2. Architectue: History
• Men have started to built shelters for themselves (families) and for
their gods.
• It is the history of way of life: Architecture is part of our personal
history , we are born, work and play, learn and teach and worship, we
sell and buy, etc in buildings.
• It is the history of the rise, development and decadence of building
techniques
• It is an expression of what men thought of life and death of each other
and of their gods.
3. To learn from others
• By studying particular solutions architects gain better understanding of how
their own problems differ or might be solved
• By understanding the complexity of past architectural problems today's
architects will be less inclined to simplistic solutions that leave out
important human and architectural factors
• It opens up the enjoyment of contemporary buildings with an appreciation
of their purpose, meaning, and charm (attractiveness)
Why do we study Trends of Architecture?
Basis for Birth of Architecture: Love
Death
Fear
Hope
4. Fear: From primitive times, human has been trying to protect himself from
the attack of wild animals, harsh weather and so on. For this, he was created
his dwelling which kept on changing in time and need. With advancement in
his intelligence desires for safety, comfort and luxury increased which resulted
in development of various structures for different purpose.
Love: Instinct (skill) of love gave birth to many monumental works.
Example Taj Mahal in India is one of great architectural monument
constructed on the basis of love.
Death: Death also has been responsible for many architectural
constructions. So many historical Toms and Mastabs are the example of this
category monument.
Hope: Pyramids, temples, churches, Buddhist stupa and other places of
worship have come up share false hope of the man.
5. Globalization in architecture?
• Some theorists and architects, globalization is seen as a
process of standardization in which a globalized media and
consumer culture circulate the globe, creating "sameness"
everywhere, thus bringing to light the bland and boring
universality in modern projects.
6. Current trends in architecture
Here are a few of current trends in architecture.
• Indoor-Outdoor Living. While our earliest domiciles aimed to
provide as much protection from the elements as possible,
today's architecture embraces indoor-outdoor living. ...
• Smart Home Technology
• Sustainability
• Multi-Generational Living
• Flexibility.
7. Current trends in architecture
The Most Influential Architecture Trends in 2021
• Small Space Living. ...
• Accessibility in Design. ...
• Architecture in the Middle East. ...
• Digital Innovation. ...
• Gender Equality in the Field. ...
• Architecture in Motion: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. ...
• Green Urban Planning. ...
• Recycled Materials.
• Energy-Efficient Homes
• Locally Sourced Materials and Design
8. Geological factors:
Physical location of the region
Availability of different types of building materials
Environmental factors:
Climatic features of the region
Seasonal rainfall, flooding, drought etc.
• The study of architecture is always related with the different contextual
factors affecting/influencing the particular type of architectural development
on a period of time.
These are generally grouped such as:
Things that influence architecture
Historical factors:
Political developments
Religious developments
Cultural developments
Socio-Economical factors:
• Social structure of the region
•Economical conditions
•Trade and commerce
9. Influencing factors in architectural trends
• Ways of Living: Greater Interest in Small Scale Homes.
• Inclusive Architecture: First-Rate Design for Diverse Populations.
• The Middle-East: Underrepresented Territories in Evidence.
• Construction Industry: The Digital Future of Infrastructure.
• Gender Equality: A Major, Ongoing Moment of Public Debate.
10. Famous Architecture of the World
• Eiffel Tower – Paris, France. Constructed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is
one of the most famous structures in the world. ...
• The Burj al Arab – Dubai. ...
• Parthenon – Athens, Greece. ...
• Angkor Wat – Cambodia. ...
• Saint Peter's Basilica – Vatican, Rome, Italy. ...
• Sydney Opera House.
• Colosseum.
• Tower Bridge London.
11.
12.
13. Next architecture style?
• Contemporary architecture is the architecture of the
21st century, no single style is dominant; contemporary
architects are working in several different styles, from
postmodernism, high-tech architecture and new interpretations
of traditional architecture to highly conceptual forms and
designs, resembling sculpture on an enormous scale.
• Some of these styles and approaches make use of very
advanced technology and modern building materials, such as
tube structures which allow construction of buildings that are
taller, lighter and stronger than those in the 20th
century, while others prioritize the use of natural and
ecological materials like stone, wood and lime.
14. Exercise!!!
CULTURE and CIVILIZATION: Before we begin to explore history and what it means today, we need to
discuss two important terms - Culture and Civilization. Culture usually refers to sum of human
endeavors/effort such as:
1. Methods and practices for survival;
2. Political, economic, and social institutions;
3. Values and beliefs;
4. The different forms of Arts
The term Culture can also be used to refer to the creative, artistic, and intellectual expressions of a
civilization.
Civilization on the other hand, refers to:
The way people live in a complex
political, economic and social structure,
usually in a urban setting;
Usually after making certain technological and artistic advances and sharing a refinement of
thought, manners, and taste.
16. What is Contemporary
Architecture?
Contemporary architecture has its roots in the belief in a spirit of the
time, given a basic attention to what is going on in society, which is
expressed in the architecture of the period.
• A range of style of architecture, appropriate to the current time period.
• Evolution of modern architecture, connecting internal space and
external contexts, optimized for current use.
• It is the expression of the ‘now’ and its temporal needs.
17. What is ContemporaryArchitecture?
not necessarily similar or easily
recognizable features, more
variation and different influences.
irregular or unusually shaped frame,
an open floor plan, oversized
windows, use of "green" and
repurposed components.
19. Components of ContemporaryArchitecture
Green Architecture
strong component of contemporary
architecture emphasizing on
energy efficiency, use of
sustainable, natural, and recycled
material integration of structure
into their natural surroundings.
connection between outdoor landscape
and indoor environment.
use of local plants for landscaping
green roofs,
use of natural materials Mirramukhi School,Auroville, India,
- earth construction
20. Components of ContemporaryArchitecture
Green Architecture - Kona Residence, BelzbergArchitecture
Integration of the surrounding and
impressive views
Green features include:
roof mounted photovoltaic panels,
rain water collection and redirection,
use of reclaimed teak timber
use of stacked and cut lava rock
22. Components of ContemporaryArchitecture
Need - a Driving Force
need - the primary driving element behind contemporary architecture
increasing population
reduction of funds
reduction of resources
spaces, structures or designs depend on the need of the community,
not on desires – equal in both rural and urban neighborhoods.
23. Beyond Contemporary Architecture
Since the 1980s,
complexity of buildings began to increase, architecture became a multi-
disciplinary project type
Preparation for design become more complicated.
Requirements include:
preliminary studies of durability, sustainability,
quality, money, compliance with local laws.
