[Ted Talk] The business logic of sustainability by Ray Anderson

resource: https://www.ted.com/talks/ray_anderson_on_the_business_logic_of_sustainability



At his carpet company, Ray Anderson has increased sales and doubled profits while turning the traditional "take/make/waste" industrial system on its head. In this talk in a gentle, understated way he shares a powerful vision for sustainable commerce.
There has been a conflict between keeping green considering social and economic benefits.
We have reached, or at least very nearly reached, the point at which use of sustainable practices is the most profitable solution for a wide range of companies. More and more I'm driving past factories with solar panels or wind turbines on the roof. As the scale of the renewable energy manufacturing industry increases (i.e. more people are making solar/wind products, thus price falls) so it becomes more and more cost effective for businesses to make the investment. I think that a change of focus is needed in order to arrive at a sustainable industry reality. One of those changes, a fundamental one, is mentioned in Mr. Ray Anderson's talk. Profit must not be the driving variable of the equation. Furthermore, if in order to turn a profit a business has to operate in such a manner that harms the environment, then it's not a profitable business at all, and couldn't really be called sustainable either because while it may be making money now, it is depleting the resources of tomorrow.

[Ted Talk] How to build with clay and community by Diébédo Francis Kéré

resource: https://www.ted.com/talks/diebedo_francis_kere_how_to_build_with_clay_and_community

In this TED Talk, Aga Khan Award-winning architect Diébédo Francis Kéré explains how to build a community with clay. With his firm Kéré Architecture, the Burkina Faso native has achieved international renown by using local building materials and techniques to engage and improve local expertise. Earlier of this blog has mentioned the LEED system cannot be applied in certain regions such as rural Africa. It is one of Africa's major challenges, the lack of stone with which to build. Techniques that allow Africa to take advantage of the abundance of clay, is nothing short of a miracle. Native structures in West Africa are beautiful, very carefully and skillfully built. However they are not able to withstand the punishing rainy season and often last only a few years. This is a major breakthrough for rural communities in West Africa, provided the techniques can be shared and implemented elsewhere. Like this example certain areas requires specific consideration of local condition and environment to seek for solution of building to be sustainable. This is an inspiration talk to continue to find local solutions to our local challenges and bring innovation and creativity to the forefront of our education system. The materials he uses in his buildings are easy to get , cheap and very accessible which is important to the success of the projects .

[Ted Talk] Hedonistic Sustainability by Bjarke Ingels

resource: http://www.ted.com/talks/bjarke_ingels_hedonistic_sustainability

In this video Bjarke Ingels shares his enlightened view on Hedonistic sustainability, challenging the misconception that one must give up a portion of their comfortable lifestyle in order to live sustainability. Ingels counteracts that delusion with examples that illustrate the possibilities of sustainable buildings and cities increasing life quality. He encourages architects to embrace their expanded roles of becoming “designers of ecosystems” by creating a world where our presence is not seen as detrimental to our environment through the integration of our “consumption patterns and leftovers” into our natural world.

I do agreeBjarke got this point that we should design the environment not just simply add the cool features or gadgets of sustainability in the buildings. However to live sustainably we’ll need to upend certain energy/political power structures (oil/weapons manufacturers/conservatives – for example) that are very wealthy and who’s leaders live incredibly lavish and therefore wasteful lifestyles. While it’s true that average people’s lifestyles would probably be overall better (more healthy and enjoyable) if sustainability were more common, the rich people who build buildings and who run our planet would have to sacrifice a fair amount of their luxurious lifestyles (including ridiculous things they even take for granted at this point like 4th homes) in order to pay for these better buildings and better cities for the rest of us.

