The world is changing. Climate change has caused temperatures to rise, sea levels to increase, and natural disasters to become more frequent. Architects have been working to find ways to make buildings more resilient in the face of these challenges, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
In this article, we will explore the concept of resilient design and how it can be used to create a more sustainable future. We will also look at some recent examples of resilient design projects and see why they are so important.
What Is Resilient Design?
Resilient design is a term that is used to describe the process of designing buildings and other structures that can withstand the effects of climate change. This includes things like rising sea levels, increased temperatures, and more extreme weather events.
Resilient design also considers the need for buildings to be able to adapt to changing conditions over time. As we’ve learned from tracking climate over the past several decades, we can anticipate more change in the future.
How Has Climate Change Impacted Architecture?
Climate change has had a major impact on the field of architecture. In the past, architects focused primarily on making buildings that looked good and were comfortable for people to live and work in.
However, with the effects of climate change becoming more apparent, there is a need for buildings that can withstand extreme weather events and other environmental challenges. Safety and longevity are considered carefully during the design and building process.
Another impact of climate change on architecture has been through the use of materials. For example, architects and city planners are now more concerned with using materials that are sourced in safer, more environmentally sound methods and that will help reduce the effect of urban heat islands.
Resilience Regulations
There are numerous regulations that have been put in place to promote resilient design. These include things like the International Building Code (IBC), which requires that all new buildings be designed to withstand natural disasters.
These regulations are designed to help ensure that buildings can withstand the effects of climate change. Some additional groups that have developed regulations include:
– The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
– The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
– The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Recent Examples of Resilient Design
Several projects showcasing resilient design have been completed in recent years. These projects range from small homes to large office buildings. Some examples of resilient design projects include:
– The New GAF Headquarters
Designed in response to the impact for Hurricane Sandy, GAF designed their new headquarters to be resilient against storms. Theirs was the first building to earn the LEED IPpc98 certification for its resilient design.
– The Beach at Expedia Group
This waterfront property was specially designed to highlight and protect the Washington coastline. Adaptive reuse and local material reclamation were two keys to make this design feel integrative and holistic. The design team was careful to use native grasses and plants to help the space withstand storms, heatwaves, and a changing coastal landscape.
– Louisiana Children’s Museum
The museum, built in the aftermath of the mass devastation of Hurricane Katrina, stands as a fresh take on resilient design. It is elevated to avoid storm surge flooding, and its facades meet strict wind standards for defense, while also providing shading and radiant cooling.
Why We Need Resilient Design
As the effects of climate change become more apparent, we need to start designing buildings that can withstand extreme weather events. Resilient design is one way to accomplish this.
By using resilient design principles, we can create buildings that are better able to withstand the effects of climate change. In addition, resilient design can also help to reduce the amount of energy that is needed to maintain a building. In this way, resilient design can also slow the man-made contribution to climate change.
A New Hope for Environmental Impact
The world is changing, and we need to change with it. Resilient design is one way that we can create a more sustainable future.
By implementing resilient design principles, we can create buildings that are better able to withstand the effects of climate change and help to reduce the amount of energy that is needed to maintain them. We need to start incorporating resilient design if we want to make a positive impact on the environment.
Takeaways
Climate change has had a major impact on the architectural industry. There is a need for buildings that can withstand extreme weather events and other environmental challenges. As a response, resilient design is the process of designing buildings and other structures that can withstand the effects of climate change.
The growing number of resilient design projects completed in recent years shows that resilient design is both possible and popular. By using resilient design principles, we can create buildings that are better able to withstand the effects of climate change and help to reduce the amount of energy that is needed to maintain them.
The bottom line is that we need to start using resilient design if we want to make a positive impact on the environment. Our future depends on it.
Bill Starkey 