You're designing a sustainable building. How do you marry aesthetics with renewable energy solutions?

Renewable energy and aesthetics certainly don’t have to be spoken about by themselves. They are not mutually exclusive through proper integration from the start all renewable energy features can be a design feature and enhance the overall building program. Smart design and a full integrated a design and construction approach, working with the client and end users is the best direction. The goal needs to be to reduce carbon, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and design for a truly sustainable world utilizing the technology available in your region.

Sustainable architecture or what ever we try to create must focuse on thermal condition in building spaces. During research on sustainability I figured out carbon dioxide emission in buildings is because of providing interior thermal condition for users. So what we must always keep in our mind during design process is technology, materials, aesthetics or whatever always must be under service of interior thermal comfort condition. So as a problem solver must understand how all these items must usage in building for thermal comfort condition.

With my background in Architectural Engineering, I believe in seamlessly integrating sustainability with aesthetics. Modern renewable technologies like solar shingles and BIPV offer the perfect blend of functionality and design, allowing us to create energy-efficient buildings without compromising visual appeal. Choosing eco-friendly materials, such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled steel, further enhances the building’s aesthetic. Inside, opting for eco-friendly flooring, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and stylish LED lighting fixtures ensures that our designs are both sustainable and visually captivating. These choices reflect a commitment to innovative and responsible building practices.

Incorporate large windows, glass walls, and skylights to maximize natural lighting and ventilation in a sustainable building. These elements not only flood the interiors with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting, but they also enhance the building's aesthetic appeal. Additionally, it utilizes passive solar design principles to heat and cool the building naturally. This includes features like south-facing windows in the northern hemisphere to capture sunlight during the winter and strategic overhangs to provide shading during the summer. Together, these strategies create a bright, inviting space that is energy-efficient and visually stunning.

With a background in civil engineering, I contributed to a project in Toronto targeting net-zero by 2040. We selected materials and designed assemblies to enhance energy performance, incorporating passive energy resources to reduce supplementary loads. Harnessing natural resources, we maintained comfortable indoor temperatures, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling. We optimized building orientation to utilize prevailing winds and sunlight, aiding natural cooling and heating. Incorporating thermal mass like concrete, which absorbs and radiates heat, helped stabilize indoor temperatures. Designing with the local climate in mind created harmonious buildings, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable, forward-thinking practices.

Natural lighting is essential for any sustainable design. It not only enhances mood and well-being but also reduces energy consumption through smart lighting designs. For instance, in a recent project I managed, we utilized daylight sensors in the amenity areas to reduce artificial lighting in the front areas. Strategically placing large windows, light shelves, and reflective surfaces is a smart and strategic approach. These elements maximize natural light and create dynamic patterns of light and shadow, adding to the building's aesthetic appeal while contributing to its sustainability.

Reflecting on my childhood in Washington, DC, I now understand the critical role of green spaces in urban settings. Today, I’m passionate about incorporating green spaces into building designs for their aesthetic and sustainable benefits. Living roofs and walls can insulate buildings, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality, offering a visual connection to nature. They also serve as communal areas for relaxation and social interaction, fostering community bonds. Green spaces are essential for mental health, environmental sustainability, and enhancing quality of life.

Según mi experiencia, para desarrollar edificios sostenibles se deben conjugar diferentes factores, es importante que el edificio sea diseñado tomando en cuenta factores ambientales, incidencia del sol, ventilación cruzada, el uso de materiales acordes con el entorno, que permitan aislar o captar energía... además de combinarlo con tecnología que controlen los niveles de iluminación durante las diferentes horas del día así como la ventilación forzada. Es importante la actuación de especialistas en las diferentes áreas que puedan aportar desde su experiencia la mejor utilización de los recursos dentro de la obra.

I believe that we need to do ground-up work by changing people's mindsets about the aesthetics of renewable energy. If we start by educating and shifting perceptions to recognise that renewable energy solutions can be visually appealing, concerns about aesthetics will diminish. Each era has a unique style that meets contemporary needs, and integrating renewable energy should be considered part of this evolution. Therefore, focusing on a cultural shift to appreciate (the beauty and necessity of) renewable energy integration in the built assets must be a priority. This way, there is less concern about how to marry aesthetics with renewable energy solutions, and creativity can flow.

An interesting design concept that fits is static wind turbines on a building facade.The static turbines are made of plastic shingles lined with aluminium rods that tap the electricity to the wiring of the building.The shingles serve 3 roles. 1.The shingles allows room to play with a)aesthetics through diverse colors,b)sounds like wind chimes ,lighting and passive ventilation of the building. 2.Create awareness while practically demonstrating the potential of plastic as a building material. 3.The movement of the shingles caused by wind generates electricity to power the building through an electrostatic process