Publications

Towards sustainable architecture

A selection of the projects of the 1st and 2nd Zero CO2 conferences

Sustainable architecture aims at creating sustainable value, by meeting the triple bottom line: economical, environmental and social benefits by responsible design. In order to transmit sustainable architecture to future generations, we need natural, autonomous, decentralized, sustainable new buildings and settlements - and have to transform the existing built environment. The fossil fuel based development reached its limits, postmodern, technocratic societies have to evolve towards sustainability. Climate change is one of the most crucial concerns of the global community. With the increasing pressure to reduce CO2 emission, architects, engineers and designers seek new solutions and methods, which will increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Economical  and reliable use of renewable sources and passive technologies in the built environment contribute to the solution and offer new possibilities, values and indipendence.

In recent years architects all over the world are busy to create energy and resource efficient, ecological and economical, carbon neutral architecture. The selected 17 projects in this publication prove that this goal is already achiveable today: each project is an example of environment conscious, sustainable architecture. The majority of the selected projects were introduced in Budapest, Hungary personally by the authors in the recent years. The ZERO CO2 Sustainable Architecture Conferences are organized by the Hungarian Chapter of UIA-ARES and the UIA Region II. Architecture for a Sustainable Future Work Programme, together with the Union of Hungarian Architects. The title of the book refers to the fact that the change has already started, architecture of the 21st century will be characterised by zero emission, sustainable buildings. 

The published projects have different solutions and approaches. The first carbon neutral dwelling "Lighthouse" (page 27.) is an emblematic building, that will set the environmental standard for all new homes in the UK in the near future. Sustainable housing project in New Orleans, USA (p. 31.) utilizes modular prefab elements for cost efficient, affordable and green construction. Solanova project in Dunaújváros, Hungary  (p.35.)  represents a standard for future reconstruction programmes by the 42-flats retrofit, with resulted 85% reduction in heating cost. EnergyBase in Vienna, Austria (p.41.) is an innovative trend-setting passive office complex, housing the Competence Center for Renewable Energy. The Sanctuary of Fatima, Portugal (p.45.) is one of the largest churches nowadays, and a fine example of bioclimatic approach in the Mediterranean climate. The first certified Hungarian passive house built in Szada in 2009 (p.49.) is ultra-efficient and affordable: it proved that the passive house standard is a reliable, achievable and efficient method in Hungary to reach appr. 90% efficiency improvement compared to usual construction methods. The Ludwigshafen pilot project in Germany (p.53.) is a modernization of an average older apartment building which consumed 200 kWh/m2 annually before, and the state-of-the-art refurbishment led to a zero heating cost building. The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe in Szentendre, Hungary (p.57.) is a retrofit of an existing old building, with very good day lighting, solar control, PV utilization, intelligent electronics etc. promoting environmental awareness. Award winning ecological passive houses (p.61.) set the trend in Austria. The large protective green roof of Akrotiri in Santorini, Greece (p.65.) is a bioclimatic approach to shelter an ancient archeological site. The Meydan Shopping square in Istambul, Turkey (p.69.) is a green oasis which challenges shopping centers with its striking architecture, thematic concept and ecological features, like large grassed roofs and extensive use of renewable energies. The Operation and Maintenance Centre for the Kőröshegy Bridge in Hungary (p.73.) is the first passive office building in Hungary, with wind, solar and geothermal renewable energies and rainwater utilization aiming to achieve zero carbon emission. Solar-powered Monte Rosa autonomous alpine shelter in Switzerland (p.77.) resides 2810 meters above sea level resembling a shimmering ice crystal. The award winning Westenduo (p. 81.) is good example of a high-tech, energy efficient, commercially successful high rise office tower in Frankfurt a.M., Germany. Paul Wunderlich House urban revitalization complex in Eberswalde, Germany (p.85.) received DGNB Gold certificate because of its innovative, sustainable approach. The Telefonica Headquarters in Madrid, Spain (p. 89.) is a unique complex for a unique company - actually a small city with wide range of commercial premises and services, with special glass-system and extensive PV application. There is field for small scale projects as well: Sonnenplatz passive house village in Austria (p.93)  is a centre for energy efficient and sustainable buildings and offers test living in the exhibited houses.

In 1933 "The Athens Charter" was created, and became a worldwide urban and architectural formula throughout the 20th century. Now we need to replace this Charter for the 21st century with the vision of a sustainable future. Human society needs new sustainable solutions. The selected projects aim to foster awareness among architects, contractors, builders, developers, other stakeholders and the general public how architecture can contribute to this.

 

"Fenntartható építészet felé" (Towards sustainable architecture)

A publication of the Association of Hungarian Architects

Edited by László Szekér

GreenPress 2010

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