Plainsboro, NJ
The modern world faces an uncomfortable reality of climate change, pollution, and overall environmental degradation. Unfortunately, sometimes recycling a bottle or walking to work doesn't feel sufficient—so we must turn to architecture for hope. I’m not talking about the concrete blocks or massive skyscrapers that block out the sun. Instead, think of a future where our buildings give back to the earth. Enter: sustainable architecture.
Sustainable architecture is essentially the umbrella term for buildings that reduce energy and consumption of resources—ultimately minimizing the impact of building operation on the environment.
An example of this is the Vertical Forest—or Bosco Verticale—located in Milan, Italy. Designed by architect Stefano Boeri as an example for future buildings to come, the two towers’ large balconies hold a total of 800 trees. This doesn’t include the thousands of other perennials and shrubs that add to the building’s unforgettable green presentation.
Of course, the plants aren’t solely used for aesthetic value; they control humidity and CO2 levels while producing oxygen, which greatly improves the overall air quality within the buildings. This feat of architecture isn’t just home to human residents; it also acts as a habitat for around 1,600 species of birds and butterflies.
The Vertical Forest is an innovative example of nature and urban life coexisting to promote biodiversity and reduce energy consumption.
Certainly, sustainable architecture does not come without its expenses. The Bosco Verticale is a clear example, as it took 40 million euros (around 43 million dollars) to build—with continued costs for maintenance of its thriving ecosystem.
However, not every sustainable building has to appear green. The Museum of Tomorrow (Museu Do Amanhã) in Rio de Janeiro features an all white exterior and functional wings that open and close based on the sun’s position. These wings, along with the rest of the building, contain solar panels that power the museum. Water from Guanabara Bay is used in its cooling system, as another renewable energy source.
Many studies have found that by reducing energy consumption, sustainable buildings like the museum save costs in the long term. These benefits include lower utility bills and operation costs, along with an increasing economic value.
Along with reducing energy consumption, many sustainable buildings make use of eco-friendly materials in their design. This includes bamboo, recycled plastic, and other unconventional structures.
The Collage House in Mumbai, India features a plethora of upcycled materials salvaged from destroyed homes; an amalgamation of old windows and doors composes the building’s exterior, truly living up to its name. It may not seem eco-friendly at first glance, but these materials are critical in reducing waste.
The house also utilizes a rainwater harvesting system, a process which has become more prominent in India. This idea is quite simple, as it involves collecting and storing rainwater for future use in washing, watering plants, and more. The same system can be seen in the Suzlon One Earth corporate building in Pune, along with many others.
These sustainable buildings are not only the key to protecting the earth, but also hold a unique beauty. The idea of connecting humanity with nature through our homes calls for immense creativity, bringing back the roots of architecture as an art.
Whether it be apartments full of trees in Italy or a winged museum in Brazil, sustainable buildings bring a ray of hope through smoke-filled skies. Viewing such feats of architecture invokes a sense of awe—reminding us of nature’s influence on human creativity. In a world that is booming with innovation, it is more critical than ever to preserve our environment and protect this progress.
Works Cited
https://thesustainabilist.ae/is-it-affordable-to-build-green/#:~:text=While%20according%20to%20the%20U.S.,more%20 expensive%20than%20 conventional%20 buildings.
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