Reflections:

Whilst the Biennale exhibits did not have a strong focus on Sustainable building techniques and technology, it has given new direction in the way we should think of sustainability and concepts we can adopt in the battle with climate change.

These include:

RE-USING INDIVIDUAL VACANT BUILDINGS CAN MAKE A GLOBAL DIFFERENCERe-using and recycling unused buildings to deal with the demands of future development is a practical and sustainable way to utilise what built space we already have. The re-use of vacant buildings will allow the revitalisation of previously unused space in cities and towns around the globe.

INDIVIDUAL BUILDINGS WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE A GLOBAL DIFFERENCE. With a large percentage of buildings accumulating in big cities, it is imperative that the city work as a system, creating sensible and sustainable urban communities. This includes systems for transport, waste removal, energy supply and delivery and urban planning techniques which work in harmony. Sustainability has many aspects, each aspect must work together to form a whole.

INDIVIDUALS SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND WORKING TOGETHER CAN MAKE A GLOBAL DIFFERENCE.With 98% of all building projects having no input from Architects, it is imperative that knowledge be shared throughout the world on best sustainable design practices. Opensimsim uses the internet to connect ideas with projects across the globe. Sustainability issues can not be solved by small design teams, therefore sharing knowledge on best design, build and manufacture practices is a step forward in battling climate change.

GRAND SCALE SOLUTIONS CAN MAKE A GLOBAL DIFFERENCE
We must harness the power of mother nature. This is not limited to power generation through hydro-electric, solar / wind farms or other sustainable methods of power generation. There are far more complex problems to do with climate change that we must deal with sustainably. In the case of the Mississippi Delta, rather than move earth with large earth moving equipment to raise thousands of hectares of land against sea level rise, one solution involves using the power of the river and its ability to carry copious quantities of sediment to build up low lying areas.

Conclusion:
This has been a trip of a lifetime. It has enabled me not only to investigate new ways of thinking about sustainability, but also tour a vast amount of Europe for which I have studied as a student of Architecture. Buildings such as the Sangrada Familiar, are steeped in history, but also still intrigue and amaze. Whilst others such as the GSW Headquarters in Berlin and the Media-TIC building in Barcelona, which are shining examples of how technology and best sustainable design practices are being used, and built.

I would very much like to thank the Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship board for granting me this scholarship to not only advance my own personal growth in the field of architecture, but allow me to create this blog so that it is accessible to everyone around the globe. So far the blog has attracted over 300 visits from countries including Australia, America, Spain, Canada, France, Chile, China and Slovenia, with more hits attracting every day. I hope that this blog has been of interest to all those who have visited, and has in some way inspired you to think differently about architecture and sustainability. Each building has its role in contributing to the environment. It is our job as architects and designers to ensure that we contribute in a positive way to the world we live in.

Individuals can make a Global Difference!



Michael Smith
B.Sc (Arch) M.Arch (Hons1)
Deans Medalist
E: mick_s82@hotmail.com