GREEN BUILDING 101: Materials and Resources Part 1—Sustainable Building Supplies Read more: GREEN BUILDING 101: Materials and Resources Part 1—Sustainable Building Supplies | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

resource: http://inhabitat.com/green-building-101-materials-and-resources-part-1-sustainable-building-supplies/



This article serious introduces choosing material wisely and ensure the those you select are a part of the whole picture of sustainable home. These are the very ingredients that go into a building, and choosing them wisely makes all the difference in terms of the overall impact of the structure throughout its life.
Here are come check list to choose appropriate sustainable material;

• Sizing up your home
• Framing the argument
• Looking local
• Durability is desirable
• Environmentally preferable product
• Waste management

However, there is no evidence (other than manufacturers’ claims) that pre-fab uses less material than site built construction. The waste that is generated is concentrated in one location, but I have yet to see anyone substantiate the claim that there is less of it. Also, in the long term, replacing panels can be much more resource intensive than patching drywall. Prefab is great in a lot of ways, but I think the sexiness of it has a lot of people disregarding the efficiency of stick framing; it doesn’t get more modular than that. Not to mention that pre-fab is pretty much the most site in-sensitive building type, and the least local. It is still great piece to read and be aware of selection of suitable materials for house.

[Ted Talk] A reality check on renewable by David Mackay

resource: https://www.ted.com/talks/david_mackay_a_reality_check_on_renewables

In this pragmatic talk, David Mackay, information theorist and computer scientist, tours the basic mathmaics that show worrying limitation on our sustainable energy options and explains why we should pursue them anyway.
This talk is thought-provoking. Many of us have come to believe that biomass/renewable are the long-term solutions to the renewable conundrum we are in. The information and mathematical calculations provide compelling arguments that a paradigm shift will be needed to sustain our continued population growth and consumption patterns. To wit, if we continue with our current patterns (increasing population, increasing longevity, accrued use of resources, in the east and continued heavy use in the west, a tipping point will (or already has) occurred.

Journey to the Center of New York: Can Design “Cure” Our Cities?

resource: http://www.archdaily.com/219084/journey-to-the-center-of-new-york-can-design-cure-our-cities/

This article discusses medicalized language in design to force  healthiness in design to revitalize the idea of being green. It introduces urban renewal project in NY City 'High Lane' and 'Delancey Underground'.

High lane success as a public, meeting space where people connect and itself harmonize with urban fitting. 

The Delancey Underground urges us to reclaim these old, “sick” places as “healthy” and valuable, to see their potential as innovative, “curative” public spaces.

Design can persuade us to make choices which are beneficial to our health. But this isn’t about the curative properties of ‘good’ design, it’s more about the negative qualities of apathetic design. If I use, pass through, live or work in a space where the designers were more like apathetic planners, it sends a message that makes me want to put less effort into bettering myself. After all, if the designers didn’t really care about how much enjoyment I would get out of a space, they didn’t care about me. And if they don’t care about me, why should I care about myself? Putting effort into a space, into a city, and drawing attention and focus towards those spaces does the opposite, if designed to dissuade those negative behaviors. If using the stairs is more pleasant than an elevator then I will walk to my office instead. The message conveyed by anonymous designers who will likely never meet me, who still took the time to think about my experience with a space is a message that says I matter and that I am worth caring about. And suddenly, I have a reason to care *for* myself. The curative property comes in caring about a space and the people who use it.

Michael Green presents ‘The Case for Tall Wood Buildings’

resource: http://www.archdaily.com/220779/michael-green-presents-the-case-for-tall-wood-buildings/

Co-author Michael Green explains, “To slow and contain greenhouse gas emissions and find truly sustainable solutions to building, we must look at the fundamentals of the way we build – from the bones of large urban building structures to the details of energy performance. We need to search for the big picture solutions of today’s vast climate, environmental, economic and world housing needs.”

I personally thought this article was very relevantly important to me since as a group research project our group has chosen to discuss about potential of timber as sustainable construction material. The study introduces a new construction model for tall buildings known as ‘Finding the Forest Through the Trees’ (FFTT). This structural solution utilizes mass timber panels – solid panels of wood engineered for strength through laminations of different layers – to achieve a much lighter carbon footprint than the functionally equivalent concrete and steel systems.It’s an interesting concept. The idea is that the trees as they grow, absorb the carbon dioxide. If they’re cut down, the wood will hold the carbon forever, until it decomposes or is burnt. If it’s burnt, it gets released back into the atmosphere, but if it decomposes, most of it goes back into the soil. So essentially, it really does work as a carbon sink, and is actually carbon *negative*, better than carbon neutral. As for mass harvesting of trees, this report is out of BC where they have a strong sustainable forestry industry.

