -- designing and building in harmony with our environment. The smart architect thinks rationally about a combination of issues including sustainability, durability, longevity, appropriate materials, and sense of place. The challenge is finding the balance between environmental considerations and economic constraints. Consideration must be given to the needs of our communities and the ecosystem that supports them.

The BedZED project accomplishes its carbon-neutral goals by using several relatively low-tech strategies. These include: highly insulated thermal envelopes, renewable materials, innovative space heating, combined heat and power generation, a green transport plan, reduced embodied energy in materials, and a well developed education and employment plan for residents. In addition to this a monitoring system is provided for each unit so that the residents understand the energy consumption of their homes at all times. Economy Reduced embodied energy was accomplished by sourcing materials within a 35 mile radius and choosing materials that had low energies of production.

Research Paper: Sustainable Architecture

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RECOMMENDATION At the outset, Sustainable Architecture indeed forms part to a Resort Development. Thus, in order for a resort to become sustainable, one should be focusing on the following strategies/methodologies that are collaboration of the said three (3) dimensions of Sustainable Design: Environmental Economical Social 100% accessible public transport for ambulant/differently-abled persons (400m walking distance) Effective and efficient way-finding and signage Provision for PWD toilets Accessible facilities Encourage 24-hour occupancy Building design and material coordination Functional external spaces Interior space adaptation (e.g. dry wall partitions) Modular planning layout Non-hazardous building materials

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/sustainable_architecture http://merriam-webster.com/sustainable http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/plans,-programs-andprojects/projects-and-initiatives/housing-and-accommodation/k2-apartments http://www.hansenyuncken.com.au/products/past-projects/residential/k2sustainable-housing-vic http://inhabitat.com/tag/sustainable-architecture http://www.abc.com http://www.greenmagazine.au http://inhabitat.com/darling-quarter/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BedZed http://www.lendlease.com/Australia/Projects/darling-quarter.aspx

Passive design systems (natural light and air ventilation) On-site/building food gardens Storm water collection or natural water run-off Maximal renewable energy consumption Maximal locally-abundant material utilization Flora and fauna