Sustainability is defined differently within and between
cultures, and its definition has changed over time. It is not possible
here to deal with all of the definitions and interpretations of sustainability,
including the view that in the face of an entropic universe, it is oxymoronic.
Hence it may be more appropriate to adopt a broad consensus definition
for the purpose of this discussion.
"Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable - to ensure
that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs. The concept of sustainable
development does imply limits - not absolute limits but limitations imposed
by the present state of technology and social organization on environmental
resources and by the ability of the biosphere to absorb the effects of
human activity."
G.H. Brundtland (Chair), Our
CommonFuture,
World Commission on Environment and Development, Oxford University Press,
New York, 1987.
This definition implies that sustainable development or evolution envelops a large range of human activities, architecture being among them. Sustainability is not a specifically architectural problem, but rather a global, cultural problem in which architecture is discovering its emerging role.
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| Demolition as dilemma:
make do with what you have or build anew. |
The fundamental principles guiding sustainable architecture include: Avoidance or minimization of negative impacts on the environment; Conservation and efficient use of natural resources; and Ecological harmony and respect for biodiversity.
In practice, these principles are translated into numerous guidelines that attempt to balance economic, social and cultural demands with the need to responsibly manage our environment so that its carrying capacity is not exceeded by human activities.
Dynamics of Sustainability
The dynamics of sustainable architecture are no different
than for other human activities or interventions which impact the environment.
Within a given ecological setting, human cultures evolve an adaptive response
to their environment. The cultures develop technologies as means of fulfilling
individual and collective needs and desires. In turn, these technologies
result in environmental impacts or stress on the ecology. Ecology, culture
and technology evolve and adapt, but the relationship is not always symbiotic,
and in some cases dysfunctional. Viewed from this perspective, sustainable
architecture requires architectural culture to understand and contribute
to the harmonization of ecology and technology.
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Dynamic model of sustainabilty
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culture 1. the ideas, beliefs, customs, skills, arts, etc. of a given people in a given period; civilization.
technology 1. the science or study of the practical or industrial arts, applied sciences, etc. 2. the terms used in a science, art, etc.; technical terminology. 3. applied science. 4. a method, process, etc. for handling a specific technical problem. 5. the system by which a society provides its members with those things needed or desired.
At its highest level, sustainability involves the mediation
between ecology and technology and relies on culturally appropriate attitudes
and behaviour. The frustration experienced by many architects today reflects
what are often viewed as inappropriate attitudes on the part
of clients who fail to recognize that buildings are more than an economic
commodity, but a cultural resource and legacy for future generations to
come.
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Modern ecology challenges
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"Despite differences in definitions, perspectives
and priorities, sustainability remains a critical challenge for everyone.
In general, the problem is this: traditional patterns of industrial and
economic activities are no longer viable, but alternative models are not
yet developed. The historical trajectory of the industrial West cannot
serve as a model for the development of the industrializing countries,
but it cannot be discarded entirely. Ecological systems are severely strained
by the cumulative effects of past industrialization and can scarcely support
added strains due to future patterns of growth, but there are major uncertainties
about what must be done and how. In short, the international community
as a whole is involved in a global search for new modes of development,
new designs for social interaction, and new technologies for meeting evolving
needs, wants, and demands."
Nazli Choucri, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, November 1996.
