Wk 13 - Controversy between green & highrise

Earlier in the blog entry. I looked at Sydney's One Central that redefines green architecture of the current society. the relationship between architecture, sustainability, and society was integrated seamlessly from my humble opinion.

One Central Park, Sydney.
 Image Source : http://www.jakob.com/download/attachments/7406864/G6-13_2_Central-Park_Sydney.jpg?version=1&modificationDate=1421829828689&api=v2 

However, today, there was an article regarding the controversy between tree-covered-skyscrapers as global architecture trend shifts towards "sustainability". In the reading, it questioned the role and feasibility of trees and ecologically sustainable principles being on or above buildings. Being said that, Vegetated designs come about for myriad reasons- the appearance of sustainability but it never leaves the realm of paper or virtual architecture.(Kohlstedt, n.d) In fact, without proper management, and innovation these "virtual" green concept would only cause daunting construction hurdles such as extra material costs, complex irrigation system as well as trees themselves would have trouble adapting to their new environment. To be honest, the situation revealed might be the actual reality of the developing world, "if you wanted to make something look trendier, put a bird on it" in this case, Tim De Chant pointed out that the same situation in the construction field, "want to make a skyscraper look trendy and sustainable ? Put a tree or better yet dozens."

Image Source : http://www.archdaily.com/788584/are-tree-covered-skyscrapers-really-all-they-set-out-to-be/574dc70be58ece083e000016-are-tree-covered-skyscrapers-really-all-they-set-out-to-be-image

Times like this, when the architects would virtually conceive the idea of green from inception to conception while developers companies would take the opportunity to marketing purposes without engaging respective parties to further improvise the feasibility of the vegetation on skyscrapers. Hence, the phenomenon of yellow- brown vegetation instead of green over a period of time after practical completion which then lead to a number of resources required to place and maintain the trees. Even though, the intentions are clear and noble when the architects and developers wanting to contribute to wider urbanity as well as the environment, however, it is also questionable at the same time whereby resources that are used to maintain the building is outweighing their ecological merits. So where do the problem sets and resonates, I questioned myself  ? Might as well turn to conventional building that aims to provide better thermal comfort through the clever use of materials from construction to complete, which in return, reduces the impact of environmental resource exploitation. 

In conclusion, there are many reasons NOT to put vegetation above skyscrapers as listed and explained in the article by Tim De Chant, however, I would not go through it listing and explaining, instead my thinking and opinion on it. Built upon the aforementioned points, I partially disagree with his opinion of not put greens on building due to climatic and technical issues, in fact, with technological advancement, the increasing pressure on sustainability, globalisation; we are in need of innovative ideas to not worsen but to maintain or improve the ecological balance between built and natural environment. 

Resources: 

http://www.archdaily.com/788584/are-tree-covered-skyscrapers-really-all-they-set-out-to-be

http://www.archdaily.com/346374/can-we-please-stop-drawing-trees-on-top-of-skyscrapers

Wk12 - Sustainable Development in Construction Materials

This is a journal blog entry that is somewhat strongly relatable towards my career development as an architecture student. Often, from my personal opinion, sustainable architecture is the holistic view on the sustainable principles of (1) Conserving Energy (2) Working with Climate (3) Minimising New Resources (4) Respecting the Users (5) Respect to Site (6) Holism as mention in the Green Architecture :Design for a Sustainable Future by Vale and Vale. So instead of being inspired to write a blog about sustainable by an article or news, I did some research independently about a construction material that is used in almost every building in the urban context, or somewhat globally. 

That is Cement ! 

According to World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), " Concrete is the most widely used material on earth after water, with nearly 3 tonnes used annually for each individual living being on earth. 

Cement VS Concrete 

Further investigation leads me to understand the different terms between "cement" and concrete". In which, after 4 years of architectural education, I finally understood the proper definition that most students assumed are the same; which they are not. Cement is, however, a binding agent for sand, gravel and water to form concrete. 

Image Source : Author 

So, the environmental impact of concrete is evidently becoming significant since the industry requires environmentally sustainable design, where CO2 emission are often used as a rating tool justifying the impact of the project. Mind-boggling figures indicate that a typical 74% - 81% of the total CO2 emission by raw cement while the remaining 13-20% is from the production of aggregates  such as electricity and transportation.  