Criticism on Modern and Postmodernism arose, that:
successful architecture depends not on a personal philosophical or aesthetic
pursuit by individualists, it must consider everyday needs of people and
use technology to create livable environments.
24. Beyond Contemporary Architecture
Since the 1980s,
Environmental sustainability became a mainstream, affecting also
architecture schools to focus more on the environment.
Sustainability in architecture was pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright,in the
1960s, by Buckminster Fuller and in the 1970s,
and by architects such as Ian McHarg
and Sim Van der Ryn in the US,
and Brenda and Robert Vale in the UK
and New Zealand.
25. Contexts in Contemporary Architectural Design
Context: physical and non‐physical external elements influencing an
object.
physical elements: roads, buildings, land contour
non‐physical elements: weather condition, local culture, political and
economic constraints.
The context determines the architectural style, building material selection
and site layout.
26. Contexts in Contemporary Architectural Design
Example: a house with large window openings in low latitude climate need
electrical energy to cool the building, and in addition cost for
power consume increase.
The different design approach of a modern
igloo house in Alaska and a contemporary
tropical house in Singapore.
The Climatic Context
the important role in design.
architectural strategies should be appropriate to the climate
building design must meet the criteria of the local climate.
(orientation, material, size and type of openings, etc.)
27. Contexts in Contemporary Architectural Design
The Climatic Context - Example:
Iran, a country with variable climate (hot, dry and cold), used wind towers or
wind catchers for natural ventilation
traditional house contemporary house with
wind tower
The contemporary design,
consider such systems,
because it is adequate to the
climate - a solution towards
sustainable architecture.
Understanding the local’s
climatic context - a
important strategy in
contemporary architecture
contemporary house with wind tower
28. Contexts in Contemporary Architectural Design
The Economic and Political Context
The economical context is related to the condition or situation of a country’s
economy, which are all over the world different. It shows its influence in
contemporary architecture.
Economic considerations were always important in modern architecture.
Contemporary architecture trends
to find not only cost‐effective, but
also aesthetically challenging
solutions.
Prefabricated components and
module systems greatly
influenced todays architecture.
Prefabricated House, by Jackson Clements Burrows
29. Contexts in Contemporary Architectural Design
The Economic and Political Context
Politics plays a large role in the direction of contemporary architecture.
example – Malaysia:
According to the government policy all governmental buildings must use
industrialized building systems to reduce the dependency on foreign workers,
and also consider a sustainable design concept to reduce costs for electricity
and water in government buildings.
example – Switzerland:
Due to local’s public protests and referendum the construction of a Minaret
was prohibited.
30. Contexts in Contemporary Architectural Design
The Computerized and Technological Context
Computer technology in design process became a very
dominant and important feature in contemporary
architecture.
3D CAD models developed by architects and imported
into modeling software, enabled for example the
investigation of different finishes and sculptural shapes
to enhance acoustic conditions, and enable the
prefabrication of the particular components (High Tech
Architecture)
Frank Gehry,
Zaha Hadid
31. Contexts in Contemporary Architectural Design
The Cultural Context
Culture represent the local tradition, overhanded from generation to
generation. It defines and give identity to a place.
Adaption into architecture is a very important aspect of contemporary
architecture – (Regionalism)
32. Contexts in Contemporary Architectural Design
The Environmental Context
A important feature which influences contemporary architecture and lead to
the increasing popularity of sustainable design.
The importance to use environmental friendly materials, the implementation
of renewable energy approaches spread all over the world.
We no longer live in a world of cheap and abundant energy. Promises of
cheap electricity have been and gone, and the climate change caused by
burning fossil fuels is an increasingly urgent issue.
(Green Architecture)
33. Contexts in Contemporary Architectural Design
The Environmental Context
Ken Yaeng, one of the leaders in green
architecture, especially for green
skyscraper, brought a new dimension
into the appearance of contemporary
architecture.
Ken Yaeng developed a concept of the
bioclimatic skyscraper. Amore
environmentally appropriate model, which consumes less energy and
provides a better and more humane environment for its users.
It establish a unique cultural identity related to the location.
EDITT Tower, Singapore, Ken YeangArchitects
34. Contexts in Contemporary Architectural Design
The Environmental Context
Shigeru Ban, a Japanese architect is famous for his innovative work with
paper, particularly recycled cardboard paper tubes, used to quickly and
efficiently house disaster victims.
Shigeru Ban, recycled building
35. Contemporary Architecture–Examples
In contemporary architecture there is an obvious trend of neglecting the
contexts of buildings.
Examples for this include some buildings of the contemporary architectural
production, the quality of which has been praised by all the critics.
MAXXI Museum, Rome, Zaha Hadid - absence of context, use of spatial "excess"
36. Zaha Hadid, famous for her contemporary
architecture became in 2004 the first
female recipient of the Pritzker
Architecture Prize.
Hadid’s designs use soft and hard
geometry with lots of cantilever and strong
sculptural quality.
Her work defines and influences the
architectural style in the 21 century.
rail station in Innsbruck,Austria
inclined rail station in Innsbruck, Austria is futuristic, balancing abstract forms and ornament with
utility
Contemporary Architecture–Examples
37. Several other buildings of praised architects may be also considered.
For example, almost all pieces of Frank Gehry are based on the
absence of respect, but toward the ambient and reliance on the effect of
spatial "excess".
Contemporary Architecture–Examples
39. Contemporary Architecture–Examples
Rem Koolhaas, central TV in Beijing, and the Seattle Library
can be seen as a contribution to the "destruction" of a coherent
urban texture
TV in Beijing Seattle Library
40. Contemporary Architecture–Examples
Norman Foster also contributed to shifting the architecture
towards the direction, which is considered as predominant in
contemporary architecture. Remarkable examples are the
London city hall and the "crystal island" project in Moscow.
London city hall "crystal island" project in Moscow.
41. Contemporary Architecture–Examples
The works of the five leading contemporary architects shows the actual directions
of contemporary architecture – neglecting the context.
Arrogance towards the environment is not abating, but is becoming widespread.
By deviating from the context, new conditions are usually created for any object
to become what is called benchmark, but only on local level (street, bloc).
42. Contemporary Architecture–Examples
Once again architecture shows its constant role of social probation, as the
consequence of all events in human lives.
This is due to the fact that the strength, wealth and technological
advancement of large investors, multinational companies and significant
social events are manifested through this kind of architecture
45. What is Contemporary Architecture?
• Contemporary architecture is the movement where modern styles blend, sharing various
features. And these styles rely on fewer classicized building ideas.
• The term ‘contemporary’ may have been misplaced. This is because it can still describe
buildings that are almost eight decades old.
• It means you reside in one of the pioneers of new building styles. Because there are many
styles, it is difficult to come up with a formal definition to describe the movement.
