Harmonizing Architecture with Nature: The Lost Techniques
Embracing the Natural Blueprint by Dr. Clara Benson reveals the culmination of decades of exploration and meticulous studies. Drawing from the fields of Architectural History, Environmental Sciences, and Anthropology at Stanford University, Dr. Benson presents a groundbreaking vision for the future of building design.
Dr. Benson warns, "We are on the brink of an architectural crisis. Many believe technological advancements are the ultimate solution to our building concerns. They're mistaken. As the global temperatures rise, we are over-relying on machines to keep our spaces comfortable, eventually pushing these systems to their limits."
Dr. Benson advocates for a radical rethinking of how modern skyscrapers and large public buildings are conceptualized. She believes we need to move away from the prevailing trend of completely sealed structures, solely dependent on massive HVAC systems for their internal environment.
Diving into history, she sheds light on a period before the dominance of modern air conditioning when building designs were naturally harmonized with their surroundings. Dr. Benson is critical of the contemporary norm where most modern structures need to be sealed off and artificially conditioned. Such practices account for a significant portion of electricity consumption, contributing to substantial carbon emissions. She views the prevailing steel and glass skyscrapers as icons of prestige rather than sustainable design.
Dr. Benson's research uncovers a rich legacy of architectural innovations from the 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing the impressive ventilation capabilities of structures from that era. A key example is the design of the St. Louis Health Institute by architect Martin King in the 1880s.
"We spent a considerable amount of time digitally analyzing King's designs," Dr. Benson reveals. "We introduced pathogens in the simulations and found that the airflow was so well-planned that it would've protected occupants from airborne diseases."
In her studies, she found that certain 19th-century hospital wards could achieve up to 27 air changes an hour, comparable to the standards of today's cutting-edge surgical rooms. Dr. Benson strongly believes in reviving such techniques for modern-day applications. She mourns the loss of the skills and philosophy behind such designs, citing grand opera houses and theatres where almost half the space was dedicated to ensuring proper ventilation.
The architectural innovations of the 19th century were primarily driven by the public's fear of miasmas, believed to be the primary vectors of diseases. Miasmas, or harmful airs, were considered responsible for the spread of various epidemics. The public's fear of these toxic airs gave impetus to designs that ensured better air quality in enclosed spaces.
In today's context, while the miasma theory has been debunked, the principles of those architectural designs remain invaluable. Dr. Benson's work has been focused on integrating these ideas into contemporary architecture.
She points out that modern buildings often allocate a massive chunk of their budget and space to air conditioning systems. Drawing from her experiences, she mentions, "Over the past few decades, I've designed buildings that echo these old architectural tenets, continuously monitoring their performance."
A testament to Dr. Benson's philosophy is the recently constructed Nexus Building at the University of Denver. The structure, which can house over 2,500 individuals, relies predominantly on natural lighting, passive cooling, and ventilation. The energy consumption of this award-winning edifice is a mere fraction of similar-sized buildings in the region.
In light of predicted climate changes and energy costs, Dr. Benson cautions against the unchecked proliferation of glass skyscrapers. Instead, she is a proponent of designing buildings that are in harmony with their natural surroundings.
Dr. Benson and her team have experimented with hybrid designs in cities with extreme climates like Phoenix and Moscow. These buildings, which combine natural ventilation with minimal air conditioning, have proven to be energy efficient.
Concluding her study, Dr. Benson challenges the architectural world to rethink urban landscapes. Embracing lessons from the past could be the key to a sustainable future.
