#deararchitects
#2018
ARCHITECT AS EDUCATOR
AND LIFETIME STUDENT
I think we can all agree that our current standard of care for the earthās resources is well below average, and the architectās role needs to be deeper than merely picking sustainable materials and systems. Architects should play a more active role in sustaining the earthās resources by being at the forefront of the conversations, collaborating with manufacturers, and embracing the experimental nature of sustainable products and systems.
The architect should be both an educator and a lifetime student of sustainable products and systems.
The success of whether or not a product is used starts with how educated the parties involved are. Architects have to master this art to push sustainable agenda as politician debates for their ideas about the world. Yes, I understand been an educator means you have to spend more time learning about systems that might not pan out, but this, in turn, makes us experts in materials and building technologies, which I believe will create a more sustainable future.
Many companiesā brand products as green and sustainable, and it should be the duty of the architect to analyze those claims to determine the facts and how the potential benefit outweighs the risk.
I believe this is where it is necessary to be an educator, guiding all parties through the journey and embracing the calculated risk.The design and construction of buildings is an ongoing experiment due to the rapid change in material and technology, and it requires the flexibility of all participants.
For instance, it is common knowledge that solar water heaters arenāt as reliable as a gas water heater. However, the technology is progressively getting better; its reputation in the construction community has been tarnished. So, even when the architect specifies a product and itās agreed upon by the client. Still, the contractor suggests otherwise based on his construction experience; then, the product might not be installed. Here is another challenging opportunity; I believe the architects can navigate as educators.
Architectural education and practice have to do better at engaging future architects on the need for sustainability rather than merely pushing sustainable products and systems. I find that having personal experiences, a tangible reason or connection for why we need to sustain resources creates a more profound quest and understanding.
My desire for a sustainable future stems from my childhood growing up in Lagos, Nigeria. My experience living in my familyās home instilled some critical concepts in my mind, such as; Natural lighting and passive ventilation.
There shouldnāt be any reason that a house should be pitch black at noon without using electricity nor the indoor environment be hot and uncomfortable when you live in a climate with cold nights and no stable power.
Our role isnāt any more different with participating consultants; it is like any other requirement someone creates the guidelines, someone else has to enforce, and I believe that is the role of the architect.
In my opinion, there shouldnāt be an Architect in this day and age that isnāt running a sustainable practice. Sustainability shouldnāt be an added perk; it should be the standard for every architect. We are the bridge between clients needs and the built environment, and we must sustain the earthās resource.
The conversation to me isnāt whether the architect has a role in making a sustainable building. It is how effective we are at educating our clients, collaborating with the manufacturers, and tracking and reviewing sustainable products and systems. Been an architect in this age is having deep consciousness of what our buildingsā calorie count is and how the structure, in turn, affects the earth and its users.
Sincerely,
CLO