Sustainable Design: Better for People and the Planet
The world of design and architecture holds untapped potential for promoting sustainability, a topic we dove into with author Corey Squire, of "People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide to Realizing Architecture's Potential," in our latest Booked on Planning episode. In the episode coming out in a few weeks, we discussed how design choices significantly impact our everyday lives and how these choices can be used to create more sustainable, equitable buildings.
Corey highlighted the importance of considering factors such as indoor air quality and energy sources in buildings. In essence, design excellence encompasses the creation of structures that not only meet aesthetic standards but also prioritize health, environmental sustainability, and long-term benefits. One critical aspect discussed was the impact of our material choices on the environment. The choices we make in terms of materials used in construction projects can have far-reaching impacts, especially considering the interconnected nature of our world today. The conversation underscored the need to focus on selections that promise better outcomes for both people and the planet. The idea of using local materials and construction techniques to have more control and knowledge of the supply chain was also put forth. During the conversation I brought up an earlier post I wrote on designing with local context.
As I read the book, I couldn’t help but notice that the most sustainable way to build today is the same way we were building 100 years ago. Using natural materials like wood for structural members, reducing the depth of floor plates to allow natural light to illuminate a space, maintaining operable windows for airflow to cool and remove hazardous air from the space, and orienting the building to take advantage of these features to name a few. It’s interesting when you look at the layout of streets in older neighborhoods, they all have longer east-west streets, allowing for the homes along them to be designed with more north and south facade glazing. We also used to have operable double-hung windows, allowing for air movement through a dwelling and deep front porches to shade the interior of the home and provide a cool space on summer days to sit. It would seem preservation of existing buildings, those built over 100 years ago, are the key to sustainability moving forward. But, should new construction be necessary on vacant lots or underutilized parking lots, looking to the way we used to build is the the way to go.
Advocacy plays a vital role in challenging traditional practices and adopting values that enhance the quality of our built environment. Corey emphasized that it is possible to break away from traditional practices and prioritize values that lead to positive outcomes in the built environment. Designing buildings that prioritize people and the planet taps into the symbiotic relationship between design and human well-being.
Reshaping our built environment to serve us and the planet better is a shared responsibility. It's not just about architects and designers making sustainable choices, but also about users and communities advocating for and embracing these changes. We should keep in mind that every design decision we make has real, far-reaching impacts, and it's up to us to ensure these impacts are positive for both people and the planet.
