INTD 51 sustainable environments asking the right questions

asking the right questions

a successful sustainable interior requires the designer to ask the right questions throughout the design process:•what is the purpose of the project?•how long will the interior be required?•what energy and water systems are appropriate?•what materials are appropriate?•what construction methods are appropriate?•how will the space function?•what will happen to it when it is no longer useful?

what is the purpose of the project?

essential to fully understand what the client is asking you to produce to ensure the project is relevant and worthwhile

• nature of project• activities happening in the space• people using it• when it will be used• ambience

this question should be posed when embarking on new project AND THROUGHOUT design process

how long will the interior be required?

less obvious, but the answer often points to the most appropriate sustainable approach

temporary—short-term, very limited life span•require a ‘light touch’ using materials, construction, energy & water systems with minimal environmental impact flexible—accommodates changes in layout or use•designers must be ingenious, innovative & forward-thinkinglong-term—intended to last indefinitely•invest in long-lasting, durable materials and integral energy & water efficiency

temporary? flexible? long-term?

appropriate energy and water systems?

depends upon the answers to questions 1 & 2—duration affects which passive strategies and renewable technologies are feasible & relevant

establish determining factors through:•site analysis•studying the program•discussion with project team

revisit whenever related products, such as faucets, are being selected

what materials are appropriate?

again, closely linked to questions 1 & 2

consider:•color•texture•light reflectance •density•weight•flexibility•smell•durability •performance

• embodied energy

• recycled content

• renewability• air quality

appropriate construction methods?

just as important as materials themselves—should be answered in tandem

informed by interior’s purpose & anticipated longevity•temporary—facilitates disassembly & allows for recycling•flexible—lightweight, movable or folding elements•long-term—solid & robust methods

other key influences: site location, budget, construction schedule, performance requirements, & demolition strategy

how will the space function?

a successful design stems from an understanding of how the finished project will be used by people

find best possible solution for end users—as well as most sustainable one

• how will end users occupy space?• how will they operate energy & water

systems?• how will space be cleaned and

maintained?• how will recycling be managed?• how does design affect well-being?

these factors help determine how design can promote sustainable behavior & health

how will the space function?

what happens when it is no longer useful?

seems so remote from the design stage—but has profound effect on waste & use of new resources

•choose materials that can readily be reused or recycled & installation methods that support this•if landfill is unavoidable, select biodegradable, natural materials•ensure that design limits dust and fumes during demolition

what happens when it is no longer useful?

seems so remote from the design stage—but has profound effect on waste & use of new resources

•temporary—reuse or recycle; quick demo & easy removal, leaving site as it was found•flexible—capable of adaptation & change; remove items with minimal damage to shell; electrical & plumbing planned to accommodate changes•long-term—much harder to predict; construction methods should aid separation of even non-recyclable materials

what happens when it is no longer useful?

Skylab Architecture’s North Office in Portlandshows new modules inserted within the existing building that can be removed intact for reuse or recycling

participation activity:asking the right questions

consider the case study provided (Moxon) with reference to the following questions:1. what is the purpose of the project?2. how long will the interior be required?3. what energy and water systems are appropriate?4. what materials are appropriate?5. what construction methods are appropriate?6. how will the space function?7. what will happen to the interior when it becomes redundant? 

how might your answers influence your approach to sustainable design?