Therefore, by the exposure and understanding of the environmental impact, we as future designers should think twice before specifying new materials for the proposed building adequately; without imposing additional impact for unnecessary  wastage. In fact, the consequences would be devastating as (Rubenstein, 2012) argues that cement production will continue to grow 2.5% annually from 2.55 billion tonnes in 2006 to 4.4 billion tonnes by 2050 due to high demand. 

                                        

However, further reading indicates that the highest environmental impact is from the production instead of construction, the use of natural gas and electricity to heat, cool and operate the factory. Where carbon emissions are from the calcination of cement during manufacturing which is responsible for almost 50% of the overall emission !  

In summary, although, we as architectural designers are somewhat responsible for the emissions and environmental impact of the production of cement, well , partially responsible. The information gather for this particular blog entry serves as an important reminder that, we could play a significant role in mitigating environmental risk produced by cement by being more environmentally conscious during schematic design and construction. For example, adaptively reusing old structures to minimise the use of new materials, selecting environmentally produced cement that uses less carbon-intensive fuel for the product to lower the overall environmental impact base on Life-cycle Analysis as well as initiative such as carbon capture and storage during the production stage.

Resources : 

·    David, J, Flower,M , Jay, G. Sanjayan. 2007, 'Green House Gas Emissions', The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, July 2007, Vol 12, Issue 5, pp282-288. 

·     Rubenstein, M. 2012,  Emission from the Cement Industry, State of the Planet, Columbia University. Viewed 2 June 2015, < http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2012/05/09/emissions-from-the-cement-industry/> 

·     Santero, N, Loijios, A, Ochsendorf, J. 2013, ' Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Opportunities for Concrete Pavements', Journal of Industrial Ecology.

·      Anonymous. 2012,' Concrete CO2 Fact Sheet', NRMCA Publication, February 2012.

Wk 12 - Architecture & Sustainability

Over a year ago, the American Institute of Architects declared the "voice of the architecture profession," announced that AIA members will no longer need to complete the sustainable design requirement to fulfill their AIA continuing education." (Hosey, 2016) 

The reason justifying the action was that the topic sustainability design practices have become a mainstream design intention, and the knowledge about it is no longer necessary to maintain competency as well as to improve the profession. According to the AIA, the profession must have met its environmental goals and there is nothing left to improve. However, I would strongly disagree with their statement upon justifying the action whereby sustainability is a complex development issue that requires constant adaptation and refining in order to build a better society. As the alternative solution towards the unsustainable consumption of the society is beyond unthinkable and the solution to build a "perfect" sustainable environment is unimaginable. ( Steffen, 2005) The only constant factor in our current society is it "always changing", the trend of sustainability may be superseded at a flash, by then how sure are they that architect of that generation would still uphold the obligation towards the sustainable environment ? 

Polls in 2009 revealed that a third of the architects are skeptical about climate change, and 13% believe it is a myth. As Hosey suggested, the possibility of inadequate education and common criticism of green buildings. Furthermore, the lack of leadership of green architecture in the profession, for example, Peter Eisenman and Frank Gehry once called green building standards "bogus". (Hosey, 2016) Respectable as it may seem from the architecture field to me, star-hitects should portray a sense of responsibility not only towards the community but to the environment that the building he/she created is going to be built on. Evidently, James Wines, author of Green Architecture called Gehry's work "mind-boggling waste." Probably the unconventional use of cladding that some might say a waste of materials in the name of aesthetic in the iconic work of Frank Gehry. 

Image Source : http://www.archdaily.com/782905/when-it-comes-to-sustainable-design-architects-still-dont-get-it/56d455cce58ece3a6c000003-when-it-comes-to-sustainable-design-architects-still-dont-get-it-photo

At the same time, it is sadly true that even within my own education over the years in architecture, the theme of sustainability if often not prioritise by the tutors and professors, instead are more often concerned about the intangible concepts of form and space. Well, this is arguable that to me sustainability should be an integration into the design process that starts to inform innovatively. By following the principles of sustainability such as orientation, ventilation etc, everything changes about architecture , including its purpose, process and products. "Design isn't separate from sustainability - it's the key to it. ( Hosey, 2016) 

Resource : 

http://www.archdaily.com/782905/when-it-comes-to-sustainable-design-architects-still-dont-get-it

Wk 11 - Biomass - an alternative ?

