Architecture impacts climate change directly as well as indirectly, and to be able to efficiently solve climate impact we must first identify the causes and possible consequences.
Be it temperature changes, shortage of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas entrapment, or even daily shift in microclimate, these problems are directly influenced by architecture and the local needs. It is currently impossible to predict the climate of a place to accurate consistency owing to the drastic difference we see in daily weather patterns, why? How is an architect supposed to determine the proportion of open spaces or the shading device systems to be used if they cannot analyze the living conditions in that area? Thermal comfort is one of the most basic parameters that architecture addresses for designing appropriate living conditions.
The problems are nothing short of a hundred but the solutions have barely crossed a dozen. Let us take a brief look at how this problem as so far been tackled by architect:
Climate change oriented architecture has been primarily classified into the following divisions - [1] Materialistic changes [2] Climate Responsive Design [3] Technological Interventions [4] Retro-fittings and renovations [5] Landscaping [6] Clients
These solution if rightly implemented are more than enough too bring down climate change by a good margin.
[1] MATERIALS
This is the most common and easily implementable solution seen and used till date, taken further with technology can be most beneficial too. Use of native or local materials reduces carbon footprint and also makes the structure sustainable.
Alternate synthesized materials are on the rise for the new generation architects, for example, use of plastic brick partition walls or even low load bearing walls are being utilized so as to recycle the usage of plastics. Similarly the "HY-FI" Tower was an experimental design using organic biodegradable bricks in the form of a fungus. Such experiments can give rise to new materials that can substitute conventional concrete and save at least 2% of the after effects.
[2] CLIMATES RESPONSIVE DESIGN
Climate responsive design is a broad umbrella term that is interchangeable used with sustainable or green architecture but predominantly orients itself towards site specific problems. Thermal comfort, adequate lighting and ventilation, appropriate planning of open spaces are few design consideration that can be kept in mind in order to efficiently utilize the site. One of the most striking examples of climate responsive design would be the Mesiniaga Tower in Malaysia by the popular Green architect Ken Yeang. He has perfectly crafted the building to optimize the surrounding and climate by using slit like features that radially revolve and partially covers the building according to radiation analysis.
[3] TECHNOLOGICAL INTERGRATION AND INTERVENTION
Why work hard when you can work smart? We have abundant knowledge in the field of construction that can soar to heights if integrated with technology. Internet of things or Building Automation Systems (BAS) are being actively pursued to minimize energy consumption and environmental damage. Censorial application of electrical devices and HVAC systems help drastically control thermal comfort in the long run.
Not only energy wise, but technology can be extended to even materials, 3D printing is the invention of the century that can be a game changer. The "GAIA HOUSE" is a fully 3D printed house applied in earth materials. Similarly a new parametric bridge has been installed in Amsterdam recently completely made of metal. They are prefabricated and assembled on site, thereby reducing fuel, energy and labor.
Technology must be integrated with building design as it is undoubtedly a profit for climate change.
[4|5} RETRO-FITTINGS, RENOVATIONS AND LANDSCAPING
Yes we can incorporate all these solutions into new buildings that are yet to be constructed, but what about pre-existing ones? Can they be made climate responsive as well? They need to be, because most heritage born countries tend to have buildings at least 20-30 years old in nature. An average residential apartment in Chennai is 25 years. Such buildings can be fitted with rainwater harvesting systems, energy efficient strategies, use of vertical landscaping to counteract the age and still be climate change controlling. It is important to consider this because majority of countries consist of dense old structures.
[6] CLIENTS
Coming to the most important factor in mitigating climate change, human resource. As architects it is our duty to inform clients of the various sustainable design methods and if possible persuade them to opt for such strategies. Not only will it be beneficial in the long run but also create awareness regarding the essence and need of immediate climate change action.
Today, climate change stands as a monster in different masks that sometimes goes unnoticed and even ignored, it is a vicious cycle of wastage and hazard. Climate change denial is a lousy excuse to compensate for and when we do have to pay for it, it will be in human currency. Our aim as a society must be oriented towards identifying the created problem and solving it rather than the "don't create problems and then provide solutions" agenda that most people presume.
Architecture is one of the most multi-disciplinary professions in the world and can make a huge impact by raising alarm and voice for climate adversities.
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