Green Architecture
Since man started creating permanent structures, architecture has conformed to the environment and technology of the time and place it was created. For a time, during the mid-20th century, it can be said that architecture deviated from this as new technologies allowed for architects to consider their buildings as art forms that existed for its own sake. They followed the dictum “form over function”. With the beginning of Postmodernism in Architecture (the first discipline to use the term), there was a return to, at least, the idea that architecture should serve, first and foremost the people that use it. Now, with dwindling natural resources, architects are again returning to the idea that architecture should strive to fit within its natural setting and use technologies appropriate to that setting. The “green” architecture movement, then, fits within a long tradition and takes it further. Many architects now are seeking the best ways to integrate their buildings into the environment, using new and old technologies to make the structures more energy efficient, more eco-friendly.
What renewable resources are readily available? What energy sources?
In a word document list some of the new (and old) technologies that allow architects to utilize Green Architecture. Be sure to challenge your assumptions and not default to common Green materials such as Trees?
In the same word document, list examples from the Neolithic to Modern age that have succeeded in working with a variety of Green materials. Research your findings well, and begin to question why “these” materials were used during the time period in which they were produced.
What would Green Architecture/building in your locale look like and how could it best function, what Technologies could it utilize?
Lastly, think about a Green Building that you would build. Problem solve, and thing about which renewable resources are readily available for you to build your structure, and what energy sources could you use or utilize?
Criteria: List (5) new and old Green architecture building materials. List (3) reasons why Green Architect during various times throughout history used the green materials that they had. List (3) local technologies that one could use to build Green Architecture locally. List (3) energy resources that could be used by you to build local Green Architecture.
