Architecture Program
Date of this Version
Spring 5-8-2010
Abstract
Sustainability, green, and eco-friendly are very popular topics right now. Those words and many like them are being used in almost every industry. But it’s not just a trend, it’s a necessary movement. Using green building elements as a starting point for design, just as site, typology, and clients’ request are used, is how a sustainable building is created. These elements must be adjusted for every site because local materials, climate and community all play a role.
Deep investigation of the projects context is important. There are many factors of the site to consider. Physical aspects while important are just a small portion of site analysis. Climatologic data must also be analyzed, especially for sustainable buildings. City guidelines and codes should be known from the very start of design. It can also be useful to know the history and expected future of the site.
Speculative office buildings are flexible in plan allowing for changes without waste. It allows for different users to occupy the same space adding variety to the building. The addition of community space, such as a coffee shop, gives the building life after the nine to five workdays. A building like this can be beneficial in a small town.
An office building that embodies green architecture for a community that needs one is what sustainability is all about. This thesis project is to achieve that.