[Ted Talk] The route to a sustainable future by Alex Steffen

resource: https://www.ted.com/talks/alex_steffen_sees_a_sustainable_future

I do agree that people need to live smaller, closer and work harder to provide food, water and shelter for the greater good. Great examples from developing world but democracy is a very poor example of sustainability. But we should be careful and acknowledge the gap between theory and practice. Also I am not highly convinced by the argument that high density leads to higher sustainability. If every person in the world had 1 acre and worked from home then couldn't we all be self sufficient? The uglier solution is to limit population increases. All the resources needed to resolve the major problems on the planet have been available for years, but the will to change political and economic priorities of society have not. As a result, increasing global wealth has been accompanied by increasing global poverty. And even though leaders may have good intentions, their efforts to implement change are constrained by the existing system.  I believe that technology and design are a part of the solution, but the even larger part of the solution is social changes, because social change can happen more rapidly

China Unveils Plans to Build an 8,000-Mile High-Speed Underwater Railway Line to America Read more: China Unveils Plans to Build an 8,000-Mile High-Speed Underwater Railway Line to America | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

resource: http://inhabitat.com/china-unveils-wacky-idea-to-build-an-8000-mile-high-speed-underwater-railway-line-to-america/

China plans to build an 8,000+ mile railroad (sounds plausible) connecting China, Russia, Canada, and the U.S. that includes a 125 mile undersea tunnel spanning the Bering Strait! The plan was announced in China’s state-run newspaper, the Beijing Times, and apparently Russia is already on-board with the plan. While it would be nice to travel from China to America in two days without setting foot in a single airport, engineers around the globe are skeptical.

I personally find this idea interesting and seeing the potential of new transportation system. I think it would be much better then shipping for passengers. While ships or boats are always useful, I don’t believe it is possible to create a ship that’ll move fast enough to get thousands of passengers across the sea in just 2 days time. Not to mention, the economic and environmental tolls ships have. Granted this project would cost way more money then trying to come up with faster ships, this project’s costs would primarily be on the labour side of things which ultimately means that it would actually benefit our economy rather then hurt it and if they designed the system properly then the affects on the environment wouldn’t really be that bad.

Capture the Rain / H3AR

This is interesting proposal awarded a special mention for 2010 eVolo skyscraper competition. This project comprised of a system of gutters to catch as much rainfall as possible.  The water captured and processed by the building may be used for flushing toilets, feeding washing machines, watering plants, cleaning floors and other domestic applications. Initially, in designing the tower, the students focused on shaping and modelling the surface of the roof to optimize the rainwater collected.  Yet upon working with the roof system, the students developed the skin treatment to make the building transform into a cohesive rain collecting machine.
I think is a very good design concept. I certainly believe such can be a residential building and the water catchment is a very good alternative for water consumption. I just hope the façade concept will capture rain water as the design shows.
Still a great concept and i like the form. However, storing the water in a basin at the bottom of the tower will require a lot of additional energy to pump it back to up for use on higher floors. Retaining it closer to the top (as it looks like may be the case for the water in the catchment on the roof) will allow for gravity to do the work. 

Why LEED Doesn’t Work in Rural Africa and What Will

resource: http://www.archdaily.com/375906/why-leed-doesnt-work-in-rural-africa-and-what-will/

Recently my friend back in Korea who took bachelor degrees of Architectural studies in UNSW together has contacted me. While we were catching up he mentioned he is taking this course to receive LEED certification and tells me it is a big trend all around the world. Hmm..is it? While I had this doubt in my mind I found an interesting article about LEED does not work in some areas and why.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and has become the most recognized standard for “green” building in over 30 countries worldwide. LEED is a point system that grades buildings throughout design, construction and performance. However, many more of the points are simply irrelevant or financially irresponsible. In some cases, adherence to these credits can actually be detrimental to project success and community prosperity. When considering rural development in Africa, the needs and standards of construction must shift not simply to a new geographical and cultural context, but to one of development needs and capabilities. Energy standards must first recognize the importance of electricity itself a major step forward. What Africans want is to develop. Therefore they need energy that can be produced on an industrial scale. Like clean coal burning, oil production and electricity. I suggest that we should start first by allowing them to achieve this instead of imposing them our environmental propaganda. 

