The architecture and design industry in the Philippines is going through a significant transformation. Climate change and environmental degradation have pushed architects and designers to adopt sustainable practices.
But what does sustainable practice really mean? In its overall context, sustainability is about mindfully using resources with the awareness to not limit its usage by other individuals in the future. Also, environmental sustainability involves numerous strategies and norms that can be applied to ecological, economic, and social dimensions.
Now, on to sustainability in the context of architecture and design. This can be defined as using design solutions that exclude adverse effects on the environment, effectively using resources, and improving the quality of life of people who work within such spaces.
These practices help decrease greenhouse gas emissions and improve human well-being through the construction of healthier, adaptable structures. Numerous design trends in different parts of the country show how this move towards sustainability is happening.
Therefore, let's now look at some of the most impactful sustainable design trends in the Philippines today.
Passive Design Strategies
Cost-saving passive strategies for improving energy efficiency are becoming popular. These techniques entail constructing buildings that work with nature instead of against it, thereby negating the need to utilize synthetic heating or cooling systems.
This is often interpreted as large windows that let in natural light, sound insulation, and strategic orientation of buildings to take advantage of ventilation. Passive cooling techniques, including courtyards, shaded areas, and vegetation in particular, are well-suited for the tropical climate of our country.
Indigenous Material Use
Another positive impact of this trend is the usage of indigenous materials; not only has it become another sustainable trend in architecture, but it also promotes the artistry and history of our fellow Filipinos. Therefore, the method of integrating local materials in construction is gaining ground. In addition to promoting local talent, environmentally friendly bamboo, abaca, and native woods are other examples of such materials.
These materials can be regrown or decomposed and have a more minor environmental impact than typical building materials. Through the usage of traditional materials, architects and designers strive to harmonize with cultural heritage and the natural environment, showing that the Philippines is really the home of artists and artisans.
Biophilic Design
Also, biophilic designs are getting more attention in this trend. Biophilic design can be likened to bringing the outdoors into the built environment to enhance the occupants' health and well-being. This concept entails the use of natural light, flora, and fauna, water features, as well as natural substances in order to establish a relationship with nature.
Currently, this approach is applied in residential and commercial projects across the Philippines. For instance, vertical gardens and green walls, along with roof-top gardens, are some of those features that increase the aesthetic value of structures, improve air quality, and create calmness. This trend also helps showcase the beauty of our country, such as the weather and the plants that could grow in our soils, making the entire house feel cozy and homey, from the interiors up to the exteriors of it.
Smart Home Technology
Who doesn't have their own smartphones, right? Now, it is becoming a trend in our sustainability practices, too!
Smart home integration is changing the way we live and even the way we engage with structures themselves. Smart systems can control and regulate energy consumption and improve indoor air quality and home comfort levels. As a matter of fact, our designs are increasingly embracing smart home solutions, including smart lighting, smart climate control, and smart energy management features.
Yes, we know how smart technology works, but how do they specifically help with sustainability? Well, the use of these technologies helps homeowners to track the amount of energy they consume in their homes, hence promoting sustainable use of energy.
Green Building Certifications
The last widespread sustainability practice in this article is the drive towards green building certifications. Sustainable construction certificates such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, also known as LEED, and Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence, or BERDE, are now gearing to raise sustainability practice standards. These certifications promote the adoption of energy-efficient systems, water-saving practices, and usage of sustainable building materials. LEED, for example, proves that structures with this certification are spaces beneficial to all stakeholders, users, society, and businesses.
Meanwhile, the BERDE Program proactively addresses the industry's climate change impact. This program created the Philippines' national voluntary green building rating system to facilitate green projects, inspire industry confidence, and build trust. For sure, many more certifications are found that ensure the sustainability practices of design and construction; the ones mentioned are just great examples of them. Also, structures that get these certifications feature advanced and innovative heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC), solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green roofs, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.
Of course, the trends related to sustainable design in the Philippines' architecture and design industry show a positive outlook on environmental responsibility. By embracing such practices, green building certifications, passive design, indigenous materials, adaptive reuse of existing buildings, Biophilic design, Smart homes technology, and water conservation, architects and designers are providing a new pathway to tomorrow's sustainable and resilient built environments.
For its most significant contribution to society, these trends do not only seek to resolve environmental issues but also improve the lives of those who inhabit these spaces. Indeed, sustainability is set to remain among the key areas of focus for architectural growth in the Philippines as the industry advances further.
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Marie Ira Ortiz
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