Green buildings

"Design, Ecology, and the making of thing"

The most gripping section in this reading, was when the architects were looking for a tree to replace the beams that had dry rot, and they found trees planted 350 years ago for that purpose. This is a concept that I never really thought about and I am very happy to have run across it in the reading. This is the definition of sustainability -- Everything coming full circle -- thinking about the future -- and preparing for the future. For me, it adds another dimension to the definition of a green building. A building is not done once it is finished being built, to be truly sustainable we need to think further down the line.

I also think the section about the kids getting too hot and not knowing to close the shades or open a window is important. Like the author says, children are alive, they can learn and also be involved. It is our job to teach them.

"Principles of Green Architecture"

The principles of green architecture are fairly simple: conserving energy, working with climate, minimizing new resources, respect for users and site. The first three are pretty obvious and I have read about them in detail in other sources however, respect for users and site are some what new concepts to me. Moving from a nomadic life to a sessile life not only changed what materials we use to build shelter, but how we think about those materials i.e. how else might we use them. It is funny, most people would probably see the argument that most people in America are removed from nature but how about removed from their homes. I have no idea what goes into building a home. Something so basic and I have absolutely no idea what it is about. I think the principle of having respect is a first step towards understanding.

"Sustainability and Building Codes"

Ah!!! I made a post about this yesterday! It is quite a shame when a person finally gets over the barriers to going green, and then is met with building codes, and insurance companies -- what a shame! I am sure that community pressure will eventually create some loop holes in these policies.  It is just too early to tell. If cities are really interested in encouraging residents to build more green buildings, then the cities need to take steps to remove these barriers from the codes.