Social and Cultural Ideas relation to Architecture and Ecology

After spending my second week of Uni on New Zealand, I have noticed the way they culturaly nurture their natural environment. I am starting to form the position that Architects need to see they way there building effects the ecology of the area, not just the contour map we are often given.

Think about Architecture in New Zealand

After spending my second week of Uni on New Zealand, I have noticed the way they nurture their natural environment. I am starting to form the position that Architects

Short Reflection of Week 1 reading

The first weeks reading had me consider the possibilities of small relocated 'pod-like' structures. It also coincides with a article I read in GQ magazine about the perfect office. The article mentioned relocatable spaces, similar to the ones that Sadler mensions. I feel that if these pod are market correctly, they could form a new wave in sustainable living and participating in life.

Salder also mentions high level automation in architecture, I have my reservations about this. I feel that sometimes this sophisticated technology can detract and distort the purity of well thought out architectural gestures. At the same time I feel that they could have a massive positive impact if they are created in conjunction with good design.

What does the future mean to the 'architect'

The task for my first lecture was to think about the future and the role of 'the architect' in that possible future.

There a few important areas that I personally believe need the attention of designers and planners alike. I am concerned about the preservation of regional ecosystems in regional areas. I believe that natural processes and function of organic environments are being overlooked for the sake of accommodating a rapidly increasing human population. Although it may be obvious, It seems that the comfort and accommodation of human beings is regarded as priority above all other things.

I believe that our species faces an unsustainable future. I believe that we will suffocate ourselves out of existence due to overpopulation and resource depletion in an effort to maintain higher levels of creature comforts and self preservation.

I do also believe that a shift in the way human beings operate will occur, and that the functionality of the planet and its biosphere will be put above the creature comforts of one particular species. This is where I see designers and architects making a massive difference.

It has long been dreamed about be architecture students; microcitys, where food is harvested, products are made and where everyone contributes. But if it’s such a good idea, why hasn’t it been done yet.

If I get the chance in this new unit of architecture, I would love to have the opportunity to see how this could be practically and architecturally possible and hopefully do enough critical analysis that it could be possible.