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annabe
Joined: 26 Sep 2006
Posts: 7
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 Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:41 am Post subject: SUSTAINABLE URBANISM - designing for density |
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I am a 3rd year graphic design and illustration student. I have just recently found my feet and they are rooted on the sustainable path.
I want to do a degree course in energy efficient design and sustainable architecture, so if you know of any good courses, would appreciate any reccommendations.
anyway was just wondering if anyone had any views on the following area,
Designing for density
Utilising space efficiently is a key issue, especially within urban sprawl.
We need to draw lines in the ground and say, "The concrete stops here." That forces people to build in and up, rather than out - and there's nothing wrong with high, dense urban environments as long as they're planned correctly. They can be extremely livable. They tend to require less transportation, fewer sewer lines, fewer power lines, fewer roads, and more tightly packed structures, which in and of themselves are more energy efficient. - Cited in Massive Change (Bruce Mau), by Patrick Moore, Greenpeace cofounder and environmental consultant. p.37
I feel the main issue here is creating a stimulating visual habitat. One that does not compact concrete into anonymous tower blocks, supporting an infrastructure of separate entities. The contemporary architect could design the layout of densely populated areas, by creating working / living space that runs in proximity with natural geometry and functions as an ecosystem. An ecosystem, - a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. Naturally ecosystems sustain themselves through self regulating organisms, as we and every other living species pursues its own self interest ( in terms of survival) we simultaneously support other life systems. A theory hypothesized by James Lovelock (gaia theory) explains that all living species and matter are keeping the constant ecological equilibrium of one super living organism - the planet earth. A microcosm to this could be the millions of singular cells regulating a larger living organism, the body. This theory could set a paradigm for designing a self - sufficient city, each large structure could work as an organism where by interior actions and regulating systems e.g storing and generating energy, sustain it as a whole. The objective; to create living architecture that co-operates with human habitation, rather than repressing it. Re cycling its waste products to produce energy and not deplete it
and so i am wanting to create a visual for my dissertation ; the centrality of environmental design within sustainable architecture, to support rising population.
The objective to create living architecture that co-operates with human habitation, rather than repressing it. For instance inbuilt mechanims within building that generate energy through human kinetic movement, e.g. stairs that are built on hydrolic system, so when weight is applied energy is absorbed, dont know how to do this?
anyone got any ideas, have any knowledge to share??
peace |
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TJCaine
Joined: 06 Nov 2006
Posts: 53
Location: New York, NY
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| Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 10:05 pm Post subject: |
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Hey there,
First of all I'd say there is no question about the sustainable nature of urban density. Without question, density is sustainable. It combats sprawl, it allows for an increase in opportunities for residents to provide mutual, reflexive benefit to each other in a close environment and it epitomizes the use of public transit and reduction in car traffic. Of course, cities are not perfect, but there is a world of opportunity to increase their efficiency, encourage density and return them to a responsible place in the environmental balance. Some of this can be policy measures, urban planning and of course, designing of the individual buildings. I think one way is to create more of what I call Land Value Rifts. If you look at some of the great cities in the world, they're often contained (New York being the epitome of this.) The catalyst to density in New York is that given the breadth of the rivers, the land on one and its opportunity costs are so much higher than that on the other side. Vancouver is similar, as is Boston and to an extent, Philadelphia. In the future these dont have to be natural land forms... could be parks, green energy bands, natural reserves.
As for your dissertation direction, I couldn't agree with you more. I actually did a similar topic for my Master's Thesis. You're exactly right... cities are ecosystems in and of themselves (or at least they can/should be.) My study focused more on the urban scale measures targeting struggling, post-industrial cities by using green industries to create what I called an Environmental Industry Base, or a reflexively beneficial, sustainable network ecology.
Your spin is a bit different, really focusing on the small scale of the architecture itself--a different problem, but no less pertinent. I'd be happy to send you a copy of some of my thesis material if you're interested. At the very least, it could give you a good base and perspective to start with. I'd recommend reading some of Jane Jacobs as well, particularly "Economies of Cities." It touches on a lot of what you're talking about. Great quote:
"It is possible that cities will become huge, rich and diverse mines of raw materials."
And she was saying this in 1969! Let me know if I can be of any assistance. |
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vancouver1986
Joined: 27 Jan 2008
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 8:01 pm Post subject: Pictures of Density in Vancouver, Canada |
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| Hey there, just thought I'd share some pictures of density in Vancouver, Canada. Enjoy! |
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vancouver1986
Joined: 27 Jan 2008
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 8:06 pm Post subject: Pictures of Density in Vancouver, Canada |
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| Hey just another picture here of the False Creek/Science World area of Vancouver here. Most of these buildings are anchored by a rapid transit station, better known as Main Street Station. This station connects the area to both Downtown Vancouver and the suburbs. |
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