As it is rightly said, change is the only constant. The same is true for architectural design too. When an architect is entrusted with any construction work, he is expected to create a structure that can stand tall for years to come. This means that the structure needs to have the practicality and strength to withstand natural phenomena, from a heavy downpour to a flooding situation. All this needs to be done and presented pleasingly and creatively for the structure to look appealing.
The world of architecture and design can contribute substantially to addressing environmental issues and help fight the challenges of climate change. The structure and designs of buildings thus need to be the perfect amalgamation of engineering design and creative presentation. Keeping the following few steps in mind can help create more functional and environmentally viable designs today.
Know your area well
One factor that is crucial to understand before starting the process of designing is the details of the area where the construction is to take place. This is an important aspect of ensuring a smooth flow of construction and focusing on engineering design that can help to create a strong building with a solid foundation. Knowing the area would include inspecting the soil and knowing the frequency of floods and earthquakes the area is prone to. All this helps to identify well in advance the key aspects that need special attention while designing the building.
Choice of materials according to climatic challenges
When choosing the material for construction and designing, there are two ways to address the climate challenges. The first is to focus on the reuse-and-reduce policy. So one can opt for materials that can be reused and materials that reduce dependence on non-renewable sources of energy. Besides this, according to the frequency of natural calamities that the area is prone to, you can use more flood-resistant materials for places that experience flooding situations often. In the case of areas prone to earthquakes, more emphasis should be placed on using techniques of construction and material that can hold the building better during tremor waves.
Opt for locally procured materials
Another very efficient way to help reduce the carbon footprint and pollution problem is to use materials that can be procured locally. By doing so, designers and architects can contribute massively by eliminating the need to arrange for long-distance transportation, which results in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that occur due to the burning of fuel. So, whenever feasible, architectural design projects should advocate for the local manufacturer’s products.
Use renewable sources of energy and biodegradable materials
Architects should help create designs in which buildings make more use of renewable energy. Bricks made with zero carbon emissions, tiles made using carbon emissions, solar panels, and systems that support low energy consumption are a few things that an engineering design can consider incorporating creatively.
The argument that might go against some of the upcoming biodegradable and eco-friendly materials can be the cost component. These materials are created to reduce the adverse effects of climate change, and thus the designers and architects need to work as a team to get this vision and message across to the end users. It’s about understanding how the initial setup cost of systems that consume low energy will help reap benefits over time in the form of low running costs and how the extra pennies spent on opting for the sustainable materials in the market will add up to the right tools to battle climate change.
