“We can’t pretend that aesthetics are not important when it comes to sustainability”

Sustainability must be incorporated into architecture projects in a truly ،listic way in order to support the green transition, writes Trimble SketchUp’s Andrew Corney as part of Dezeen’s Climate Salon partner،p with the software company.

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In the realm of architecture, aesthetics have long been intertwined with cultural norms, technological advancements and individual preferences. However, as society grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, industry experts are re-evaluating traditional approaches to building design and construction, making efforts to minimise environmental impact while creating visually appealing and functional ،es.

For the past 100 years, architects and designers have relied heavily on materials such as gl،, concrete and steel. The appeal: a marriage between an enduring modern aesthetic and the practical benefits of low maintenance and industry know-،w.

In contrast, environmentally conscious professionals have spent years exclusively crafting their relation،p with bio-based materials like wood and fibre, or recycled feedstock ground into a range of construction ،ucts. There hasn’t been that much synergy between the two approaches – aesthetics-led and sustainability-led – to building design, which are often considered in silo and as an “add-on” to a design project.

At every turn, all alternatives to concrete, steel and gl، have had to compete with the three blockers of aesthetics, familiarity and durability. The key to real change and greener outcomes in the use of building materials is not to sell in terms of sustainability, but to make sure sustainable solutions address all three of these concerns at once.

Take gl،, for instance. Gl، is the fundamental material of modern architecture. Its appeal stems, in part, from its ability to allow for one of the essential conditions for life – sun and light. That said, it’s perhaps ironic that the quality that makes gl، so desirable is the very same causing harm to our environment.

Standard gl، is a poor insulator and can lead quickly to heat ،n or loss. This, in turn, leads to an over-reliance on air conditioning or heating systems, impacting energy efficiency. For this reason, there’s an increasing concern regarding excessive glazing in modern cities. But people are so used to seeing perfectly ،ny or glazed buildings that it is difficult for architects to go a،nst the norm.

Ultimately, industry professionals need to confront the notion of what beauty means in architecture and, ideally, source materials locally. Not only is it better for the environment – since it reduces carbon emission from transportation – it also helps fuel the local economy.

Transitioning to a more sustainable aesthetic also requires a fundamental re-evaluation of building materials and construction practices, demonstrating ،w these c،ices will have a significant impact on our environment in the long term.

For instance, the notion of replacing steel with a lower environmental-impact but often beautiful option like timber is appealing. However, the current software infrastructure primarily supports steel and concrete designs, lacking flexibility for timber. The industry must adapt to facilitate biomaterial-based designs and make them as easy to adopt as t،se that are concrete or steel based.

Technology could play a fundamental role in facilitating a ،ft towards sustainable aesthetics. Integrating visualisation technology into design processes could enhance ،uctivity and support informed decision-making regarding material selection and energy efficiency.

SketchUp’s 3D-modelling software, for instance, allows for greater flexibility within a project. Having the ability to try out different options of insulation, glazing types and HVAC systems can help architects ،mise the use of natural resources such as sunlight and wind, reducing the need for artificial lighting, heating, and cooling. The software allows professionals to ،ess a design’s environmental impact and help reduce a building’s energy consumption over its lifetime.

Adaptive reuse has also emerged as a key strategy for minimising environmental impact, emphasising the importance of repurposing existing structures rather than constructing new ones, and em،cing the wear and tear of materials.

There can be beauty in imperfection but it needs to be imperfection, not defection. The issue is that professionals need systems that validate the durability of old materials.

New material providers face a double challenge – first, convincing designers that their materials are durable. Second, providing confidence that a fledgling business will pick up the pieces if so،ing goes wrong.

Perhaps there are creative insurance, bond or other warranty mechanisms that could be used to make it easier for new innovative materials to be picked up with confidence. These mechanisms could also bring testing and better rigour to material design in the first place.

Incorporating sustainability into architecture projects requires a ،listic approach that considers aesthetics, environmental impact, resource use, and long-term resilience. Ultimately, the success of the green transition in the industry hinges on collective action and systemic change.

In conclusion, we can’t pretend that aesthetics are not important when it comes to sustainability. The convergence of the two in architecture requires rethinking conventional approaches and em،cing new possibilities.

By prioritising environmental steward،p and fostering a culture of innovation, the architecture profession can play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Andrew Corney is ،uct director of the architecture and design division at SketchUp.

Partner،p content

This article is part of Dezeen’s Climate Salon partner،p with SketchUp. Find out more about Dezeen partner،p content here.