As a subsequent topic of my previous blog entry regarding the paradox of renewable energy. Technically, biomass, as defined by the BIOMASS Energy Centre, is the biological material derived from living, or recently living organism. However, it defers from traditional fossil fuels by the time factor, at the same time takes out carbon while it is growing and returns as it is burned, therefore creating as well as maintains a closed loop of carbon cycle. 

An interesting project I stumble upon by Thomas Heatherwick Studio, where he questioned the role of a post industrial area be given a second chance to regenerate instead of a mere sculpture of the past.  

Image Source : Author.

Image Source https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/12/BEI-Teesside-power-plant-by-Heatherwick-Studio-3.jpg

The Teesside Power Station. The main objective of the project was to be the 2nd power station in Britain to generate renewable energy that works as an interactional landmark that had a more intimate connection to the ground. To get away ffrom the idea of traditional power station that is isolated from society and instead creating a public space of civic and recreational value. (Heatherwick, n.d) Similar to the BIG's Clean Energy Plant in Copenhegan. My take of the ideology of a building in architecture is not merely a multidisciplinary process but it should also take into consideration a socio-environmental and socio-political aspects that gives back to the community or the environment. However, conceptually the idea of Teesside in mediating the boundaries seem plaussible but I would question the idea of bring the landscape vertically as the facade, in terms of functionality it seems redundant without community interaction as compared to BIG's Clean Energy Plant. 

However, despite all the advantages and hype revolving biomass energy. Reports suggested otherwise, that renewable energy produced from biomass has multiple challenges and barriers thar requires further research and development is need in order to pursue the idea of additional biomass energy. As compared to other renewable energy systems, its first priority is to sustain the living organisms that will then used to power the system when cost of living is already problematic. This may be damaging the environment more than it is trying to sustain it, in fact, biowaste produces another type of GHG called Methane which is 25% more harmful than Carbon Dioxide. In fact, Greenpeace opposing voice arguing that "the bioenergy sector is damaging its future acceptance by not acknowledging the upfront 'carbon' debt' by consumping resource for energy as well as its significant environmental effects such as pollution of the Methane gas. 

With the benefit of doubt the question of biomass energy is truly green remains open for debate. However, through my career reflections as well as sustainable development blog entries: "As architects, it is crucial to work together with organisation can achive better results for sustaimable development in order to have the almagamation between sustainable functionality and architectural expression. 

Resource: 
http://www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk/portal/page?_pageid=76,15049&_dad=portal 

http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/Advantages_Disadvantages_BiomassEnergy.php

http://arena.gov.au/files/2013/08/Chapter-12-Bioenergy.pdf

http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/en/?ref=2016-tax-appeal-coal-free-future-TO

Wk 11- Are Smart Cities Smarter ?

" Smart cities use information and communication technologies (ICT) to be more intelligent and efficient in the use of resources, resulting in cost and energy savings, improved service delivery and quality of life, and reduce environmental footprint- all supporting innovation and the low-carbon economy." (Cohen, 2013) 

Today I came across an article regarding "smart cities" @ The Conversation of Australia. The publication was addressing or perhaps celebrating at the same time about the 100th anniversary of the birth of Jane Jacobs, an American-Canadian author and activist's spirited defence of inner-city neighbourhoods inspired a generation of urban place-makers. ( Barns, 2016) 

Source : http://www.streetline.com/smart-cities/

Arguably the biggest topic in urbanism right now is the "Smart City".

What these smart cities that we often hear about in the current society ? How smart should it be in order to sustain the global movement into sustainable development ? With little to none knowledge about smart cities, I profess that this serves an opportunity to expose and widen my understanding of the topic. As the global population continues to grow exponentially over the years, people would start moving into urban areas. In order to handle this large scale urbanisation, cities need to get smarter to manage such complexity, increase efficiency, reduce expenses, and improve the quality of life. 

