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."
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.
 |
| 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
No comments:
Post a Comment