• Contemporary architects produce some of today’s most famous building styles. That includes
single-family homes and downtown office buildings that are incorporating contemporary
styles.
• Most of these buildings still reflect classic architecture features. They incorporate these and
give them a new modern turn. It is challenging to describe contemporary architecture with
conclusive features.
46. Cont.
• Contemporary architecture is widespread across the world. It is not only common in
Europe and the United States. With time, contemporary design will become a thoroughly
global affair. This is the opposite of modern architecture, which was more restricted to
Europe and the United States.
• Traditional architectural styles play a massive role in beautifying corporate offices. They
also bring functionality to the corporate environment.
• For this reason, most architects still pay tribute to classicized features. They can do this in
as a sign of loyalty to architectural legacy as well as for form and function.
• The style differentiates itself from the modern architecture of the late twentieth century.
This is due to adding eco-friendly features and introducing all manners of creativity.
Moreover, it involves the use of state-of-the-art technology and materials.
• Today, it is easy to simulate computer-aided designs to create buildings. With modern
computer software , architects can design with high-level precision and speed.
47. Features of Contemporary Architecture
• The most innovative works that exist in contemporary architecture are art museums and
public buildings. One of the important elements of contemporary architecture is the
expressiveness of form and design. This form of architecture is dominant across the
world.
• Contemporary architects focus on Eco-friendly designs that are energy efficient and
incorporate recycled materials in the design.
• It is inventive and show cases a sleek and neat aesthetic which is devoid of exterior
detailing. It tends to create harmony with structure and nature.
• The contemporary homes are also designed keeping nature and landscaping in mind.
48. • Contemporary architecture has a great focus on the outdoors and aims to merge with the
inside of the property.
• Contemporary architecture focuses on the maximization of space. The rooms tend to be
more open within both domestic and commercial buildings. This gives a feeling of
openness and makes the building flow in a way which allow s modern-day use and modern-
day living.
• It is one of the first architectural movements to embrace completely new building methods,
and forms that are based on functionality than style.
• The buildings incorporate innovative and creative designs. The aesthetically sense is
highlighted in the design of the structures.
• They are often referred to as organic architecture as it incorporates natural surroundings
with the building and makes it a part of the design element. The free-flowing form gives
rise to functionality in contemporary architecture. Contemporary design is derived from
the innovations of mid-century modern designers.
Cont.
49. Features of Contemporary Architecture:
• Classicized ideas thrived on specific design elements. The have flourishes that are predictable and
distinguishable while contemporary architecture is more flexible. Contemporary architects thrive on
sophisticated and innovative ideas. They deviate from traditions and norms.
• To achieve this, they need contemporary materials to create these ideas. You will not only
appreciate the innovative and creative designs in these buildings.
• You will also understand the aesthetic feeling through the unique design of structures. Moreover,
contemporary architecture uses a vast range of building materials. These include concrete, glass,
wood, and aluminum screens.
• These materials add contrast and homogeneity. For instance, you will notice they have oversized
plate glass windows. These allow plenty of natural light and create large open spaces. They
engender a sense of airiness, hence minimizing air conditioning costs.
• Moreover, the building frames follow symmetry and they often have innovative shapes. To know
that some of these materials are eco-friendly is a huge bonus for this style.
1. The Expressiveness of Form and Design
50. 2. Reinforced Concrete Advances
• In the past, many considered the use of concrete as brutal. However, modern architecture realized
the value of reinforced concrete. With this material, architects can create contemporary designs.
Also, you can mold reinforced concrete into almost any shape imaginable. With it, you can create
visually-appealing buildings while being budget-friendly. Once you reinforce it with materials like
steel, it can be erected in ways hard to find in other buildings. You can texturize it with recyclable
materials to add sophistication to it. Recycled glass is one such material. Omitting the use of
concrete is next to impossible.
• Aside from materials, this form of art has made itself distinct in other ways. Also, contemporary
architecture takes advantage of curved lines and rounded spaces. These create a visually appealing
structure. It frequently uses these instead of straight lines. This explains why clean lines are
catchphrases of this form.
• Unambiguous elements of minimalism are often linked to modern architecture. Contemporary
designs also imitate minimalist movements.
• This means that we still use classicized models in works of art. They are in both modern and
contemporary structures.
51. 3. The Sense of Sustainability
• The present is an era where global warming is a real issue. It is now essential to take specific
measures to ensure nature is not compromised.
• For this reason, modern architects design buildings that are energy efficient. This is in part thanks
to recycled materials for the construction process. This needs to include the use of solar panels for
roofing purposes.
• Moreover, the widespread use of reinforced concrete creates not only innovative ideas. It also
enhances aesthetic appeal to most buildings. These architects hope to achieve this idea. They’d want
to do this to ensure that the whole project is economical.
• They also want to focus on sustaining the end user’s needs.
52. 4. Classicized Borrowed Ideas
• Modern building techniques borrow ideas from classicized styles. Without those, it would not have
advanced as an art as far as it has. Moreover, most elements rely on ideas from the early to the mid-
20th century.
• With clean lines and neatness, contemporary architecture demonstrates a free-flowing form of
creativity. Most countries in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, among others, have adopted this
form. It portrays a lot of curvilinear styles to ease movement.
• It is no wonder that limestone, glass, and titanium bring out essential elements. These are elements
such as natural light, ecofriendly materials, and creative styles.
• Architects dealing in contemporary architecture use computer-aided software. It makes it easier to
create sophisticated curves and shapes of most buildings. Take a look at the Guggenheim Museum
in Bilbao, Spain built back in 1997. Frank Gehry did a fantastic job thanks to computer-aided design
systems.
• He is a firm believer of open tracks of landscapes combining natural features to break from the
norm.
53. 5. Flat and Overhanging Roofs
• The old form of roofing was also limited to pitched triangular designs at the top. It is most
associated with American buildings.
• But the new trend has invited the idea of flat overhanging roofs. This creates more shade. It does
this while protecting your building from unnecessary elements.
• These roofs also project architecture into the outdoors, providing cohesiveness.
• You will have more reasons to enjoy outdoor spaces. This is thanks to the overhang that presents an
awning experience.
54. 6. Nature-Compliant Designs
• Contemporary architecture is also in harmony with nature and structure. Classic designs
positioned the windows in the center of walls and used them to view outside. In contrast,
contemporary designs use large panels of glass to allow in natural light. Moreover, passive
solar heating generated comfort and openness even during winter.
• It is hard to start imagining the impact of clerestory windows and skylights. These
elements are higher than head level. They offer light from the outside world.