The juxtaposition within the article is that they argued that the theory or ideology she proposed back in the 20th-century is that "the city's structure consists of a mixture of uses instead of radical urban plans through appeals to natural or scientific principle" might not be relevant or useful. Coming from an architectural point of view, I do find myself stuck in between a dilemma between the ideology of smart cities as well as the underlying principle of space making for the community.


Evidently as the effects of climate change, smart cities are presented as an answer to managing as well as mitigate through a sensor-based solution.This, however, may be plausible but to what extend ? By mitigating and managing, it saves millions, no matter how negligible the problem, simply because of the scale of the system that will be monitored. (Koolhaas, 2014) By relying on the confluence of "smart city", creative and innovation are being suppressed by the idea of urban consolidation. By imposing such monitoring system, does it mean that to save the city, we may have to destroy it ? Rather than discarding the urban intelligence accumulated over the centuries of research and development, we must explore how and to what extent is today's smart city with previous knowledge in an innovative way.

A Smart City Control Room by IBM in Rio de Janeiro. 

It really fascinates me that a control room is able to monitor the entire city. But to what extent is being monitored by the people in this room ? The dilution between public and private of the community is being compromised. Every movement, every element in a space will be automated with sensors that track the inhabitant. Probably, soon the ironic situation where people would prefer living outside of an urban setting, a retreat from digital sensing and pre-emption.

Although the transfer of authority has been achieved in a clever way by calling city smart - and by calling it smart, our city is condemned to be stupid. (Koolhaas, 2014) Without a doubt, for the sake of the sustainability, it is clear that those in the digital realm and architects have to work together for a better future for the community.

Resource :

http://theconversation.com/what-might-jane-jacobs-say-about-smart-cities-58278

http://www.archdaily.com/353281/without-architects-smart-cities-just-aren-t-smart

https://cities.dpmc.gov.au/smart-cities-plan

http://www.streetline.com/smart-cities/

Wk 10 - Sustainability in Animation Movies

The role of "Pixar" in the world of cinema, storytelling, and digital rendering is already well documented, however, its link with architecture have yet to be fully explored. Among the greatest advantages and perhaps overlooked, is the talent to create convincing architectural worlds adjacent to and within the human world, we inhabit every day. Which then lead to my question of its role as an entertainment industry as a new tool to encourage  as well as provoke critical thinking about sustainability

I profess that, I grew up with Pixar's animation during my early days, however, I actually did not know the message of sustainability before their animations till I came across this article. Remembering being exposed to the ocean life of the great barrier reef in the movie, the importance of the natural ecosystem created towards the environment as well as living organism in the ocean. Today, as my maturity and understanding of urban sustainable development grow, it was evident that there was a sustainable message before every animation they created, a story within a story, how human interventions and greed are destroying the natural habitat of the ecosystem. 

Install the role of sustainability from an early age. an ideal learning tool. (Sekalias & Anthony, 2015) Imparting universal lessons through storytelling, creating empathy through anthropomorphism of its main characters.

Source : ( Pixar cite by Sekalias & Anthony, 2015)

Accessibility as well as ecology that portrays a wide range of scale, shape, and physical ability within their individual environment. Personally, as a designer, a sustainable city, has to be carefully thought out equally that caters to accommodate users' different height, exemplifying a sensitivity to accessibility and universal design. Of course without denying that fact, we are sharing the environment with other biological systems, so that it allows all inhabitants to coexist happily and comfortably. 

Source : ( Pixar cite by Sekalias & Anthony, 2015)

The reality that is imagined in the movie Wall-E if we continue to consume and waste scared resources mindlessly 

 The above screenshot was from the movie "Wall-E" that has a definitive stance on our patterns of consumption, showing the world that we must abandon because it no longer can sustain any form of life. As designers, we often encourage the  integration of sustainable technology as well as consider biodegradable options in order to minimalise the impact of the proposed building on the environment. 

Source : ( Pixar cite by Sekalias & Anthony, 2015)

Personally, it is a self-reflection that goes beyond the mere practical and the reflections of the inhabitants.