(image showing existing kitchen rennovated with new roof and fuel efficient wood burning stove; Courtesy of Charles Newman of Afritekt)

[Ted Talk] We can recycle plastic by Mike Biddle

resource: https://www.ted.com/talks/mike_biddle

Although I concede that he is taking correct steps towards proper recycling, by sorting by type and grade, and palletizing the material which allows greater latitude for production, he fails to mention the biggest problem with recycling plastic: needing virgin plastic. When plastic is recycled it has become exposed to both macro and micro stresses, for example being stretched or exposed to UV rays. This breaks down some of the molecular bonds within the plastic, and even re-melting and re-forming the material does not allow it to retain all of the characteristics that it once held. You may think that this is not that big of a deal, a plastic bag that's not a s strong only means you double-bag it right? Consider all of the things in your life that you would not like to fail: the PVC pipe that connects to your facet, fittings in your car... The truth is the plastics end up becoming objects with less inherent value, because other additives must be included into the recycled objects in order to make them stronger...

Solar Roadways Unveils Super Strong Solar Panels for Roads in Prototypical Parking Lot Read more: Solar Roadways Unveils Super Strong Solar Panels for Roads in Prototype Parking Lot | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

resource: http://inhabitat.com/solar-roadways-smart-parking-lot-harvests-energy-captures-stormwater-and-melts-snow/

Eight years ago, Scott and Julie Brusaw had a vision of replacing the asphalt on American roadways and parking lots with energy-producing solar panels that are strong enough to withstand vehicular traffic. After a lot of experimentation and funding struggles, the couple and their company Solar Roadways just unveiled their first parking lot made of hexagonal panel. Not only does the parking lot harvest energy, it also incorporates overhead utilities and repositions underground utilities for more efficient use. Power and data cables line a cable corridor alongside the parking lot, which provides easy access to power and data companies.

I think this is great initiative considering some people tend to observe solar panel on roof is aesthetically uncomfortable.The solar film has already been developed for awhile but not sure about its life span. As for the polymers, there's numerous high impact and long lasting ones. Here the trick would be to create a textured surface to prevent slippage for tires during rain, ice and snow.

Why Green Architecture Hardly Ever Deserves the Name

resource: http://www.archdaily.com/396263/why-green-architecture-hardly-ever-deserves-the-name/

Something surprising has happened with many so-called “sustainable” buildings. When actually measured in post-occupancy assessments, they’ve proven far less sustainable than their proponents have claimed. In some cases they’ve actually performed worse than much older buildings, with no such claims. Widespread use of expansive curtain-wall glass assemblies and large, “deep-plan” designs that put most usable space far from exterior walls, forcing greater reliance on artificial light and ventilation systems.

One problem with many sustainability approaches is that they don’t question the underlying building type.For example, adding more efficient active energy systems tends to reduce the amount of energy used, and therefore lowers its overall cost. But, in turn, that lower cost tends to make tenants less careful with their energy use — a phenomenon known as “Jevons’ Paradox.” Increasing efficiency lowers cost, and increases demand — in turn increasing the rate of consumption, and wiping out the initial savings. The lesson is that we can’t deal with energy consumption in isolation. We have to look at the concept of energy more broadly, including embodied energy and other factors.

I think this demonstrates that “green” components need to be planned from the start and not considered add-ons to get points, and that includes a good look at the building form.  And also much of the current green trending is just that. It is too much of a short term satisfaction to have lasting effects.

