Integrating Building Systems and Technologies: Organic Architecture and Ecological Design

Social and ecological concerns are leading architects, designers, engineers and builders to explore various materials and technologies to meet our needs while minimizing our impact on future generations. Around the world we are creatively developing and exploring new models of construction and integrating old techniques with new materials and technologies to produce more environmentally responsible and socially appropriate solutions. We are seeing an increasing number of buildings that integrate high and low tech solutions to create spaces that are more self-reliant and environmentally responsible, while also more in balance with the patterns, cycles and systemic methods of Nature. This paper will look at patterns in Nature that can assist us in creating more harmony in the built environment and will provide information and examples of projects that move towards this ideal through the use of alternative construction materials, efficient and appropriate energy, water and waste water treatment systems, daylighting, active and passive solar technologies, integrated green spaces, use of green roofs, and other ecological design ideas. We will look at a variety of important concerns and the impacts of our design and planning decisions in relation to increasing social awareness and environmental responsibility in our public and personal choices. We will also explore some of the current models and built examples of forward looking and responsive architecture and planning to help us understand these concerns and inspire our commitment to pursue greater social and environmental responsibility in these choices.