The Joy in Sustainability 

To the extent, this proofs that "when there's a will, there's a way". What is to be taken away from the article is that the responsibility of sustainability doesn't necessarily fall on the shoulders of governments, policy makers, urban planners or architects, it is the responsibility of all humanity to preserve what is important for future generations to meet heir daily needs. Of course, apart from producing exciting and beautiful animations for the community, the hidden meaning or reality of a current society that objectively exposed to younger generations to develop their sense of sustainability, however, studies shows that parent or guardian influence is the key towards their development,  "the influence of Pixar on generations of children and their parents around the world has been enormous" quoted by arch daily. Therefore, parents as a role model should work hand in hand with government, community or the environmental governing bodies to help prepare the society of tomorrow in combating the issue of global sustainability development. 

On the side note, while preparing this particular journal entry, curiosity struck me. Which type of cinematic genre is more sustainable compared to others ? A fully computer animated rendering that requires long extended hours of computer renderings ? OR a live action movie that requires heaps of materials, time and labor throughout the preparation process of the set and destroying it in the process ?  

Resource:
http://www.archdaily.com/771987/4-lessons-pixar-films-can-teach-us-about-architecture

Wk 10 - Livability & Density

Hong Kong without a doubt is the densest cities in the world, in fact, it has the highest population and employment density in the world. As of 2011, there are 7 million people for its 1068 square kilometres of land, however, more than 75% of the land comprises no built up areas. (Yeh, 2011)

Source : http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/population.pdf

Stumbled upon an article titled "Hong Kong has enough money and land, but no guts or will to solve its housing crisis" The author of the article highlighted the fact that greedy landlords, unscrupulous property developers as well as gutless governance were the reason that urbanist could not afford a decent home instead of a tiny pigeonholes. Nevertheless, with the high price of land in Hong Kong also contributes to its high-density development. On top of that associating the situation towards the impact of its social fabric. 

After further research, it is noted that the author might not be on the neutral ground upon producing the article but instead expressing his unsatisfaction of opinion.  Although, high population density is undesirable and often associated with social pathologies and problem, however, studies shown there is little correlation between density and social pathology. (Yeh, 2011) Evidently, the moral of the issue would be to have a clear distinction between 'density' and 'crowing'. While ' density' is used to refer to the physical limitation of space, 'crowding' is the actual psychological perception of the limited space. 

Returning to the topic of the living conditions of urbanist that an average home and living space are less than 9.3 sqm in size whereas cage homes tend to be just 1.9 sqm. Resulting in poor living habitat such as poor ventilation, stressful relationships with the community. Despite the quality of accommodation, unaffordable rents. Unfortunately, the HK Government does not approach the issue of housing through a health perspective, (LSECities, 2011) in fact ignoring the issue which forces them to remain for a longer period of time in poor living environment. That said, a triple bottom line approach has to be addressed in order to secure as well as ensure a sustainable development of the city. It is an accounting framework that incorporates three dimensions of performance : social, environmental and financial so that people across the spectrum could contribute towards wider urbanity such as government, decision makers, development agency as well as individual Hong Kong urbanist. 

In addition, a top-down approach is equally important to ensure the workability of the triple bottom line approach that engages with a set of opportunities and challenges. In this case, government and public policy have the potential to quickly push through massive change, especially when people recognise a major threat (Zwicke, 2010) Of course, this too questions the roles of designers such as architects to design livable spaces for the community. As described by Rem Koolhaas at the 2016 AIA convention. architecture has a serious problem today, moving from a welfare state to a market economy. Slowly, architects found ourselves supporting, at best, individual ambitions and , at worst, pure profit motives. (Budds, 2016) Without a doubt, it was an interesting read by the Pritzker Prize Winner Architect, Theorist and Provocateur that somewhat reinforced my motivation, about why I chose to be an architect years ago; to make a difference, even for just a group of people with the architecture I create. 

