Bioclimatic Building Design
by Erwin J. Cruz
Overview
When it comes to adaptability, there’s a lot of methods that we can possibly apply. One of those is from the ecologica and urbanl approach, the Bioclimatic building design theory and application” proposed by architect Agnes Couvelas. The design theory is known for the holistic approach of the way we manage and to make use of the existing resources around us. The most concrete definition of the aforementioned design theory is that it is the transcended strategy of combining the aspects of “biology and “climate” this term also linked to the psychological and physiological needs for our mental health and comfort. Lastly, the bioclimatic concept is utilizing the overall climate conditions such as the natural heating, cooling and daylighting.
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Background
One of the actual projects that is based on the proposed design theory is the SAILSoffice building in Piraeus, Athens, 2012- shades as sails. It is a four-story building with a retail store on the ground level. To modulate and balance the solar radiation that is striking to the façade glazing areas of the building, they add an external shading system and vegetation. It also helps the geothermal energy for heating and cooling through a ground heat exchanger and the natural ventilation and light are reinforced.
Framework
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Application in LA
In relation to landscape Architecture, Bioclimatic design regulates the inclusive factors in which humans feel himself/herself healthier and more dynamic. the integration of landscape in building form by means of shaping the design of s certain hardscape elements to capture the wind moist and fog which will eventually create a condensation that spreads gradually down to the protected gardens. And also,the plantscaping placement that is relative to the overall environmental aspect of the atmospheric climate of the area. Also, the rainwater collection and Phyto purification method using a constructed wetland will dramatically reduce water use while providing comfort and verdant respite.
Having learned some examples of the concept of bioclimatic design gives me a realistic understanding of what is the true meaning of “design”. This knowledge will be essential for achieving a sustainable and more livable space for everyone. For me, the most meaningful aspects were the innovativeness of using the climate as an integration to the environment. Knowing the fact that we are in the modern phase of the technology, adding the factors of the climate to increase the responsiveness to the ecology and environment. The world needs to reshape and rebuild by the help of extensive understanding of climate aspects. The design theory also attributes the environmental conditions such as the optimum comfort for users with minimum outside energy use reducing the building's environmental footprint. Nature is with us, with the vernacular approach and integration of climate to the overall design we will somehow gradually address the natural and environmental problems that we are facing right now, and for the sake of future generation.
Erwin J Cruz
Erwin J Cruz is a self-taught artist, pursuing a Baccalaureate degree in Landscape Architecture in University of the Philippines Diliman. A green and sustainable spaces Is depicted in some of his artworks. His approach towards the environment has a lot of possibilities. Improving the adaptation to nature is one of his movement. By integrating the knowledge in Landscape Architecture, he believed that green spaces will dominate our urban cities in the future by prepending the comprehensive understanding in Landscape Architecture.
References
Bioclimatic Design. (n.d.). Https://Www.Landscapeandurbanism.Com/2014/08/21/Bioclimatic-Design/. Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.landscapeandurbanism.com/2014/08/21/bioclimatic-design/
Bioclimatic building design theory and application. (n.d.). Https://Www.Sciencedirect.Com/Science/Article/Pii/S2351978920308258#! Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351978920308258#!
Jahn Kassim, Shireen & Ip, Kenneth. (2006). Linking bioclimatic theory and environmental performance in its climatic and cultural context–an analysis into the tropical highrises of Ken Yeang. 6-8. https://inhabitat.com/mesmerizing-guangyun-pavilion-in-china-inspired-by-londons-undergroun d-rush-hour/plasma-studio-guangyun-entrance-pavilion-china-1/
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