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Oxbridge Essay

Role of Architecture in combating global challenges

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Naina Edwin
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4 views5 pages

Oxbridge Essay

Role of Architecture in combating global challenges

Uploaded by

Naina Edwin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Bridging sustainability and urbanism : Role of

architecture in combating global challenges

Global challenges have always been daunting. Poor crisis management


and disaster control fuelled by climate change has caused a plethora of
uncertainty and distress regarding the future. Hence,it is no surprise that
the majority of population is overtly concerned about the incoming state
of the world.

The fields of Engineering and Medicine among others work relentlessly in


the pursuit to support human ambitions alongside sustainability. Despite
their progress , we continue to face global adversities and the role of
Architecture in this interest is largely overlooked.

I propose to implement the policy of mini ecosystems to combat


overpopulation. Carefully designed and strategically planned mini
ecosystems combined with vertical farming will bridge the gap between
industrialisation and environmentalism. Each mini ecosystem would
consist of 10 to 15 vertical cities with sloping top surfaces to maximise
solar power absorption to be later converted into energy. The “ Harvest
Green Tower” project proposed by Architects as a part of the Vancouver
city’s 2030 Challenge of reducing carbon emissions is a testament to the
fact that vertical cities and farming are the most probable alternatives to
combat the issues of overpopulation and overcrowding by decreasing the
horizontal sprawl of urbanisation.

Scientists suggest that the global temperatures would rise by 1.5 degree
Celsius by 2050 . This rise in global temperatures accelerates
desertification as evaporation rates increase. A research paper published
in the CTBUH conference(2008),proposes 9 design plans that implements
the concept of self-sustaining vertical cities. Plans such as: “Liquid Crystal
Tower” works to transform deserts into an oasis that can support a
population of 188,200 people. (“Mile High Tower : Concept of Vertical City
’’.CTBUH 2008 (p.3)).
Current architectural practices based on degradation and demolition
impart stress on the environment. Practicing regenerative architecture,by
engaging nature as the medium and generator would decrease energy
usage of the Earth immensely .Buildings in harmony with the ecosystem
supports both human needs as well as the planet’s.
Moreover ,regenerative architecture is resistant to natural hazards.
Modern day buildings use the HVAC system to regulate temperature
differences while buildings based on the regenerative model adopt
strategies such as passive cooling,flood-resistant materials, agricultural
landscaping and green skins to adapt with the environment without any
additional use of energy.

But,environmentalism is only one aspect of sustainability. In order to solve


the global issues we face,we need to do more than just solve them.
Humanity needs a united common front when faced with problems bigger
than them,which is precisely where the social sense of architecture comes
into play. Low income household models which provide basic shelter could
potentially bridge the poverty gap in the coming years. Culture inclusive
and socially inclusive architecture can promote feelings of harmony.An
example of this is the “Enabling Village” located in Singapore,which is the
first inclusive community space in Singapore dedicated to integrating
differently abled people in society.

Modern day architecture is often seen more decorative than functional.


Old habits die hard but it is high time to integrate architecture when
talking about our future. The impact of architecture is beyond creating
spaces. It bridges the gap between people and places. The spaces we
create permeates into society .Inclusive architecture creates an inclusive
mindset. Sustainable architecture ensures survival. And both are equally
necessary when considering the long-term effects of our actions on the
future of the Earth.
REFERENCES

 Journal Article : Caroline Hickman and Elizabeth Marks ( 2021 ).


“Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs
about government responses to climate change : a global survey ’’.
The Lancet Planetary Health.
 Journal Article : Kheir Al- Kodmany (2018 ). “The Vertical Farm : A
Review of Developments and Implications for the Vertical City
’’.MDPI( Section 3.5.5).
 Journal Article : Takenaka Corporation (2008 ) . “ Mile High Tower :
Concept of Vertical City ’’.CTBUH ( p.3 ).
 Journal Article : Stepan Novikov and Eliza Gimazutdinov (2021 ) .
“The vertical cities: reality or utopia of the future”.STCCE ( p.5) .
 Journal Article : Utssav Gupta ( 2022 ). “ Is Sustainability in
architecture Subjected to Environmental Impact only ?”.LinkedIn.
 Journal Article : Mrs. Li Huan-Qing (2013) . “ An Integrated Planning
Concept for the Emerging Underground Urbanism: Deep City Method
Part 1 Concept, process and application ’’. Infoscience EPFL.( p.2 ).
 Journal Article : Institutional( 2022 ) . “Enabling Village : An inclusive
environment for integration ’’ .FutureArc.

 Journal Article : Ankitha Gattupalli ( 2023 ) . “What is Regenerative


Architecture? Limits of Sustainable Design, System Thinking
Approach and the Future ’’. ArchDaily.

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