By: Michael Goldbloom
In an era where the buzz around sustainability has become almost deafening, it’s crucial to peel back the layers and dive into what truly constitutes sustainable development, especially in the realm of architecture.
The discourse is shifting from incorporating energy-saving methods and high-tech components to a more holistic approach that includes adaptive reuse, repurposing existing structures, and integrating innovative materials that leave a lesser carbon footprint.
As part of this transformative movement is Shuang Chen, an architectural designer and LEED AP BD+C professional, whose insights into the future of sustainable architecture are thought-provoking and timely.
In 2024, the world is witnessing an unprecedented emphasis on sustainability, a testament to our collective recognition of the looming environmental crisis. With space becoming increasingly scarce and resources finite, adaptive reuse emerges as a beacon of hope. It offers a viable solution that not only addresses these pressing concerns, but also reduces waste and mitigates the environmental impact traditionally associated with new constructions. This practice isn’t just about salvaging old buildings; it’s a statement about valuing history, culture, and resourcefulness in our quest for sustainability.
Moreover, the integration of recycled materials alongside bio-based ones like hempcrete, mycelium, and bamboo is gaining traction. These materials are celebrated not only for their strength and durability, but also for their ability to sequester carbon during their growth phase—a critical feature in our battle against climate change.
However, it’s not just traditional practices that are driving this shift towards more sustainable architectural designs. The role of advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning cannot be understated. According to Shuang Chen, “AI will inevitably influence sustainability in architecture.” These technologies assures smarter optimization models and algorithms that can dramatically enhance energy efficiency, daylighting, thermal comfort, and real-time management of building systems.
This year’s Olympics Games Paris 2024 have set a remarkable precedent for how global events can significantly contribute to advancing sustainability goals. Paris 2024 aims to host “the responsible and sustainable games in history,” with numerous initiatives showcasing this commitment. The Olympic Village exemplifies this ethos; constructed using wood and recycled materials to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% per square meter. Additionally, innovations such as solar panels and roof gardens on rooftops play dual roles in generating renewable energy and lowering indoor temperatures—further proof of how integrated design strategies can achieve substantial sustainability milestones.
For example, the newly-built Aquatics Center stands out for its pioneering use of energy-saving technologies, including advanced climate control systems and heat recovery mechanisms. Water recycling systems coupled with efficient water management strategies underscore a comprehensive approach towards minimizing water usage—a critical aspect considering the growing concerns over water scarcity globally.
These efforts at the Paris 2024 Olympics encapsulate a broader narrative—one where sustainability transcends individual or isolated practices to embody a comprehensive framework that touches every aspect of planning and execution. It aligns perfectly with Chen’s vision where AI-driven solutions enhance performance monitoring while identifying inefficiencies across building operations. “The Aquatics Center features innovative energy-saving technologies, including advanced climate control systems and heat recovery,” she notes. “It also implements water recycling systems and efficient water management to minimize water usage. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to sustainability, aligning with the Paris 2024 Olympics’ commitment to being the environmentally friendly Olympics to date.”
She refers to one of her projects she worked on as an architectural designer. “The use of recycled materials, as well as bio-based materials like hempcrete, mycelium, and bamboo, is also gaining attention for their ability to sequester carbon during their growth phase,” said Chen.
“I applied a similar sustainability approach in the Micro Home Competition I participated in. Our proposal involves revitalizing abandoned concrete structures in Ghana with salvaged materials and local bamboo, transforming these common urban dilemmas into sustainable and affordable housing communities.”
This proves that the dialogue surrounding sustainable architecture is evolving rapidly—with practitioners like Shuang Chen leading by example. “The adoption of carbon-negative building materials, recycled materials, and emphasizing the adaptive reuse of existing buildings rather than new construction can all play significant roles,” she said.
By embracing both traditional techniques like adaptive reuse and cutting-edge technologies such as AI and machine learning, we’re stepping into an era where architecture does more than create spaces; it solves some of our pressing environmental challenges while fostering communities that are resilient, adaptable, and above all else—sustainable. But AI is the real changing force in architecture.
“AI has the potential to enhance performance monitoring and feedback in architecture,” said Chen. “It can continuously monitor building performance, tracking and identifying areas where energy is being wasted, and suggesting modifications to improve sustainability.”
Published by: Holy Minoza
