Of Economy and Design in Architecture— Part 3: Green is the greediest colour /  by Jonnel Mamauag

The relationship between economy and sustainability in architecture

This is a series of articles relating to intersecting relationship between design and economics. This is by no far a full coverage of the intersection of the two subject areas. Individually, they can easily be collosal in scope. Instead, as an architectural designer, this is my attempt to explain how I see the two concepts pulling and pushing in real-time.

Read the previous post of this series here. For the next post in this series, read it here.

The relationship between economy and sustainability in architecture is an important and complex topic that has garnered increasing attention in recent years. As the world’s population grows, the demand for new buildings and infrastructure has also increased.

However, it is important to consider these developments' long-term environmental and social impacts. Sustainable architecture seeks to minimize the negative impacts of building construction and use on the environment while ensuring that the buildings are economically viable. This can involve the use of energy-efficient design, the incorporation of renewable energy sources, and the use of materials that are sourced responsibly.

By balancing economic and environmental concerns, architects and policymakers can work towards building a more sustainable future.

The cost-saving benefits of sustainable design

One of the key benefits of sustainable design is the potential for cost savings. By reducing the energy and resource consumption of buildings, sustainable design can help to lower operating costs over the lifetime of a building.

Sustainable architecture seeks to minimize the negative impacts of building construction and use on the environment while ensuring that the buildings are economically viable

For example, using energy-efficient design techniques, such as passive solar heating and natural ventilation, can help reduce the need for heating and cooling systems, which can be a major contributor to a building’s energy consumption. Similarly, the use of sustainable materials and building methods can help to reduce the overall cost of construction. These materials are often more durable and require less maintenance over time, which can further reduce the long-term costs of a building.

By reducing the energy and resource consumption of buildings, sustainable design can help to lower operating costs over the lifetime of a building

Sustainable design can also lead to financial benefits through the use of government incentives and tax breaks to encourage the adoption of environmentally-friendly building practices. By considering sustainability in the design process, architects and building owners can not only help to protect the environment but also realize significant cost savings.

The role of government incentives in promoting sustainable architecture

Government incentives can significantly promote sustainable architecture by providing financial and regulatory support to encourage adopting environmentally-friendly building practices. These incentives can take various forms, such as grants, tax breaks, and loans, and can be used to support a range of sustainable building efforts, including the incorporation of renewable energy sources, the use of energy-efficient design techniques, and the adoption of sustainable materials and construction methods.

Government incentives can be an effective way to encourage the adoption of sustainable architecture and help to drive the transition to a more environmentally friendly built environment

One example of government incentives for sustainable architecture is the use of tax credits and deductions. For example, the federal government in the United States offers tax credits for installing renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines, which can help offset the upfront cost of these technologies and make them more financially attractive to building owners. Other incentives, such as grants and loans, can be used to provide direct financial support for sustainable building projects.

In addition to financial incentives, governments can also promote sustainable architecture through regulatory measures. For example, building codes and zoning laws can set minimum standards for energy efficiency and sustainable materials in new construction and renovations. By establishing these standards, governments can help ensure that new buildings are designed and constructed with sustainability.

Government incentives can be an effective way to encourage the adoption of sustainable architecture and help to drive the transition to a more environmentally friendly built environment.

In Conclusion

Sustainable architecture aims to minimise the negative impacts of building construction and use on the environment while also ensuring economic viability. One of the key benefits of sustainable design is the potential for cost savings through energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources, and sustainable materials.

Government incentives, such as grants, tax breaks, and loans, as well as regulatory measures, such as building codes and zoning laws, can also significantly promote sustainable architecture.

By balancing economic and environmental concerns, architects and policymakers can work towards building a more sustainable future.

This article was originally posted on Medium.com on 24 January, 2023

Of Economy and Design In Architecture — Part 2: Impacts & Influences /  by Jonnel Mamauag

The impact of economic recessions on architecture

This is a series of articles relating to the intersecting relationship between design and economics. This is by no far a full coverage of the intersection of the two subject areas. Individually, they can easily be colossal in scope. Instead, as an architectural designer, this is my attempt to explain how I see the two concepts pulling and pushing in real-time.

Read the previous post in this series here. For the next post in this series, read it here.

Economic recessions can have a significant impact on the architecture industry. During times of economic downturn, construction projects may be put on hold or cancelled altogether due to a lack of funding. This can lead to a decrease in demand for architects and a decrease in overall activity in the industry. In addition, the style and type of architecture in demand may change during an economic recession. For example, there may be a shift towards more practical and cost-effective designs rather than extravagant and expensive ones.

However, economic recessions can also present opportunities for architects. For instance, architects may have the chance to work on projects that involve revitalising and rejuvenating older buildings or neighbourhoods. They may also have the opportunity to focus more on sustainability and energy-efficient designs, which can be more appealing to clients looking to save money in the long run.

Economic recessions can negatively and positively impact architecture and the architects who practice it. Architects need to be adaptable and open to new opportunities to navigate these challenging times.

Examples of how economic recessions have led to changes in architectural design

Economic recessions have often led to changes in architectural design. One example of this is the shift towards more practical and cost-effective designs. During economic downturns, clients may be more budget-conscious and less willing to invest in extravagant or expensive architectural projects. As a result, architects may need to find ways to save costs and minimize expenses, such as by using cheaper materials or simplifying the design.

Another example of how economic recessions have led to changes in architectural design is the increased focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. To reduce operating costs, clients may be more interested in environmentally friendly designs that use less energy. This can increase the use of solar panels, green roofs, and other energy-saving features in architectural projects.

In addition, economic recessions may also lead to a decrease in demand for certain types of architecture. For example, during the 2008 financial crisis, there was a decrease in demand for luxury real estate, such as vacation homes and high-end apartments. Instead, there was an increased demand for more affordable housing options, such as rental apartments and multi-family homes.

Economic recessions can significantly impact architectural design, leading to changes in the style, cost, and focus of projects. Architects must be prepared to adapt to these changes to stay competitive in the industry.

The role of architects in responding to economic challenges

The role of architects in responding to economic challenges is to adapt to the changing needs and demands of clients while also maintaining their professional standards and values. This can be a delicate balance, as architects may need to find ways to save costs and minimize expenses to meet clients' budget constraints while also ensuring that the resulting design is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and meets the necessary safety and building codes.

Architects can respond to economic challenges by being open to new types of projects and clients. For instance, rather than only focusing on high-end residential or commercial projects, architects may need to consider working on more modest or practical projects, such as renovations or additions to existing buildings, or designing more affordable housing options.

Another way that architects can respond to economic challenges is by becoming more knowledgeable about cost-effective materials and construction techniques. By staying up-to-date on the latest construction technology and materials developments, architects can help clients save money while also creating high-quality, durable designs.

The role of architects in responding to economic challenges is to be flexible, adaptable, and proactive in finding ways to meet clients' needs while maintaining the integrity of their profession.

In Conclusion …

Economic recessions can have both negative and positive impacts on the architecture industry. During downturns, demand for architects may decrease, and there may be a shift towards more practical and cost-effective designs. However, recessions can also present opportunities for architects, such as working on revitalization projects or focusing on sustainability. In response to economic challenges, architects must be adaptable, open to new projects and clients, and knowledgeable about cost-effective materials and construction techniques. They must also maintain professional standards and values while meeting clients' needs.

This article was originally published on Medium.com on 17 January, 2023.