Not just about building designs
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The recent national convention of the Indian Institute of Architects in Bangalore looked at ways in which architects and architecture can make a difference to society.
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Display: One of the stalls at the inaugural function of NATCON 2008 organised by the Indian Institute of Architects.
The Indian Institute of Architects held a national convention in Bangalore recently to look at ways in which architecture can make a difference.
The convention focussed on aspects such as sustainability, urban highrises, agriculture, incorporating culture and traditions into design and cybertecture, besides cautioning against “false prophets from the west.”
The speakers, eminent architects from the international arena, provided plenty of food for thought, listing ways by which architecture can make a difference in an era where global warming has become a critical factor. Nandan Nilekani, co-chairman, Infosys Technologies, was the chief guest.
Environment
On the role of architecture in the era of globalisation, Mr. Nilekani used the broad thesis of his recently published book as the basis of approach to have the right paradigm and create sustainable buildings. Stating that in the history of development, there was a linear connection between energy consumption and growth, he said, “Going forward, development should be linked with environment.”
Calling for the effective use of technology to create sustainable buildings, he felt electronic submission of every building plan would be an excellent idea. “There could be simulation software to decide the best orientation for a building.” He further called for an integrated approach to design and architecture where aspects such as health, infrastructure as well as climate adaptation and energy conservation are taken into consideration.
Pool resources
Pointing to the urgent need to create sustainable buildings, Gary Lawrence from ARUP said, “Sustainability is a means to minimise risk and maximise opportunity.” He called for the need to pool our resources and knowledge to address the current environmental challenges.
He felt the design community, architects and engineers would need to lead the way in countering climate change to prevent serious harm. He called for an integrated approach in creating eco cities that have zero carbon emissions.
“For instance, traffic congestion could be reduced by creating tunnels through which freight could be delivered at night. Use of grey water could be maximised, roofs could be used to grow food while at the same time providing the much-needed insulation for the building.”
Opting for 100 per cent on-site generation of renewable energy and leaving 40-60 per cent of the site area as green space were some of the other suggestions he listed to reduce carbon emissions and create sustainable architecture.
Futuristic architecture
“Stunning” is the word to describe the buildings designed by James Law from Hong Kong. Each of his designs represented futuristic architecture. Ranging from the IPAD that resembles an Ipod to the Twisting Towers, his designs extended to the virtual space, giving a new dimension to technology.
Stressing the need to keep a symbiotic balance with nature, Mr. Law said, “Design a building such that it is part of the ecosystem. The unique shapes used here are created for sustainability.”
Incorporating tradition and culture of a place into the designs so that each building, each design has a soul, was detailed by Cengis Bektash from Turkey. According to him, a space created should be stimulating, meeting the needs of the user while taking advantage of regional cultures even though the space may have contemporary dimensions.
“The function of the space created should be structured not just for today’s needs but expectations for the future,” he adds. He cautioned against creating unique structures and spaces that pampered the personal gratification of the architect but failed to meet requirements such as terms of use, maintenance, both present and future.
Designs, according to him, should not only avoid pretence in detail and appearance but also need to ensure that the interior space is in harmony with the exterior. “It is important to ensure that building style is flexible and compatible with external surroundings.” This meant that a shape or profile cannot be copied from one place to another or from one era to another.
While there essentially needs to be continuity in design, he insisted on incorporating an effective cooling and heating design by using natural insulation. He summed up, “Inspiration can be sought from earlier traditions and designs but the resulting design needs to be one based on what the architect genuinely feels.”
False prophets
George Ferguson, former President, RIBA, criticised the use of concepts and designs from the west and imposing it on an environment that is clearly not compatible with it. He said that these buildings invariably turned out to be energy guzzlers.
He said the extensive use of glass in commercial buildings was ‘environmental terrorism’ because of their high energy usage and greenhouse gas effect.
NANDHINI SUNDAR
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