Integrating sustainable art into modern design is a growing practice that promotes environmental stewardship while enhancing aesthetic and functional value. It also offers significant social, economic, and aesthetic benefits. By continuing to develop and support these projects, cities, and communities can foster a more sustainable future while enriching the lives of their inhabitants.
To name a few major examples, The Green School in Bali serves as a poignant instance. The Green School is an international school that combines traditional Balinese architecture with sustainable design principles. The campus is designed around the principles of an organic permaculture system, and the students cultivate an organic garden as part of their learning activities. Buildings are constructed primarily from renewable resources including bamboo, local grass, and traditional mud walls. The campus is a massive example of the large-scale building potential of bamboo architecture
The school serves as a model for sustainable education, emphasizing environmental stewardship and sustainable living. It has gained global recognition and inspired similar projects worldwide.
In India, Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School is another important example which is a girls’ school in the rural Thar desert of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The uniquely designed oval-shaped building can withstand temperatures up to 50 degrees celsius. Designed by New York-based architect Diana Kellogs, the oval-shaped school building created with local sandstones can remain 20-30 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. The sanctuary of knowledge serves as a pioneering effort in sustainable education, which remains cool even under the sweltering summer heat of Rajasthan.
Discussing the aspect of sustainability in the built public environment, The Recycled Park, Rotterdam, Netherlands is an inspiring case where the entire floating park is made from recycled plastic collected from the city’s rivers and other recycled waste. It has improved local water quality and provided a unique recreational and learning space for residents and visitors.
Now, while gradually sustainability in built structures finds its place again in the culture; let’s discuss the materials that can be useful and in vogue for conscious design and architectural practices.
Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that can be used for structural elements, flooring, and finishes. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is widely available in Asia and has been used in several green architecture projects and also, as a sustainable artistic medium.
Recycled steel reduces the need for new steel production, which is energy-intensive and generates significant carbon emissions. It is durable and can be recycled multiple times without losing its properties. It is used in various green buildings worldwide, including corporate headquarters and sustainable housing projects.
Rammed earth is made from natural materials such as soil, clay, and gravel. It provides excellent thermal mass, regulating indoor temperatures and reducing the need for heating and cooling; Used in various eco-friendly homes and buildings in India and China.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product that provides structural strength and stability. It is a renewable material that sequesters carbon, making it a sustainable alternative to concrete and steel.
Recycled Plastic can be used for a variety of applications in modern architecture, including insulation, flooring, and even structural components. Also, Low-Impact concrete or the new formulations of concrete reduce the carbon footprint of traditional concrete; Used in sustainable construction projects worldwide, including eco-friendly office buildings and public infrastructure.
So, by utilizing sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled steel, rammed earth, cross-laminated timber, recycled plastics, and low-impact concrete, architects and designers are paving the way for a responsible future. By continuing to innovate and support sustainable design practices while fostering a vibrant and inclusive community, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future, enriching the lives of inhabitants while protecting our plan
Title image: Copyright belongs to Vinay Panjwani, Diana Kellogg Architects