PHOTOS: Europe's Grass-Lined Green Railways = Good Urban Design Read more: PHOTOS: Europe's Grass-Lined Green Railways = Good Urban Design | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

resource: http://inhabitat.com/europes-grass-lined-green-railways-good-urban-design/

Green roof? how about Green tracks?
It is not new idea combining landscaping with public transportation but European trams greenways show the potential of incorporating landscaping into good urban design. This allows public transportation to be part of urban fabric. Not only it looks aesthetically good but it can also partially contribute to reduce impact of urban heat island. However, there is upcoming problems. Maintenance issue. Due to the different climate issues and maintenance of water it may not stay as green as it should be in the future. Perception is everything. Many people tend to assume grass turning brown is dead but in fact it may not be. It may be going dormant. Particularly the area with dry and hot climate. Therefore it is required public to understand the conflict with aesthetic issue and acceptable on how it is.  

Ryue Nishiziwa's Gorgeous Vertical Garden House Takes Root in Tokyo Read more: Ryue Nishiziwa's Gorgeous Vertical Garden House Takes Root in Tokyo | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

resource: Inhabitat http://inhabitat.com/ryue-nishiziwas-gorgeous-vertical-garden-house-grows-in-tokyo/

Continuing the discussion of previous post - If general public's preference of city does not reduce and city is running out of space for them, building a high rise may be unavoidable. If that is the case then searching for a solution within the given situation may produce new idea and image of sustainability. I found this great project in Japan designed by Ryue Nishizawa, architect of SANAA, introducing new living environment in urban setting. Extending the idea of green roof, this project has turned whole building as garden.

Instead of true facade, curtain walls and terrace with green plants separates the room and amenities. Lower ground has more public space and as the level goes up private zone appears. Roof terrace includes guest room and terrace to afford city view from higher level. It almost seem like a gigantic plant pot standing in between two tall residential buildings. Imagine a city full of this types of apartment, a residential block that can breathe by itself creating comfortable environment not only for dwellers but also to the neighbors.

Light Matters: 7 Ways Daylight Can Make Design More Sustainable

resource: Archdaily http://www.archdaily.com/471249/light-matters-7-ways-daylight-can-make-design-more-sustainable/

This article introduces 7 ways to design a sustainable architecture using natural light which are;

1. Optimize urban design and building orientation
2. The perfect size, form and glazing treatment for windows
3. Shading for visual comfort and cooling
4. Work with bright interior surfaces
5. Move task areas close to windows
6. Consider daylight reflector systems
7. Energize your building with solar radiation

This are the basic of architecture that was taught during the first year of bachelor degree. However, lots of works has been missed the very fundamental idea about it.
Among the 7 factors I would like to discuss about first point - relating to urban planning and building orientation. The city is full of people and building requires capacity to afford place for them. Does it mean it is unavoidable to design a high rise buildings? is there alternative? It reminds me current work going on in Sydney. Barangaroo Project. It has given lot of effort to make sure building to be sustainable. Considering construction process to be zero waste, carbon neutral and be water positive. But how about its surroundings? The over shading caused by 3 gigantic high rise buildings which would lead future buildings to built higher and higher to avoid each others shadow. In designer's perspective I wonder why high rise seem like their only choice to built something in front of water. The intention of the project was to be extension of the city. What kind of city are they dreaming of? another dubai? Image of city needs to be revised.  

Jessica Green: We're covered in germs. Let's design for that transcript

Resource: http://www.ted.com/talks/jessica_green_good_germs_make_healthy_buildings

This talk is very original and fundamental, thinking sustainability from the microscopic level. Studying bacterial population and in dust to observe the ecosystem. It is very provocative to see how the science and Architecture works together. The speaker points out the idea of living in harmony with our environment at a micro scale. Sustainable includes everything; from macro concern like global warming to micro concern of one person's health. Both concerns cannot be detached. This is a good example of specific study area can affects everyday life. In the presentation she suggest activating good germs to perform for our health which may influence designing architecture that understands the ecosystem.