• Eco-housing forms one of the most critical elements of environment-focused
contemporary architecture.
• When architects use natural materials and building styles, they look to nature for
inspiration. Also, they ensure it will not have a negative impact on living creatures. Better
still, the designs complement and harmonize the natural environment.
• They create seamless accountability. This explains why most of the buildings are created
in such a way that consciously makes them part of the environment.
55. New Trends and Elements That Contemporary Added
1. Contemporary homes have a sense of uniting the spaces into one grand experience. The
architectural plans have an open floor plan which creates a unified design.
2. The exterior detailing is free from heavy ornamentation as in the case of old historic and classical
buildings. The contemporary house design is replaced with simple rectilinear or curvilinear forms.
3. The interior design elements like light fixtures are simple and distinct and look like the works of
fine art. The past design elements like balusters and hand railings which w ere once large handcrafted
pieces of wood have been replaced with innovative tension cables, glass or insulating materials.
4. The contemporary era tends to have a minimalist approach.
5. Clean-lined furniture is one of the most apparent places where today’s contemporary style merges
with the popular modern style. Basic forms, beautiful and simple shapes have a focus on comfort
which blends together in contemporary furniture styles.
6. The use of subtle colors like the neutral tone of grey, brow n, black and white for flooring,
furnishings, lighting fixtures and textiles.
7. Use of organic materials like rock, wood, slate, teak, and other textiles in modern finishing have
been brought up in the contemporary period since many people w ant a rustic or the natural look for
their living spaces.
56. 8. Modular structures:
• The modular architecture is the design approach which divides a system into smaller parts called
modules. These modules are created independently and then used in different systems. It is
characterized by functional partitioning into different reusable modules and making the use of
industry standards for interfaces.
• The benefit of the modular design is that you can replace or add any component without affecting
the rest of the system. Modularity means using the same module in various configurations enabling
a variety of designs without the use of many component types.
• Through modularity, you can achieve various designs in terms of flexibility along with cost saving in
design, low cost for development and construction. They are also referred to as volumetric
construction.
• The materials in modular construction include wood, concrete, and steel.
Contemporary design is a growing trend within the building industry. It is increasingly influenced by
the development of new green technologies in construction and technologies supporting computer-
aided design including architectural design.
Contemporary design represents a wide range of features due to the fact that today’s architects are
embodied with a varied span of influences, design principles, and diverse building materials. A
contemporary design is heavily influenced by modern design, though they do not mean the same.
Contemporary design is constantly evolving.
Cont.
57. Examples of Contemporary Architecture
01. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain
• The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, is a
classic example of the contemporary architectural
form.
• The museum is one of the most admired works in
contemporary architecture. The building has been
acknowledged as a “signal moment in architectural
culture”.
• The curves on its exterior w ere intended to appear
random and the randomness of the curves w as
designed to catch the light.
58. 02. Casa Munita Gonzalez by Arias Arquitectos and
Surtierra Arquitectura
• The project’s goal is to have minimal impact on the
environment and the maximum use of the passive
energies.
• This house presents contemporary design and spatiality
being a concrete example of the validity of the earth as a
contemporary building material.
03. The Jawahar Kala Kendra
• The Jawahar Kala Kendra is a multi-arts center in Jaipur.
It is designed by an award w inning Indian architect
Charles Correa in 1986. The building w as commissioned
by the Rajasthan government for preserving Rajasthani
arts and crafts.
Examples of Contemporary Architecture
59. Contemporary Architecture Summed Up
• One of the important elements of contemporary architecture is its expressiveness of form
and design. Most of the contemporary buildings have over sized windows which allow
maximum natural light to pass through.
• The exit of classicized styles of building and construction also matters. Contemporary
architecture has taken its place.
• There’s a new shift of contemporary designs. It is almost impossible to give a precise
definition of what it involves. This work of art relies on stark, clean lines. Also, the utility
factor of modern architecture presents along with personalized design structures. That said,
specific procedures, design values, and even materials define it. These factors can identify
and describe the work.
• Contemporary architecture relies on eco-friendly features. It embraces all types of
innovations. These bring new meaning to modern building and construction. Moreover, it
uses the latest technology and recyclable materials.
60. Cont. (Contemporary Architecture Summed Up)
• It creates buildings that are high-tech and durable. And they are taller than most of their
predecessors. If the trend continues, people will drive to live and work in contemporary
architecture structures that respect the law of nature.
• This form of architecture is dominant in the world. The modern design software and the use
of techniques like computer-aided designs help the buildings to be constructed with high-
level precision and speed.
• It retains modernism’s devotion to connecting the indoors with the outdoors, hence
achieving a feeling of spaciousness.
• The distinctive elements of contemporary architecture are free-flowing form, creativity and
the extensive use of curved lines in designing elements.
• It aims to break the old ways of thinking which are obstacles in w ay of becoming innovative.
61. Main Features of Contemporary Architecture
1. The Materials:
• This style incorporates various innovative and unique materials into construction.
2. Bright Open Interiors
• The contemporary homes bring abundant natural light which helps to illuminate the interiors.
This is achieved through the presence of skylights on the roofs and by adding glass areas on the
exterior walls.
3. Flat Roofs
• Flat overhanging roofs are the key elements of contemporary architecture. They extend the
architecture into the outdoors, thus creating an outdoor space.
• They add eye-catching design elements and also provide additional shading to adjacent structures,
still protecting the overall structure from the elements. The architectural design in contemporary
era encompasses clean lines with large window s, usually having flat roofs, gabled or shed roofs
with asymmetrical shapes in terms of massing.
• All the contemporary houses share common design elements like tall, irregularly shaped window
s, bold geometrical shapes, and asymmetrical facades and floor plans.
62. Cont. (Main Features of Contemporary Architecture)
4. Geometric simplicity:
• Simplicity becomes the rule when it comes to contemporary.
5. Harmony with Nature:
• The large glass walls allow the boundaries between indoors and outdoors to blur, whereas
overhanging roofs pushes the architecture into the outdoor realm, hence merging with nature.
6. Most of the contemporary buildings have over-sized window s which allow maximum daylight to
pass through.
7. Exposed beams, sanded floors and large expanses of light colored ceilings add to the airy feeling in
the contemporary architecture.
8. The use of reinforced concrete is widespread and can be made into any form of buildings that are
unusual and aesthetically pleasing. It serves the purpose that is intended and architects achieve that in
design.
9. Maximization of space is one of the prevalent features in contemporary home design.
10. It is a result of simplicity.
11. The architectural style is ever-changing and it is a clean style.
64. Factors that affect architecture.
• Each project has a different set of requirements, limitations, challenges, and
opportunities that affect a project’s cultural, environmental, technological, and aesthetic
contexts. The factors presented below are among the most influential.
