APPLICATIONS OF SUSTAINABILE DESIGN PRINCIPLES 2021190013 12/10/2021 APPLICATIONS OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PRINCIPLES 1. INTRODUCTION Sustainable design is already in existence in the Philippines, but not everyone recognizes it. Sustainable design and green architecture are stereotyped as expensive or luxurious. Many think that a sustainable or green building should have costly systems or appliances but low electricity consumption. On the contrary, even the most basic concept of passive colling techniques could benefit more in the future and for an extended period. Hence, sustainability is the capacity to endure. In a more general scientific sense, sustainability is equivalent to continuum, or the ability to continue a course without termination.” Lui (2017) The essay will discuss the applications of sustainable design principles in the Philippine context. 1.1 The Biomimicry Principles Biomimetic, also known as Biomimicry Architecture, is sustainability. According to Mcleannan (2004), It is the idea of respecting the wisdom of natural systems in using nature as a mentor and model. (Mcleannan, 2004, p. 43). The concept of biomimicry is identified in some buildings technology, especially in cooling and ventilating systems. However, biomimicry architecture is not widely acknowledged in the Philippines due to minimal awareness and promoting sustainability in society. Regardless, several developers still consider applying biomimicry principles in design to reduce energy consumption. Secondly, to minimize harmful effects caused by the building in the environment and lastly, to prolong the capabilities of the building. One example of Biomimicry architecture in the Philippines is Primavera Residences in Cagayan De Oro. The Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) is the developer of the award-winning mixed-use condominium. Architects Romolo V. Nati and Francesco De Luca are the mind behind Primavera Residences. According to an interview with Ar. Nati in Architecture and Design (2014), Primavera Residences mimicked the concept of an anthill. The building did not copy the ant hill’s form as its concept; instead, it imitates the idea of the hollow opening to the ant colony for conveying materials and ventilation. The hollow opening is the analogy of the central column in the middle of every building. In addition, as Ar. Nati further explained, “the central column allows natural light into the building, diminishing the need for artificial lighting, and creates a funnel effect that allows air inside the building and distributes it to cross-facing units.” 1.2 The Human Vitality Principle and The Ecosystem Vitality Principle For sustainable design, human comfort is also a vital consideration but without lessening the ability of nature to provide resources, not harming its surroundings. It is not easy to identify of a building that could meet these categories, but Bahay Kubo – a small traditional hut indigenous in the Philippines, - meets the criteria for this principle. In addition, since Bahay Kubo is a vernacular architecture in the Philippines, it responds to the place up to its micro context. The Philippines is a tropical climate country that experiences above-average heat gain and excessive rainfall. Hence, minimizing heat gain while maximizing the wind is the ideal concept to consider in a design. The design of a Bahay Kubo varies by region, but mostly all of the Philippine indigenous houses’ standard features are the steep roof. The structure is standing on posts or stilts above the ground or in shallow water. Floors may be split bamboo to allow dirt and food scraps to fall through the livestock. Lastly, the space beneath the hut also allows air to circulate and safeguard against flooding, snakes, and insects. Noche, (2015). Furthermore, Bahay kubo’s significant feature is its passive cooling system. A traditional Bahay Kubo has large windows and an open plan to allow wind to pass through which is called cross ventilation. 1 APPLICATIONS OF SUSTAINABILE DESIGN PRINCIPLES 2021190013 12/10/2021 1.3 The “Seven Generations” Principles According to Mcleannan (2004), “Respecting the Cycle of Life means creating an appropriate fit between the life expectancy of an object and its use, be it an appliance or a whole building.”