Western Kentucky University

Architecture Providing a Sustainable Community

Institution

Western Kentucky University

Abstract

Architecture is more than creating a unique design or an attractive building. Architecture is about creating spaces that will endure time. With the building industry being one of the largest energy resource users on this planet, architects have the responsibility to reduce its reliance on these precious resources. A renowned architect, Richard Rogers, once said, “I believe we - architects - can affect the quality of life of the people.” Missionaries in Costa Rica approached us to design a community that is a safe haven for local orphans and refugees. The architecture we created focused on making a space for people to heal, and emotionally rehabilitate. Architecture has the ability to create emotion, to influence the thoughts and ideas a person has. The significance of our architecture was to produce a space where interaction, opportunity and healing encourage a community to grow and function as one. It became essential to design a community that was sustainable and self-sufficient. Bringing together sustainable design and our ideas of a community go together harmoniously. Sustainability philosophy focuses on creating prosperity and hope in our communities. It is through careful investigation and awareness that we achieved a design that had a positive environmental impact, and one that also is socially and emotionally responsive to the community.

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Architecture Providing a Sustainable Community

Architecture is more than creating a unique design or an attractive building. Architecture is about creating spaces that will endure time. With the building industry being one of the largest energy resource users on this planet, architects have the responsibility to reduce its reliance on these precious resources. A renowned architect, Richard Rogers, once said, “I believe we - architects - can affect the quality of life of the people.” Missionaries in Costa Rica approached us to design a community that is a safe haven for local orphans and refugees. The architecture we created focused on making a space for people to heal, and emotionally rehabilitate. Architecture has the ability to create emotion, to influence the thoughts and ideas a person has. The significance of our architecture was to produce a space where interaction, opportunity and healing encourage a community to grow and function as one. It became essential to design a community that was sustainable and self-sufficient. Bringing together sustainable design and our ideas of a community go together harmoniously. Sustainability philosophy focuses on creating prosperity and hope in our communities. It is through careful investigation and awareness that we achieved a design that had a positive environmental impact, and one that also is socially and emotionally responsive to the community.