1. CLIENT
• Some clients have a clear idea of a program, budget, and other project objectives, including
the final appearance of the building. Others look to their architect to help them define the project
objectives and to design a building that meets those objectives.
• In both cases the effectiveness of the relationship between client and architect is a major factor in
making and implementing design decisions throughout the project.
2. PROGRAM
• All clients have a series of aspirations, requirements, and limitations to be met in design. The
program provides a place for identifying and delineating these factors and any number of related
considerations.
• The program may be short or long, general or specific, descriptive of needs, or suggestive of
solutions.
65. Cont.
3. CONTEXT AND CLIMATE
• Contextual factors include the nature of the surrounding fabric of natural and built elements.
• Existing patterns and characteristics of this fabric can provide clues or starting points for
approaching site development as well as the building design, influencing its configuration and use
of materials, colors, and textures.
• Climate is the measure of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, rainfall and other
meteorological elements that determine a region's local weather patterns year round.
• Climate can be affected by an area's local landscape, such as mountain regions or flatlands, as well
as by weather.
• In traditional architecture, which uses only locally sourced resources and materials and does not
make use of advanced technology to protect residents from adverse local weather, climate is a major
determining factor in what sort of buildings are constructed and how they are built.
4. SITE
• These factors include site size; configuration; topography; geotechnical characteristics; ecological
features, including vegetation, wildlife habitats, water elements, and drainage; and accessibility to
property.
66. 5. CODES AND REGULATIONS
• Regulatory constraints on design have increased steadily. Beginning with simple safety
requirements and minimal land-use and light-and-air zoning, building codes and regulations have
grown into a major force in design that regulates every aspect of design and construction.
6. COMMUNITY CONCERNS
• Clients and their architects must adjust their designs to satisfy community groups, neighbors, and
public officials. These design adjustments are often adhoc efforts to meet objections or to gain
support rather than direct responses to codified requirements.
7. BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
• Building configuration, materials, and systems are rarely arbitrarily chosen and are only partially
based on aesthetic criteria.
• For example, floor-to-floor height required to accommodate structural, mechanical, lighting, and
ceiling systems in a cost effective manner varies significantly from an apartment house to an office
building to a research facility.
• Similarly, office fenestration may be based on one module and housing on another module. In still
other cases, these dimensions may be dictated largely by mechanical systems or even by the
knowledge and preferences of the local construction industry.
Cont.
67. 8. SUSTAINABILITY
• In its broadest scope, sustainability refers to the ability of a society, ecosystem, or any such
ongoing system to continue functioning into the future without being forced into
decline through exhaustion or overloading of the key resources on which that system
depends.
9. COST
• In most cases, there is a limit to the funds available for construction. Once defined,
this limit has a major influence on subsequent design decisions, from building size and
configuration to material selection and detailing.
• Although most budgets are fixed (often by the amount of financing available), others may be
flexible. For example, some The demands and constraints set by the project schedule may
influence how specific issues are explored and considered.
• For example, an alternative requiring a time consuming zoning variance may be discarded in
favor of one that can keep the project on schedule.
• Another example may include committing to a final site plan early in the process before the
building footprint on the site plan is fully designed.
Cont.
68. 10. Evolution of shelter forms
• Shelter, along with food and clothing, is one of Man’s three most essential necessities.
• Shelter protects people from the weather, shields them against wild animals and insects,
and provides a place to rest.
• The most common form of shelter would be that of housing, however shelter has evolved
into many different forms, including (but not limited to) bomb shelters, bus shelters,
tents, trailers and even houseboats.
11. Stone Age
• In the earliest prehistoric era, before Man knew how to build shelters, they made use of
the natural environment to provide them with shelter. The earliest forms of shelter were
those in trees, where it would provide minimal protection against the searing heat of the
sun and the cold of the rain. Also, trees protected Man against animals that could not
climb up the trees.
• The first man-made shelter was believed to have been made out of stones and tree
branches. The stones were placed at the base of the structure to hold the branches in
place.
• Man slowly learned the make simple tools that would allow them to build better
structures, and later on these structures gradually evolved in shape and form.
Cont.
69. 12. Early Modern Period
• The Early Modern Period encompasses the late Renaissance period as well as the Early
Industrial Age.
• Many technological innovations took place in this period, some of which formed the
foundation for building shelters in the modern day.
• Glass was used extensively in this period, and altered the facade and window construction
details considerably. This technique was used mostly in the building of grand public
structures.
• Construction in the Renaissance period also focused much on the design and architecture
of the building, rather than the materials used for the construction process. This was
largely due to the increased appreciation of aesthetics and design, as well as the
emancipation of various other art forms, leading to widespread cultural reforms.
Cont.
70. 13. Contemporary Era
• One predominant factor featured in the construction of shelters in the Contemporary Era.
• Shelters were no longer simple structures, but were towering high-rise buildings that were
usually constructed with either concrete or steel.
• A major innovation was the development of the steel frame as a structural element.
• Bricks were still used in buildings, and glass has been used extensively to give the building
a modern look and feel.
• It is widely assumed that architectural success was the product of a process of trial and
error, with progressively less trial and more replication as the results of the process
proved increasingly satisfactory.
• What is termed vernacular architecture continues to be produced in many parts of the
world. Indeed, vernacular buildings make up most of the built world that people
experience every day. Early human settlements were mostly rural.
• Due to a surplus in production the economy began to expand resulting in urbanization
thus creating urban areas which grew and evolved very rapidly.
Cont.
71. Break :
Riddle 1
• I occur once every minute,
• twice every moment,
• But never in a hundred
thousand years.
• What am I?
• Answer:
• The Letter M
Riddle 2
72.
73. THE LATEST TRENDS IN ARCHITECTURE :
Important for sustainable development and environmental protection
ARCH 1011
Lecture Five
HOME STUDY(Article Review)
74. • In this lecture the emphasis will be on presenting the trends that are
dominant in the field of construction.
• Includes projections built around the world, from fantastic transport
containers that have been adapted and converted into a residential proctor
to the skyscraper in the true sense of the word.
• In addition, the emphasis is on those construction projects that were built
with the intention of protecting the environment as well as according to the
principles of sustainable development.
Introduction
76. 1. Addressing climate change
• Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonresidential green buildings market reached approx.
$80 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $103 billion by 2023.
• Because up to 80% of a building’s embodied carbon comes from structural
materials, designers can incorporate sustainability by choosing less carbon intensive options.
• Wood products are one important climate solution because they require less energy to
manufacture than other materials, and store carbon through the useful life of the
product.