H&P architects: sustainable bamboo, earth and stone pavilion

Resource: http://www.designboom.com/architecture/hp-architects-sustainable-bamboo-earth-and-stone-pavilion/


The sustainably built art and cultural centre located in Vietnam was designed by H&P Architects encouraging community to engage with education. This pavilion uses local resource such as bamboo, earth and stone with traditional construction method. By using the local materials it has reduced large amount of transportation. Bamboo is well known as rapidly reusable raw material and it also grows quite fast. Its strength and durability is comparable with oak and steel. Also it is water resistant which is appropriate for location like Vietnam that has seasonal monsoon. This building represent the recent approach of searching the benefits of primitive hut. Not only utilizing surrounding environment but also explore the traditional method to be applied in present to create conceivable contemporary design. However using earth wall may be not appropriate for an architecture with humid climate even though it is pavilion.

Video: Architecture Controlling the Future of Sustainability

Resource: http://www.archdaily.com/162192/video-architecture-controlling-the-future-of-sustainability/

This awarded video for AIA Florida COTE 2011 competition as produced by the two students from Florida International University. The theme of the competition was to create a short video emphasizing the architect's primary role in designing sustainable and energy resourceful environment. The video carried the concept of Architecture controlling the future of sustainability and shows positive impact of natural energy resource. The winning project has creatively presented the green solution to electricity and land usage. The video was very entertaining and clear to understand the concept through the comparison between two different situations. It is important to understand the impacts of sustainability in built environment but it would work better to find out a method to communicate and share the idea with big group of public using different media like this.

Invisible barn by STPMJ reflects the surrounding landscape

Resourse: http://www.designboom.com/architecture/stpmj-invisible-barn-folly-2014-04-18-2014/

The contest invited young, emerging designers to propose contemporary interpretation of architectural folly, small scale pavilion within garden. Invisible barn designed by STPMJ is skinny parallelogram eluding the dense trees, the site specific proposal re-contextualizes the landscape by mirroring its surroundings. The barn-shaped wooden structure, clad in reflective film is placed in the middle of grove allowing the structure to assimilate naturally within its environment.

This pavilion is continues discussion of topic from previous post, a new form of high rise. Buildings do exists in respond to existing environment. If that is true then the way urban environment grew and exist like nowadays is the way it should be. Only thing the building can reflect is another figure of building block. This concept supports the need of new typology of high rise. Green living building that reflects back to surrounding blocks. It will engage with other buildings and provide different perspective to community new way of living in city. For example, Sydney has recently completed Central Park located in the middle of city. It has been issued in diverse ways but can this be new direction to our city? I believe so.

Dragonfly Vertical Farm concept by Vincent Callebaut

Resource: http://www.archdaily.com/22969/dragonfly-vertical-farm-concept-by-vincent-callebaut/

Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut has designed vertical farm that redefines the conventional skyscraper. The building is mix used of commercial and residential and this 132 story complex conceptually focuses on creating complete self-sustaining organism that utilize solar, wind and water energies. The metal and glass facade inspired by dragonfly exposes appropriate amount of sun and wind conditions and filer rain water to nutrient soils. This conceptual design would suggest new look of high rise in different cities. At the moment Dubai has been mentioned to be most appropriate site to be locate experimental building.  

In personal opinion this project should be highly praised as maximizing the advantage of high rise building and the use of metabolic approach of sustainable environment. Imagine this kind of building standing in the middle of New York city. It can function as gigantic artificial tree that provide useful resource to surrounding urban condition - clean air, solar heat gain, wind energy system and water filtering function!

But the question remains, is it aesthetically acceptable?

Green Roofs for Melbourne - 1:1 architects

Resource: http://www.archdaily.com/27147/green-roofs-for-melbourne-11-architects/

1:1 Architects has designed an independent green roof structure that can be fitted into the high-rise buildings in Melbourne. The modular system allows easy installation that can be easily assembled by hand and be modified in diverse environment. The concept of green roof was to use flexible modular system to be adapted to various scale rooftops and respond to differing site condition and functional requirements. It is believed that roof can provide a new atmosphere for existing buildings.
The most attractive part of this design for me was that it can vitalize the existing condition of buildings. As the city grows it is hard to ignore vertical development of the urban environment. Using green roof not only supports to creating eco-friendly environment but aesthetically and in more micro scale it can provide healthier space for building users to reconnect with outdoor space.

