TEN Lists of What I Consider “Green Architecture” in my field of Practice.

Each of us Architects may apply or believe in varied ways used to implement Green Architecture. It is depending on the place and specialization. In my case being in the Philippines dealing with Design and Construction, my last 5 years of practice were on  Free-Standing Residential & Condominiums Units and Medium Rise Commercial Buildings.

 My passion in the Academe serves as my  “fiscalizer” in my design and construction projects as it says what must be Best while the Actual Construction Project says what is realistically Applicable. Herewith are what I consider GREEN ARCHITECTURE in my field of Practice.

1.      Green Architecture is PASSIVE COOLING – introducing natural air passages in a building form.  Usually attainable with ATRIUM, AIRWELLS and Inside Pocket Gardens. To reduce heat inside the Building, we apply WINDOW Shades and being conscious of Orientation avoiding afternoon sun. In Condominium Units, pocket gardens are applicable especially when the units are provided with Balconies.

2.      Green Architecture is WATER MANAGEMENT both Rain Water and Reusable Waste Water. It had been a kind gesture to Clients when you provide Faucets in their Gardens or Car wash area where water is from a Tank from a Downspout. Or show them the Routine of using the last-rinse laundry water used for washing the Garage thru a well-coordinated Plumbing System.

3.      Green Architecture is specifying and using Locally available INDIGENOUS BUILDING MATERIALS. Introduction of wood and bamboo products soften the building interiors, eliminates harmful chemicals detrimental to health. In every specification we make, we first survey the availability of Building Materials in the vicinity for purchasing and operational cost won’t add more pollution to the air.

4.      Green Architecture is  Proper Building Maintenance to avoid SICK BUILDING SYNDROME. As we deal with Interior Renovation oftentimes, advising the Client on the non hazardous interior finishes is helpful.

5.     Green Architecture is a Lifestyle that loves NATURE. When we are architects designing and constructing a house for a client, it is we who has the big hand in providing  the Environment, and they will live with that environment. When we design them a space for siesta in an afternoon-shaded side of the house. For sure they will switch off their room aircons and have bonding in that windy part of the house rather than staying enclosed in an aircon room.

6. Green Architecture is Proper Waste Management. But not just Proper but must be resourceful and gainful. Like using Built-up seacast wood as accent Entrance Door taken out of Dismantled old wooden Building. ( I am touch with what I see in Starbucks, the provided a seacasted looking wood counter and labeled,,” this wood was taken from the shores of Bohol.. seacasted,, almost washed away.. and Starbucks brought them here”.

7.  Green Architecture is consciousness of the Balance of Ecosystem and wanting to take care of its future. Its better to fill than to cut the land. Thus it dictates in our design approach and in Construction methodologies. Its not just rampant demolition but a slowly dismantling of specific parts with conscience.

8.   Green Architecture is looking forward of not using mechanical enhancement in the future. Its designing communities and buildings that may be sustainable for the years to come. Thus, its best to teach people to segregate to avoid kitchen clogging wastes rather than just rely on the mechanical graters and Grease traps.

9.    Green Architecture is a Long Life to People. Clean and Quality Air, Healthy buildings instead of Sick Building and healthy lifestyle loving nature rather than mechanized- relying in machines.

10.   Green Architecture is Changing my Old Personal Habits that affects energy consumption, improper waste disposal and use of chemicals detrimental to the ozone layer. To be sustainable is a decision and a commitment of every person.

Acknowledgement 

 THE LAKE HOTEL , TAGAYTAY  

for the hospitable  accommodation during my Finals. 

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