• Emphasis on green building certification programs also will increase, including LEED,
Green Globes, Living Building Challenge, and others.
• Wood products are recognized by each certification system, with LEED and Green Globes
granting 8-10 percent in potential credits through substantial use of wood in construction.
• Tools like Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) also are emerging as one of the most functional
assessment devices for understanding energy use and other environmental metrics, like
potential to impact climate.
77. “We believe mass timber is
much more than a structural
building material; it is an
opportunity to guide building
design and construction
towards a future of sustainable
building on an entirely new
scale.”
Craig Curtis, Katerra’s Chief
Architect
Building Platforms Architecture
78. 2. Mass Timber
• Mass timber has gained major momentum in recent years. As of December 2020, Wood
Works reported 1,060 mass timber projects had been constructed or were in
design in all 50 United States, and a new report projects that the number of mass
timber buildings could double every two years.
• Vox Magazine further credited wood/mass timber as “the hottest thing in architecture
this century.”
• Changes passed for the 2021 code cycle allow mass timber buildings to be
constructed 8 to 18 stories tall, signaling potential increases in overall mass timber
construction in new market sectors as well as in higher-density projects.
79. “Mass timber isn’t simply a green
building fad, it’s a resurgence of
one of the oldest building
materials used by man. The desire
to use wood in commercial
buildings will increase not only
because it’s the more sustainable
choice, but because building
occupants and tenants will prefer
it.”
80. 3. Prefabrication and Modular
• Prefabricated and modular buildings are at the forefront of innovative construction
techniques, coming in as the third most anticipated 2021 trend from survey respondents.
• The building industry is now embracing digital tools like 3D modeling, building
information modeling (BIM) and computer numeric control (CNC) machines,
making prefabrication and modular construction more common.
• Prefabrication and modular construction are providing significant improvements to
costs, schedule, quality and safety performance, productivity, client
satisfaction and waste reduction.
• Modular construction can speed up construction by as much as 50 percent and cut
costs by 20 percent, according to a 2019 report by McKinsey & Company.
• It also has the added benefit of being a low-carbon alternative.
• Design firms and contractors are forecasting expanded use of both approaches as benefits
are more widely measured and the industry develops more resources to support innovative
applications.
81. Most constructions are now
focusing exclusively on
prefabricated hybrid
residential design and
construction solutions that
prioritize energy efficiency,
low carbon footprints and
occupant health and well-
being.
82. 4. Hybrid Construction
• Building on the advantages of wood in the built environment, Builders predict that hybrid
construction will be a major trend in 2021, both in terms of materials and
construction techniques.
• Hybrid building, using structures that incorporate several types of structural materials,
may boost digitalization, enhance sustainability and help control budgets.
• Hybrid timber construction combines wood with materials such as steel and
concrete to deliver a wide range of structural solutions.
• Hybrid construction also allows architects and engineering teams to explore different
materials that complement the vision of the project, while meeting many objectives that a
scheme is trying to achieve, including aesthetics, thermal and sustainability.
83. Mass timber plays well
with other structural
materials. Often the right
structural solution for a
project is not a pure mass
timber structure, but a
hybrid solution.
84. 5. Affordable Housing
• According to Harvard University’s State of the Nation’s
Housing 2020 report, affordable housing conditions
worsened for many in 2020.
• Even before the pandemic-induced downturn, 37.1 million
households (30.2 percent) spent more than 30
percent of their incomes on housing in 2019.
• Timber plays an important role in affordable housing by
improving access to economical, comfortable, and
sustainable living spaces.
• Building techniques such as urban infills, adaptive reuse
and overbuilds are increasingly becoming a popular
development approach to address densification.
• Adding stories to existing buildings is more feasible with
timber because of its lighter weight.
86. Understanding Green Buildings
• What do we mean when we speak of green buildings or high-performance buildings?
• According to the USGBC, these buildings incorporate design and construction practices
that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the
environment and occupants in five broad areas:
1. Sustainable site planning.
2.Safeguarding water and water efficiency.
3.Energy efficiency and renewable energy.
4.Conservation of materials and resources.
5.Indoor environmental quality.
87. What Is a Green Building?
1. Promote Selection of Appropriate Sites and Environmentally Sustainable
Site Development
Locate projects on sites away from wetlands, above the 100-year old level, away from prime
agricultural land and away from endangered or threatened species habitat.
Locate projects on sites where there is already urban infrastructure to serve them.
Locate projects on sites that have been remediated of contamination; these usually have
infrastructure already in place.
Provide opportunities and building infrastructure for people to commute to work using public
transit and bicycles.
Minimize parking to discourage excessive auto use.
Provide low-emission vehicles and car-sharing arrangements to reduce gasoline use.
Protect open space in site development and restore open space on already impacted sites.
Manage stormwater to reduce the rate and quantity of stormwater runoff, and use best practices to
clean stormwater before it leaves the site.
88. 2. Promote Efficient Use of Water Resources
Control irrigation water use for landscaping, using as little as possible.
Select native landscaping which demands little or no added water.
Look for alternative ways to reduce sewage flows from the project, possibly even treating the
wastewater onsite.
Use water-conserving fixtures inside the building, to reduce overall water demand.
3. Protect and Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality
• Provide non-smoking buildings, or separate ventilation systems where smoking is allowed (such as
in high rise housing).
• Monitor delivery of outside air ventilation so that it responds to demand by using sensors for carbon
dioxide levels to adjust air flow.
Cont.
89. 4. Conserve Energy, Use Renewable Energy and Protect Atmospheric
Resources
Reduce the energy use (and environmental impact) of buildings 20% or more below the level of a
standard building.
Use onsite renewable energy to supply a portion of the building’s electrical and gas (thermal energy)
needs, using solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar water heating.
Reduce the use of ozone-harming and global-warming chemicals in building refrigeration and air-
conditioning systems.
Provide a means to troubleshoot the building’s energy use on a continuing basis by installing
measuring and monitoring devices.
Supply 35%ormore of the building’s electrical supply with purchased green power from site
installations, typically from wind farms.
5. Conserve Building Materials, Reduce Construction Waste and Sensibly Use Natural
Resources
Install permanent locations for recycling bins to encourage the practice in building operations.
Reuse existing buildings, including interior and exterior materials, to reduce the energy use and
environmental impacts associated with producing new building materials.
Reduce construction waste disposal by 50% or more to cut costs and reduce landfill use.
Cont.