THE ROOT BRIDGES OF CHERRAPUNJI

Resource: http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/root-bridges-cherrapungee

Centuries-old bridges, grown from tangled roots

In the depths of northeaster India there is a bridge that constructed by itself. The bridge is made out of roots of the Ficus elastica tree. The tree produces a serious of secondary roots from higher up its truck ad comfortably perch a top huge boulders along the riverbanks, or even in the middle of the river themselves. In order to make a rubber tree's roots grow in the right direction the Khasis use betel nut trunks, sliced down the middle and hollowed out to create root guidance system. The thin, tender roots of the rubber tree, prevented from fanning out by the betel nut trunks, grow straight out. When they reach the other side of the river, they’re allowed to take root in the soil. Given enough time, a sturdy, living bridge is produced.

Relating to previous post of metabolic material, this natural system of growth tree can be expected to study further to apply in infrastructure system such as bridge and highways. The city grows like a tree. As it grows it needs more space for inhabitants. As the time passes significance of growing architecture that adapts to the changing environment will be focused.

[Ted Talk] Rachel Armstrong: Architecture that repairs itself?

Resource: https://www.ted.com/talks/rachel_armstrong_architecture_that_repairs_itself

Metabolic material is interesting concept taking the mechanisms of biology to form our desires. A living material that consistently responding to its surroundings and in some point to grow and repair by itself. It it likely to be used in areas with repeat flooding or urban areas lower than sea levels since it requires the water for system development. Speaker suggested saving Venice as a case study in this talk that it it believed this technology can prevent city to sink any further by using the protocell technology. This concept is to generate and design an artificial reef under the foundation of existing wooden piles to stop the further sinking and in possible case to bring it back to the new land. Application of this idea will need to consume a long time and it may not be able to succeed in first try but if it continues develop it can be applied to prevent and repair upcoming unexpected natural disaster. Yes, we do work hard to prevent any further disasters happening but in some point mother nature does struck us and give a hard time. It is important to preventing future issues but if the problems are already there we cannot ignore them. We should find a way to resolve them to learn a lesson from the past. This technology considers building from the bottom structure and creates architecture than re-connects itself back to the city through the use of surrounding environment. It makes our world our living more symbiotic and using technology that does not outgrows in negative ways.

Chinese company 3D prints 10 buildings in a day using construction waste

Resource: http://www.dezeen.com/2014/04/24/chinese-company-3d-prints-buildings-construction-waste/

Finally the building waste meets new technology to contribute in built environment stepping further to sustainable future. Recently material firm in China has successfully built a house with mix of industry wast and cement using 3D Printer. It will be used as office at the industrial park in Shanghai. The building is not only usable but it also demonstrated future process of building an architecture that consume less energy and labor. 

It is still long way to go since the roof structure was not resolved by the printer and also other technical issues such as waterproofing and need of testing actual impact on human health. But I see a great potential of these project and its application in future. In my opinion this technique can be quite useful if it develops further to designing an affordable housing or emergency shelter that requires low budget and short period of time. 

It’s The Little things

Resource: http://greenmagazine.com.au/its-the-little-things/

I found and watched this short award winning animation Secret Life of Things series. It was created by Leyla Acaroglu, Eco Innovator and supports from Design and Technology Teachers Association Victoria. It tells the story of everyday use object on its point of view and how the product can be misused, neglected and abandoned. First I thought using animation as a education tool was very smart and easy way to introduce the importance of sustainability to public. As it was discussed from previous few posts, it is important to plan ahead and arrange a sustainable environment for future generation. But it does not mean the present issues should be ignored in anyway and when future plans are something that happens in large context, current situation can be start from something small. From the little things that is around you. Designing a product that is re-usable and easy to fix, understanding the right way to use the product for long lasting experience and be aware of every action that can have great impact on environment.

ADEPT plans looping masterplan for Chinese city district

Resource: http://www.dezeen.com/2013/08/23/adept-plans-looping-masterplan-for-chinese-city-district/


Continues from the topic of previous post, thinking green for city planning, this project could be good precedent studies for current process of green city. 