Resource: 

http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1947676/hong-kong-has-enough-money-and-land-no-guts-or-will-solve

https://lsecities.net/media/objects/articles/high-density-living-in-hong-kong/en-gb/

http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/population.pdf

https://lsecities.net/media/objects/articles/hong-kong/en-gb/

http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/01/imitation-or-creativity/#

http://www.fastcodesign.com/3060135/innovation-by-design/rem-koolhaas-architecture-has-a-serious-problem-today

Wk 9 - A Silent Protest

When we think of a development project, it is often associated with simple land clearing and a construction phase of the building by the developer for the communities, for the greater good of better living. However,  how many of the individuals within the community understands the story behind the environment ? While it may no necessarily has a direct correlation with urban sustainable topics, for me the series of photos saddens me as well as represents a reminder that we humans are slowly imposing a threat towards the environment.

The journal blog entry today is somewhat out of character from the previous entries because I believe that "A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words" by a non-governmental organisation named "saytrees" from India. Nevertheless, these simple images truly evoked my responsibility as an individual, as a future architect, as an occupant in the earth that we are slowly degrading for the sake of our comfort. 

The above images were reimagined by giving trees emotions and feeling through a silent protest along the streets where the community could acknowledge their presence and importances. Maybe perhaps we should start treating the environment more sensible as a living creation that has emotions and thoughts instead of just mere resources for exploitation. 

"Uprooting Them Means Suicide" 

Evidently in the recent years, by understanding the current situation and the rate of globalisation, living at peace with the environment is no longer our priority, instead restoring our rapid degrading environment should be something worth fighting for. 

" Moving Towards Development or Destruction? " 

A story that shows as society moves towards modernisation but our priorities and environmental concerns start to diminish. The substance that we strive to provide a better living and environment for the community is actually slowly killing the ecology. 

A total irony that we often speak of when we print more papers in order to market "save the trees"

In conclusion, sometimes sustainability is not absolute towards only numbers, data, and hard facts. To me, it falls under the emotional level that makes us human as well as distinct us from others habitat of the environment. While the ecological damages we have imposed are not obvious, as an individual, as an occupant of nature, it is not an excuse to ignore it collectively for a better sustainable future. 

Resource :
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153415815643789.1073741913.237779238788&type=3

Wk 9 - Eco-tourism

As the final weeks of the semester approaches, trying to make ends meet between submission deadlines. In the midst of consideration of a nice getaway trip, I question myself regarding the relationship between sustainability and getaway trip, Upon reflecting my experiences in Malaysia, "sustainable" themed accommodation not only often strikes interest among us as architecture-junkies, in fact, young adults who wants to get away from the bustling city life. 

Among the few that are often mention are "The Capsule Retreat",  Kuantan, Malaysia, approximate 2hours drive away from the capital of Kuala Lumpur  and "The Container Hotel" built from recycled shipping containers within the heart of Kuala Lumpur. 

Source : http://archartme.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/unique-hotel-time-capsule-retreat.html

Source : http://www.cuti.my/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/container-hotel-840.jpg

The examples mentioned above often draw curiosity from the younger generation, to promote sustainability through the increasing demand for unique accommodations. As a research done by Day & Cai (2012) stated that sustainability is not an absolute concept and different stakeholders have variety of perspective on what constitutes appropriate action. This market of Eco-tourism often focuses on the natural landscape while minimising human damage and intervention but the container hotel proofs that the idea of eco-tourism is not bound only by natural landscaping, but instead the uniqueness and objective in creating a sustainable tourism building are not absolute. 

By giving new purpose towards its original intended function, the mentioned projects not only reduced the used of additional raw materials from being abstract in order to build conventional accommodations, they were given a unique out of characteristic function in order to market as "sustainable". 

While there is perhaps an arguable marketing ploy and the project is not necessarily 100% carbon neutral, "sustainability in larger resort and hotel developments may prove to be a challenging and difficult process" (Salehudin, 2013),  it nonetheless represents a solution where ‘cutting back’ in the name of sustainability does not necessarily mean abandoning the comforts of the modern world. Although, 

Resource :
http://ac.els-cdn.com/S1877042813024981/1-s2.0-S1877042813024981-main.pdf?_tid=6b6bea12-1f3e-11e6-8822-00000aacb35e&acdnat=1463826543_62f48bd8af4002d3715e5f7c7f35831f

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265051282_Challenges_to_sustainable_resort_and_hotel_development_in_Malaysia

http://archartme.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/unique-hotel-time-capsule-retreat.html