90. Triggers to Increased Levels of Green Building
1. Social Reasons for Building Green
Encouraging sustainable business practices
Creating a sense of community
Increasing worker productivity
Supporting the domestic economy
2. Environmental Reasons for Building Green
Reducing energy consumption continues to be the top environmental reason for building green
Protecting natural resources
Reducing water consumption
91. Challenges to Increasing Green Building Activity
1. Higher Perceived First Costs
2. Lack of Political Support/Incentives
3. Lack of Market Demand
4. Lack of Public Awareness
5. Perception Green Is for High-End Projects Only
6. Lack of Trained/Educated Green Building Professionals
7. Access to Capital
• Lower Operating Costs (e.g., energy costs, total lifecycle costs)
• Flexibility of Design Built Into Green Buildings
• Increased Productivity for Tenants
• Higher Rental Rates
• Higher Occupancy Rates
Important Benefits of Green Building
92. Why Does Green Construction Matter?
• Climate change awareness is on the rise. Builders and regulators alike are making serious
moves to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial and industrial construction.
• By some estimates, “global energy demand is set to increase by 4.6% in 2021.” Almost
75% of this growth is from industry and buildings.
• Construction guidelines like Net Zero have established a standard for sustainable building
practices. Heavy government subsidies are also making it more affordable to meet the
higher upfront costs sometimes associated with green construction.
93. Building for Net Zero Energy Compliance
• A net-zero energy (NZE) house is designed and built to reduce household energy needs to a
minimum and includes on-site renewable energy systems, so that the house may produce as
much energy as it consumes on a yearly basis.
• An NZE home is not necessarily an “energy autonomous” house or “off-grid” house, as it
can be connected to the electricity grid, so that it can supply electricity to the grid when it is
producing more than it needs and draw from the grid when household demands exceed the
amount of electricity produced on site.
• Taken over the year, the energy supplied to the grid balances the energy drawn from the
grid, thus achieving net- zero annual energy consumption.
• Reducing household energy use means improving the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning (HVAC) systems, reducing heat loss, and cutting down on electricity use.
• Here are three of the main ways to achieve that.
1. Airtight Building Envelopes
2. Improving Heating and Ventilation Efficiency
3. Smarter Appliances and LED Bulbs
Cont.
94. 1. Airtight Building Envelopes
• Thermal leakage causes heating and cooling costs to skyrocket.
• Net Zero buildings boast features like triple-pane windows, heavy insulation, and building materials
with a high insulation value. Taken together, these measures make it less energy-intensive to
maintain a steady, comfortable temperature.
• Word to the wise: when improving energy efficiency, remember to take air quality, ventilation, and
humidity into account.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stresses that airtight buildings make indoor air quality
(IAQ) more important than ever. For example, pollutants like radon and mold can build up faster in
airtight spaces.
2. Improving Heating and Ventilation Efficiency
• Furnaces and traditional baseboard heating are still a fixture in older buildings. Because they’ve
warmed you through many a vicious winter, you may even have some real fondness for them.
• But today’s developers are finding ways to reduce our reliance on natural gas and electric.
• Integrating solar has been one popular trend, and one example is roof-mounted solar panels.
• They snatch up the sun’s rays and direct their energy into a gravel pit located beneath the building,
and the energy powers electric pumps for heating.
Cont.
95.
96. • 3. Smarter Appliances and LED Bulbs
• Appliances that automatically regulate their own consumption can significantly curb utility bills.
• At the same time, high-efficiency LED lighting represents a much greener alternative to
wasteful incandescent bulbs.
• But the biggest savings are in HVAC, as we’ll see below.
HVAC Evolves
• In general, heating and cooling uses about 40% of the energy most homes consume.
• Some examples of automated HVAC systems include equipment that monitors:
• Humidity
• Ambient temperature
• How many people are present
• CO (carbon monoxide) and CO2 (carbon dioxide) levels
• The sun’s current position
Cont.
97. Top Green buildings trends
1. Net Zero Energy Buildings(NZE)
• Generally speaking, net zero energy buildings produce enough renewable energy to meet
their own annual energy consumption requirements, thereby reducing the use of
nonrenewable energy in the building sector.
• Today, private commercial property owners have a growing interest in developing zero energy
buildings to meet their corporate goals, and in response to regulatory mandates, federal
government agencies and many state and local governments are beginning to move toward zero
energy building targets.
• Achieving zero energy is an ambitious yet increasingly achievable goal that is gaining momentum
across the globe and this trend is likely to continue as the costs of alternative energy technologies
decrease and the costs of traditional fossil fuels increase.
Listed below are the top 10 energy trends for green buildings that are expected to revolutionize the
way we look at the building sector.
98.
99. 2. Energy Efficiency
• “Energy efficiency” basically means achieving more with less. For example, choices of
materials used in construction are important to reduce energy consumption of a building
through reduced solar heat gain or loss, thus reducing air-conditioning loads.
• The building industry is a vital element of any economy but has a significant impact on
the environment. By virtue of its size, construction is one of the largest users of energy,
material resources, and water, and it is a formidable polluter.
• Therefore, it is particularly important for this sector to minimize its usage of resources
and become as energy efficient as possible.
• Use of passive energy design like natural ventilation, landscaping by vegetation, use of
water bodies for evaporation and cooling etc. ensure significant reduction in energy
consumption by conventional air conditioning and artificial lightning in a building.
• Further, architects believe that well designed and installed insulation can reduce the
amount of heat lost through the building envelope by at least half, so insulating the
building envelope goes a long way in achieving energy reduction.
Cont.
100. 3. Renewables
• Renewable energy is the rage these days. It has incredible momentum, not only in terms of
deployment and costs but in terms of public opinion and popularity.
• To put it simply, everyone loves renewable energy. It is cleaner, it is high-tech, it is new jobs;
in short, it is the future.
• Further, according to a 2018 report from the International Renewable Energy Agency, the cost of
renewable energy is falling fast enough to be consistently cheaper than the use of fossil fuels within
a few years.
4. Waste-to-Fuel
• Most environmentalists agree that ‘Waste-to-Fuel’ might work best as a transitional technology
until full renewables take over.
• Organic waste is often improperly disposed of, creating an aesthetic and health hazard.
• The waste is left to rot, releasing climate-altering methane. if the gas is going to be released anyway,
they might as well put it to use.
Cont.
101. 5. Biomimicry
• The concept of biomimicry is all about the ideas inspired by nature and it has been offered as an
optimal solution for the conflicts between nature and human activities.
• It basically refers to the design of products and materials that draws solutions from living things.
• It provides a wide range of solutions for structural efficiency, water efficiency, zero-waste systems,
thermal environment, and energy supply, which are essential for any sustainable building design.
• Think of insulation based on cacti or wastewater treatment that works like wetlands. Or better still,
let us talk about buildings whose designs were inspired by the work of a tiny insect, the termite.
