Your designs face unpredictable climate changes. How can you ensure their long-term viability?

Solar passive design principles have been very useful for tropical climatic conditions. It will be quite effective for energy efficiency of the buildings. For typical coastal and super cyclonic zones, some highbreed and more sophisticated technology may be followed.

Before starting, conduct thorough feasibility studies to identify sustainable actions suitable for the specific climate of your project! Choose flexible methods, like movable walls and adaptable materials, to handle unpredictable weather. While no design can anticipate every environmental change, strategic flexibility can improve long-term viability!

To ensure the long-term viability of designs in the face of unpredictable climate changes, a multifaceted approach is essential. Incorporate adaptable design principles that allow for modifications and upgrades as environmental conditions change. This could include modular components, scalable systems, and future-proofing techniques.

First i will Conduct Climate Risk Assessments, then Design structures and systems that can be easily adapted or modified in response to changing climate conditions. For example, include features like adjustable shading systems or modular components that can be upgraded as needed. I will try also to Choose materials that are durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions.

Adaptive design is crucial for sustainable building because it allows structures to respond dynamically to environmental changes and user needs over time. By incorporating flexible layouts, energy-efficient systems, and materials that can adjust to varying conditions, adaptive design reduces the need for extensive retrofits and resource consumption. This approach not only minimizes the environmental footprint but also enhances the building's longevity and resilience. For example, buildings designed to adapt to seasonal changes can optimize energy use for heating and cooling, while modular components can be reconfigured or replaced as needs evolve.

When you use material where you can take carbon sequestration into account, which means the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) stored naturally in the material itself, these materials are carbon-negative. With over -2000 tons (negative tons) of embodied carbon per cubic meter, Mass Timber, such as CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) is such a material. The production of CLT is possible through sustainable forest management. CLT is a composite panel achieving stability that far exceeds the natural strength of wood. CLT has equal strength to weight ratio to concrete while being five-times lighter, which is more economical. It also cuts down assembly time and labor as the panels can be CNC milled and rapidly assembled.

Use materials that are resilient to climate impacts, such as extreme temperatures, moisture, and UV exposure. Prioritize those that are eco-friendly, durable, and have a low carbon footprint.

Choose materials that are both sustainable and durable, such as recycled resources or those from responsible suppliers. These materials should endure harsh conditions and have a long lifespan, reducing the need for costly repairs and minimizing environmental impact.

Sustainable Materials: Opt for carbon-negative materials like hempcrete, which actively reduce CO2 emissions, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action).

There's more and more multipurpose products out there that can be great additions to project sites to encourage habitat. For example there's new concrete blocks shaped into small tidal 'pools' that can be used to build coastal protection but also create habitat. The concrete used is also a pH balanced concrete to encourage more sustainable growth.

Implementing energy-efficient systems reduces the overall carbon footprint and ensures that the design can function effectively even with fluctuating energy resources. This might include renewable energy sources like solar panels, which are less dependent on fossil fuels.

When we start to design, all our buildings are initially thought as off-grid and CO2 neutral. Admittedly this takes an effort, from the collaboration of a client, ability of contractors, to the permitting jurisdiction, while not always possible, it is the eventual goal to achieve this. As architects, we of course already start with low tech approaches such as orientation, sun exposure, natural ventilation, and natural lighting in addition to the technical solutions. Often these measures lead to a better climate and human comfort inside the buildings we design. The better a building is designed and thought out, the less energy it will consume.

Effective water management strategies are crucial in regions facing droughts or flooding due to climate change. This could involve rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and flood-resistant infrastructure.

Engaging with local communities ensures that designs meet the specific needs of the area and can incorporate local knowledge about climate patterns. This collaboration often results in more resilient and sustainable designs.

This topic comes up frequently in environmental design and is super relevant. Community input is invaluable for harnessing local conditions. But the more relevenat fact is that if a community is on-board with the project or project elements, they'll be more likely to champion them and protect them.

Regularly assessing potential risks related to climate change helps in anticipating and mitigating challenges before they become critical. This might involve scenario planning, simulations, and creating contingency plans.

Thorough investigation of any building assignment, planning for resilience and close collaboration with specialized engineers to cover all bases and eventualities are key for sound risk planning. Each project has its individual challenges and it is key to find stakeholders that are capable of delivering the solutions necessary to mitigate the specific risks for the problems at hand. In our work, we collaborate with a variety of specific planners, and specialized engineers to address such challenges. Building in such diverse environments such as the wet environment of Central Europe, the tropical Brazilian climate, and the dry and natural disaster ridden Californian tectonics has taught us many valuable lessons how to assess and avoid risks.