. (Mcleannan, 2004, p. 66). In relation, the principle is to eliminate toxic waste products to avoid possible harmful impacts in the future. According to a Market study for the Philippines (2021, p. 12), “The Philippines is the third-largest contributor with an estimated 0.75 million metric tonnes of mismanaged plastic entering the ocean every year.” (as cited in Jambeck, 2015). Hence, Plastic waste is difficult to decompose and causes significant damage to the environment, such as drain clogging and plastic waste pollution, moreover its also a threat to marine biodiversity. The safest solution in reducing waste is recycling and reusing plastic. In the Philippines, The Plastic Solution is an Environmental Conservation Organization repurposing used plastic bottles to make an alternative filler as a building construction material. An example of their work is the eco-bricks project at The Circle Hostel in La Union, Zambales. Eco-bricks are used plastic bottles stuffed with non-biodegradable waste such as sachets, wrappers, and other single-use plastics. Using eco-bricks, the organization constructed several low-cost structures such as outdoor showers, walls, and perimeter fences. 1.4 The Conservation Principle According to Mclennan (2004), sustainable design should conserve energy and be responsible for natural resources. One example is by using renewable materials. Environmentally friendly materials are renewable materials acceptable to use in building construction. Bamboo is the most environmentally friendly renewable materials available in the Philippines. Bamboo is ideal because it is lightweight, has high tensile strength, best of all, can cultivate and harvest quickly in a relatively short period, and is reusable. Bamboo has many potentials as a building material. However, bamboo is often associated with low-end and rural life in the Philippines. On the contrary, bamboo can replace high-priced and imported solid materials used for framing buildings and shelters like concrete and rebar construction. Also, it can be an alternative to steel scaffolding materials. Earl Patrick Forlales has utilized the potential of bamboo as his primary material on low-cost modular residences for lowincome communities in manila. The modular residence is named CUBO – its primary material is bamboo. Since being a fast-growing grass, it has the bamboo advantage making it widely available. Moreover, CUBO incorporates the traditional concept of Bahay Kubo. The design has a raised foundation to prevent floodwater from entering. It uses louvers as windows that allow natural light and ventilation. Lastly, it has a sloping roof to capture rainwater and reduce heat gain. Cairns (2021). 1.5 The Holistic Thinking Principle According to Jones Lang LaSalle’s (JLL) study across Asia Pacific, the society is leaning towards green and sustainable spaces as it was realized due to the Covid Pandemic and climate risk. Green-certified building will be the standard in the country as multinational companies prefer it rather than non-green buildings. JLL Philippines (2021). The demand for a safer confined spaces opened the idea of sustainable design. The companies or tenants are now asking for a better indoor air quality, more energy efficient systems and sustainable building materials to make their employees feel healthy and safe at work. 2. CONCLUSION Therefore, the best solution is always the natural solution. However, the Philippines has a long way to go for sustainability. Furthermore, most Filipinos still need more awareness and proper education about the environment’s situation and problem. ` Promotion and support from the government and professionals are vital to applying sustainable design principles. 2 APPLICATIONS OF SUSTAINABILE DESIGN PRINCIPLES 2021190013 12/10/2021 3. REFERENCE Cairns, R. (2021, November 19). Bamboo has been used for thousands of years in Asia. Now, it could help solve construction’s sustainability problem. CNN. Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/bamboo-sustainable-building-philippines-bali-hnk-spcintl/index.html. Jambeck, J. R. (2015, February 13). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean - science.org. Science Magazine. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1260352. Demand for green buildings in the Philippines increases. JLL Philippines. (2021, August 23). Retrieved December 10, 2021, from https://www.jll.com.ph/en/newsroom/demand-for-green-buildings-inthe-philippines-increases. Liu, S. (2017). Sustainable development. Sustainable Development - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/sustainabledevelopment. Noche, M. D. C. (2015, June 2). History of Philippine architecture. National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved December 8, 2021, from https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-the-arts-sca/architecture-and-allied-arts-2/history-ofphilippine-architecture/. McLennan, J. F. (2004). The Philosophy of Sustainable Design. EcoTone. World Bank Group 2021. Market Study for the Philippines: Plastics Circularity Opportunities and Barriers. Marine Plastics Series, East Asia and Pacific Region. Washington DC. Market study for the Philippines. (2021). https://doi.org/10.1596/35295 3
