Filed under: November 6 | Tags: Data Collection - New/Alternative Projects
On a beach just outside of Rio de Janeiro is a small house in the shape of a banana leaf. Designed by Mareines and Patalano Arquitetura, it is much more than just a pretty structure. The open design of the house allows for the use of the winds from the sea as natural ventilation and cooling. This small breeze from the ocean creates a comfortable environment. The roof is designed to capture rainwater which is then used in the house. Also, natural products are used in the building of the house.
I love the design of this house. I find it to be quite a beautiful thing to look at. The use of natural products in combination with the colour and lighting choices really fit with the beach setting. It is nice to see that such gorgeous structures can also include the eco-friendly features that we focus on so strongly today. Since this focus on sustainability is just beginning, every new design helps in our attempt to step forward in green design.
LINK: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/11/12/brazilian-leaf-house-by-mareines-and-patalano/
Jean Trottier’s lecture on site planning was very informative. The Site Planning Process begins with the development program which includes a checklist of what needs to be included in the site. This functional diagram is than followed by site documentation and inventory. This step includes identifying and recording existing conditions. Then, in the site analysis one must evaluate the importance of particular existing conditions. After the site analysis, one must go back to the client and review what has been discovered. Concept plans follow this step. Pro-forma data should be generated, which should include the number of units, infrastructure requirements, costs, etc. To complete the site planning process, a preliminary site plan is developed. This focuses on the building footprints, roadway and pathway layout, drainage, as well as special amenities.
Following the Site Planning Process is the Suitability Analysis which largely entails environmental mapping. The characteristics of the soils are recorded, including their structural properties (slope stability, drainage, frost action, and compaction). Groundwater, suitability for waste disposal and plant growth, and the ground shift should also be considered. These all contribute to determining how easy it will be to build on the land.
Other concerns include hydrology as well as climate. Air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, and air movement all contribute the the comfort zone. The position of the sun in the sky along with wind also play a role in comfort.
Peter Busby is one of the architects who founded the very prestigious firm Busby Perkins+Will. This firm takes great pride in designing green buildings and has ”over 750 LEED Acredited Professionals on staff.” Their buildings are aesthetically pleasing, functional, energy efficient, and innovative. A lot of the projects featured on their website are located in B.C. What a coinsidence, since B.C. is ahead of the rest of Canada in design. This firm is part of the Dockside Green Development taking place in Victoria. It’s so interesting to come upon information like this. If any Canadian projects are touched on in lectures it is that of Vancouver or Victoria. The images on the website listed below really speak volumes about the designs. This firm produces incredible work. They deffinitly raise the bar.
For more information visit: http://www.busby.ca/index.htm
The suburbs are a huge problem. During these last few months we’ve been shown various movies about urban sprawl and all of its detrimental effects. “Build up not out” is the message we as students have been hearing. I fully agree with this approach, urban sprawl must stop. Something i found interesting in todays lecture is when Mr. Trottier shared about an approach that was used in Alberta. This approach was to go back to the old ways of design, look at old towns, where green areas and public space was in the centre of the design. Everything should be built around the public space because it is the most important. I find it interesting that in todays society where it is thought that we are making things bigger, better, and faster then ever before, really in design that is not the case. Urban developments where all houses look the same, are produced fast, and at a resonable cost are not great designs. It is ironic that now we need to look back at the old ways of doing things to find answers for todays problems.
