Architecture, Climate Change and key driving factors
Architecture and climate change
Through careful zoning, traffic management, and green spaces, architecture enhances the functionality and livability of cities. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. The built environment is responsible for significant global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key area for reducing carbon emissions. Architects have a crucial role to play in addressing climate change, as they are responsible for designing the built environment.
One of the key driving factors behind climate change is the use of fossil fuels. Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of energy consumption, and therefore carbon emissions. Architects can help reduce carbon emissions by designing buildings that are energy-efficient and powered by renewable energy sources.
Another key driving factor behind climate change is deforestation. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them an important tool in the fight against climate change. Sustainable architecture can help reduce deforestation by using green building materials such as timber.
What can architects do?
In addition to reducing carbon emissions and deforestation, architects can also help mitigate the effects of climate change by designing buildings that are resilient to extreme weather events such as floods and hurricanes. This can be achieved through green infrastructure such as green roofs and rain gardens.
Architects can also play a role in promoting sustainable transportation by designing buildings that encourage walking, cycling, and public transportation. This can be achieved through the use of bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and public transportation hubs.
In a nutshell, architects have a crucial role to play in addressing climate change. By designing buildings that are energy-efficient, powered by renewable energy sources, and resilient to extreme weather events, architects can help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Role of education
Sustainability issues, particularly climate change, have significantly influenced architectural education. It is suggested that academic institutions, which are responsible for educating future generations of built environment professionals, can play an important role in reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. This can help create built environments that are better equipped to mitigate the causes of climate change.
Deezen and sustainable architecture
Dutch firm DP6 Architectuurstudio has created a mostly bio-based pavilion for the Floriade 2022 horticultural expo in Almere, Netherlands, which aims to demonstrate the exemplary use of natural materials in contemporary construction. The Natural Pavilion was shortlisted in the sustainable building category of Dezeen Awards 2022. The building focuses on the spatial challenges facing the Netherlands, which is confronting a housing shortage, as well as the need to restore biodiversity, adapt to climate change, and make the transition to more sustainable energy and materials production.
