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GREEN ARCHITECTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT |
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by ANDREW AWUAH WIREKO | 29-04-2021 10:58
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Green Architecture, or Green Design is an approach to building that minimizes the harmful effects of construction projects on human health and the environment. The "Green" architecture or design attempts to safeguard air, water and earth by choosing eco - friendly materials and construction practices. Green architecture design include ventilation systems designed for efficient heating and cooling, energy - efficient lighting appliances, water- saving plumbing fixtures, causing minimal harm to the natural habit during construction and the efficient use of space among others. It is a well known fact that architectural designs and the construction of projects have a significant impact on the environment. The impact depends on the type of designs and how the construction project is executed. The materials used in the construction project also have impact on the environment. Using my native country, Ghana, as an example, many buildings and other construction projects in the urban areas are done with concrete made of sand and cement. On the other, many rural communities construct their buildings with environmentally friendly materials like simple wood, mud bricks. The designs and materials used in urban Ghana are mostly not environmentally friendly particularly in the tropics with high temperatures, where Ghana is situated. To make the situation even worse, some these concrete buildings are made with glass windows, doors and other glass fittings. A more worrying architectural trend in Ghana nowadays are architectural designs and construction with greater components of glass. This negatively affects ventilation and requires a lot of energy for inhabitants to occupy such buildings. Inhabitants would need high energy consuming appliances like air conditioners to help in ventilation since the tropical heat could have negative effect on the health of inhabitants. It does not augur well for a tropical country which experiences warm weather for the greater part of the year to design and construct such environmentally unfriendly buildings. Another issue of concern in Ghana is the wanton destruction of natural habitats in construction projects. A recent example was when an estate developer fell numerous trees at the bank of Lake Bosumtwi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to undertake a construction project. This activity attract wide spread condemnation from environmentalists and political authorities as well as traditional rulers who are the custodians of land in most parts of the country. The estate developer was sanctioned and ordered by the Asantehene (King of Ashanti) to plant over 5000 trees along the banks of the lake to those he had destroyed. Lake Bosumtwi is one of the very few natural lakes in West Africa. It is also a site for tourist attractions. Any activity therefore, that would impact negatively on the environment should be taken seriously. In the tropics where warm weather is experienced in most part of the year and there Abundant sunlight and wind, renewable energy like solar power and wind power should be made part of architectural designs and construction practices. Renewable energy should be harnessed since it is easily available in many parts of the world. Eco - friendly, and Green architectural designs and construction practices should be encouraged to minimize the negative impact of such activities on the environment. In any human activity, there should be a concerted effort to save our planet from environmental degradation and climate change. We all need a healthy planet to live a sustainable life.
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4 Comments
Dear Andrew,
This is your mentor Debbie. :)
I see how you mentioned that in rural areas buildings are made with a more eco-friendly way in Ghana. Personally I feel like Korea is in a similar position with Ghana. In the city, buildings need to be taller and more compact. It also needs to look ‘fitting?? to the city environment; whereas in the rural area, these are not big of a concern. Since we all “need a healthy planet” we should appreciate what we have and stop further destruction. :)
Great job with the article,
Debbie
Posted 01-05-2021 11:05
Thanks very much for your wonderful responses!
Posted 01-05-2021 08:26
Hi ANDREW,
This is your mentor Yuseon:D
You have pointed out some important factors that decide Green Architecture.
Materials and destruction done in the construction process. The latter is a real serious problem, especially in developing countries. It is like an irony that to make 'development' there must be the process of destructing one's habitat in nature. There is a way to prevent this or minimize these actions by designating 'green belts' that should not be touched by humans. Anyway, we should be aware that constructing something new means we need to destroy some part of nature, and try to compensate it in other ways.
Good points in your report!
Keep up the good work,
Yuseon
Posted 30-04-2021 19:18
Hello Andrew,
Warm Greetings
Thank You for your wonderful report on Green Architecture. I believe that there are lots of green building and structures in Ghana. Keep Writing.
Regards,
Sagar Koirala
Posted 30-04-2021 17:07