• The termite is one of nature’s more accomplished builders, erecting the tallest structures on our
planet (when measured against the size of the builder), and maintaining a constant temperature
inside despite wide temperature swings outside.
• So although biomimicry is being applied in industries, it has grown particularly popular in products
related to the built environment.
Cont.
102.
103. 6. More Emphasis on Water Conservation Measures
• As the global economy is booming, water resources are depleting at an alarming pace.
• The whole world is currently sitting on the edge of a major water crisis. As such, water conservation
is the need of the hour and the sooner we realize this, the better it will be for us and the future
generations.
• Now the construction sector is one of the major consumers of water.
• Water used to operate buildings is also a significant component of national water consumption.
Therefore, demand for utilizing water-efficient plumbing fixtures like ultra-low flow toilets and
urinals, waterless urinals, low-flow sinks, low-flow showerheads, and water-efficient dishwashers
and washing machines is on the rise.
• Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a gray water
system that recovers rainwater or other non-potable water for site irrigation is also becoming
increasingly popular.
• Gray water is produced by activities such as hand washing, and does not need to be treated
intensively as sewage. It can be recycled in a building to irrigate ornamental plants or flush toilets.
• Rainwater harvesting is also a new trend that is being adopted by people in many regions of the
world.
Cont.
104. Heightened concern about the impact of future restrictions on water supplies and cost is prompting
many building designers, owners, and managers to consider ways to further reduce water
consumption in commercial and residential buildings, such as adopting some of the following
water conservation strategies:
Using more water-conserving fixtures and low-flow toilets
Installing low-flow showerheads
Water-permeable surfaces and stormwater management strategies
Rainwater catchment systems
Graywater recovery systems
Installing green roofs
Planting native and adapted vegetation in place of lawns or ornamentals
7. Climate-change Resistant Buildings
• With the intensity of hurricanes, storms, droughts, heatwaves, cold spells and floods going from bad
to worse with each passing year, the reality of climate crisis is staring at us hard in our faces.
• Now the bad news is that extreme weather events are expected to become more common as the
climate changes, but most current buildings are only equipped to protect us from weather,
not extreme weather.
• So climate-change resistant or ‘future-proof’ buildings are the need of the hour and the building
experts need to consider mitigation measures in the design and construction of new buildings so
that they operate on a resilient level against extreme weather pattern changes.
Cont.
105.
106. 8. Alternative Building Materials
• While civilization has heavily relied on concrete to build structures, its carbon footprint has led
architects and engineers to look into alternative building materials. There has been a surge in
alternative building material interest around the world, and growth in such materials being
used that are both durable and have lower environmental impacts.
• For example, bamboo has been used as a traditional building material for centuries, and has
recently gained popularity for its sustainability in green buildings.
• Bamboo is a cost-effective building material as it is easily grown and harvested, making it a
sustainable building material source, not to mention its aesthetic appeal too in building design.
• Recycled plastic is also a durable and long-lasting building material. With the growing plastic
pollution crisis threatening the natural environment, researchers are starting to create concrete
that has added recycled plastics, which reduces the need of mining and extracting new
building material components.
Cont.
107.
108. 9. Low-emitting Windows and Cool Roofs
• Low-emitting windows, coated with metallic oxide, to block sun’s harsh rays
during summer and keep the heat inside in the winter are also gaining popularity.
Such windows have the potential to significantly reduce heating and cooling
costs of buildings.
• Transparent solar window panels can also be incorporated into sunshades,
curtain walls, glass facade or as overhead glazing units.
• These increase access to direct sunlight while providing additional architectural
benefits such as passive shading.
• Another promising innovation is in the form of cool roofs which is made of
special tiles and reflective paints to reflect sunlight.
• Cool roofs have high levels of solar reflectance and thermal emittance, and help
in reducing the heat island effect in urban habitats, especially in arid areas like
the Middle East.
Cont.
109.
110. Green Building Trends & How to Implement Them
1. Growing Focus on Healthy Building Materials
• The use of low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, sealants and adhesives is already a pretty
common practice on green construction projects.
• Low-VOC products have been featured in green building rating systems for 20 years, as it is
common knowledge that the chemicals wafting out of sealant cans can be harmful to indoor air
quality and human health.
• Did you know indoor air pollution causes up to 50% of respiratory illnesses? And we were already
spending up to 90% of our time indoors—before the pandemic? And viruses like COVID-19 can
spread through your building’s HVAC system?
• Products are being analyzed for transparency and chemical content. More and more manufacturers
are being driven to provide health product declarations (HPDs) so that project teams are able to
understand the product’s overall composition.
• Designers are beginning to compare products, not just based on their functional performance on
projects, but also on their likelihood of impacting human health and well-being.
• Construction teams will play a more integral role by ensuring those products are being incorporated
correctly into their buildings.
111. 2. More Emphasis on Embodied Carbon
• Carbon emissions are often visualized as the smoke coming out of an exhaust pipe or from the
power plant generating electricity.
• While these certainly contribute to carbon emissions, there’s a new trend towards evaluating
another source: the embodied carbon in the products and materials being used to
construct buildings.
• While carbon emissions occur from on-site construction activities, enormous amounts of carbon are
required to produce the concrete, steel, glass and other materials used to actually
construct the building.
• This is referred to as “embodied carbon,” which is the carbon dioxide emitted during the
manufacture, transport, installation and end-of-life emissions of materials.
• Project teams are now starting to look at using products with the lowest embodied carbon for
constructing buildings, which pushes sustainability and accountability even further down the supply
chain and has the ability to cut carbon emissions at the source.
• Construction teams can expect to be asked for information on the sourcing and manufacturing
processes of materials as teams seek to reduce embodied carbon on projects.
Cont.
112. 3. Technology Adoption to Help Ease the Pain
• The industry has adopted technology for overall construction management to automate schedules,
manage subcontractor submittals, update plans and drawings, and help knock out punch lists.
• This same trend will hold true for managing green building compliance and documentation.
Traditionally, these processes have been very labor intensive, as they required going through
hundreds of pages of submittals to find compliance data; meticulously tracking multiple
spreadsheets; taking hundreds (or thousands) of photos, and repeating that process over months or
years of construction.
• Fortunately, in 2020, there are more tech solutions to allow construction teams to focus on what
matters most: completing projects on time, on budget and with exceptional quality.
• From product validation, to waste tracking, to stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP)
reporting, to embodied carbon analysis, new software and technologies are hitting the market to
save contractors time, money and headaches.
• While green construction is extremely important, it does not have to be as complicated as it has
been made out to be, and technology adoption will go a long way toward helping teams down that
path.
Cont.