April 29, 2022

Lara Villard

9th Grade

Lakeland High School

In an age where temperatures are rising at an increasingly concerning rate, and as our world faces catastrophes such as severe storms, droughts, and a loss of biodiversity, we need living spaces that curb these disastrous effects and connect us to our environment, rather than isolate us from it. While it is only one factor of many, buildings play a big role in energy consumption, and leave a large impact, whether positive or negative on the environment. Currently, buildings are responsible for consuming one-third of global energy and about fifteen percent of direct carbon emissions. The energy demand for buildings continues to increase, and will continue to hurt the environment, unless something changes… that being, us, humans. We need to change the way we approach constructing our buildings, from the materials we use, to the way we heat and cool our homes. We need to create buildings that are healthy for us and the environment, while still serving the specific purpose of the space. This is the goal of sustainable architecture, a branch of architecture that seeks to achieve all of this, and more. While green building may be considered the “architecture of the future,” these ideas go back into history further than one might think.

In the atrium, the center hall, rainwater was collected in a draining pool in the middle of the room. Additional cisterns collected rainwater throughout the domus which was used as the primary source of water in the home. The water collected was stored underground, and during the summer could be used to cool the air by letting the water evaporate and moisten the air. During the winter months, geothermal energy was used to heat the homes. Even the concrete the Romans used is believed to be more sustainable than what we use today. Modern concrete emits a large amount of CO₂ since it needs to be baked at a high temperature. It’s made from a mix of limestone and clay. In contrast, Roman concrete, made from limestone and volcanic ash, is baked at a much lower temperature, therefore making it a greener alternative. It lasts a long time too. The Colosseum had lasted for centuries without any type of maintenance (though recently it has gone through some renovations.)

Fast forward a couple centuries later, to the 1960s. At this time architects still believed that living in rural areas was the greener option than in living in urban areas. At first glance this may seem true, but in fact, city dwellers are responsible for one-third of the emissions of an average American. The interdependency of the city allows for greater efficiency and functionality that is not possible while living in individual homes. This was also a time of dome homes or “zomes” and earth ships, inspired partly by the Native Americans way of life. However, architects needed to legitimize sustainable architecture. Key figures that promoted the eco-movement include Lewis Muford, Ian McHarg, and James Lovelock, among many others each with their own philosophies and new ideas on how to approach constructing buildings. Ian McHarg published a book Design with Nature (1969), illustrating the idea that any form of infrastructure should be strategically integrated with the surrounding environment, by studying the natural features of the construction site. His philosophy included “cluster development,” a concept of concentrating living areas and focusing on conserving as much nature as possible. Another key figure, Bob Berkebile, transformed the architecture profession to become more eco-friendly. He created the AIA Committee on the Environment which worked to create new guidelines in the design field. This organization focused on the science aspect of sustainability, while Berkebile initiated the creation of the U.S. Green Building Council which led (and continues to lead) the new emerging industry. This organization, continuing to grow even today, established a rating system that can certify buildings that fall under certain environmental criteria. The system, LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design was instituted in 1994, and is still used today, though has sparked debate whether it is effective, and actually achieves its intended purpose. 

The movement continues to grow, even to the present day. Architects continue to reimagine the world of design, creating purposeful buildings that are environmentally friendly, while still exhibiting exemplary style:

All of these buildings as well as the ancient Romans’ domus are examples that help shape the world of architecture for today and tomorrow. While they may not be perfect, they are a step forward to a greener future ahead. If we change how we make our buildings, we can make a huge positive impact on our environment and begin to reverse the effects of climate change. The only way to achieve this though, is if architects and the leaders of nations work together to facilitate change.