This master plan competition for Hengyang, China was won by Danish architecture studio ADEPT, design involving a sequence of loop zone. Respecting historical precincts and integrating existing environment, the small loops of zones interact with its own character. And this relationship is lies between sustainable transportation system. The logical idea was inheriting tradition values and offer new way of living for community which enhance the experience of the urban environment and gives unique identity to the city. 

Most exciting part of this project is to see a city that is develop base on the green public transportation. Unlike how old cities that has been developed based on its cultural district these master plan can expect to be a car free city that would suggest new look of future city

.

[Ted Talk] A Song of the City by Jaime Lerner

Original Resource) http://www.ted.com/talks/jaime_lerner_sings_of_the_city

Jaime Lerner is a Brazilian politician. He was the governor of the state of Paraná, in southern Brazil. He is renowned as an architect and urban planner, having been mayor of Curitiba, capital of Paraná, three times.

In this video he discuss about living in city, living with city and living for city. He took a great transformation of city by developing mobility and sustainability at the same time. Creating a structure that can connect all the mobility system and reduce the use of cars. Also the importance of education to future generation that would inherit the existing environment to continue its idea.

After I watch this video, the perspective of city planning has shifted slightly. Before this my idea of city planning is something that does not happening currently more for the future, a future that feels bit of distance from where I live now. (Like City of Sydney 2030 Sustainable City) But I see that big things starts from the small stuff.



However there was also public comment on current situation of city Curitiba where the IME, the express-bus-centric traffic system going under the issue of traffic jams and rush hour and feeling it is getting worse.
It is important to trying to solve the current issue but also to be aware of further upcoming problems and maintenance of the system. I guess for this reason Jaime Lerner suggested importance of education. Educate future generation to prevent failure of system and continue the concern of mobility and sustainability.

Recycling+Building Materials / Critical Reflection

Recycling + Building Materials by Taylor Metcalf 

Published in Archdaily 7th August 2011
Resource: http://www.archdaily.com/155549/recyclingbuilding-materials/

SUMMARY

1. Recyclable Alternatives;
concrete, metal, brick and plastics can be produced from previous used materials which lowers 90% of the energy requirement and emission during the process.

2. Using local resources
re-proposing demolished trees or use destroyed trees from surrounding forest.

3. Discover the merits of demolished existing environment

4. Experiment with new unorthodox materials 

CRITICAL REFLECTION

It is a great examples of how we can turn unwanted waste into something usable and applicable material that are truly modern and trendy. The amazing part of this is it can still stay green at the same time, opportunity to reduce environmental impact and discover potential from the existing built environment.

Review of [Ted Talk] Let's go all-in on selling sustainability

Steve Howard: Let's go all-in on selling sustainability

Link: http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_howard_let_s_go_all_in_on_selling_sustainability#

Notes:

- Speaker leads the sustainability effort at Ikea, helping the low-price-furniture giant to bring sustainable products to millions of people. 
- 3 billion people joining the global middle class.
- 6 degree of global warming issue. 
- 12 cities in the world back in old days.
- Sustainability became nice-to-do to must-to-do
- IKEA shows a good example of positive impact of business can do on the world on sustainable aspects.
- Customers concerns daily issue > global sustainable issue.
- Make sustainable to be easy approach, affordable and attractive.
- Example 1. Unlike old light bulb produce more heat than the light LED light produce more light and last more than 20 years -> soon to 100% banned halogen in products -> use supply chain to change the customers behaviour and make it affordable to anyone.
- Example 2. Consider natural raw material -> Production of cotton working back to from farm -> 60% of cost consumed in production process can be chemical input by low income farmers -> start from beginning of the supply chain and take care of 
- Example 3. Wood -> unavoidable forestry -> take responsibility of what you consume ->  collaboration with NGO and work with supply chain partner to produce safe forestry 
- Example 4. Use natural resource -> use sun and the wind which would exist permanently -> wind farm and solar panel -> produce free electricity -> benefits on CFO for business as well
- Example 5. Provide good working condition and concern on human right -> child labour -> better quality life requires good foundation and consistent support