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Designing for a Sustainable Community
 Jamie Russell (pictured), a Senior Architect at McKenzie Strickland Associates’ Crieff office, was educated at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in Aberdeen where he graduated with a Diploma in Advanced Architectural Studies specializing in Resources and Technology with emphasis on Energy Efficient Design.
He has worked for established architects’ practices in Edinburgh and London where he further developed this knowledge on a series of award winning commercial and residential projects focusing
on energy efficiency and sustainable design.
The UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen reminded us all of the importance of a sustainable future and the impact we have on the planet and our global climate. Ironically all the talk of global warming coincided with one of the coldest winters on record. Climate scientists will argue over whether the two are connected, but for most of us the New Year hangover energy bills are enough to remind us of the importance of reducing the energy we use, particularly as energy costs only seem to rise.
The construction, fit-out, operation, refurbishment and ultimate demolition of buildings is a huge factor in human impact on the environment, and successful architecture should not only produce beautiful buildings but deliver sustainable and efficient “machines for living in”.
When designing we use the mantra of “lean” (use less energy, e.g. low energy bulbs and high insulation), “clean” (supplying energy efficiently – e.g. heating controls to manage energy use), and “green” – (using renewable energy e.g. harnessing wind, water and solar energy). The technology to achieve this is continually diverse and becoming more available and affordable and we will review these in greater detail in future columns.
Sustainability, of course, goes further than energy efficient buildings and reducing energy bills. The built environment has a crucial impact not only on Mother Nature but also on the physical and economic health and well-being of the individuals and communities they affect.
A good building is a delight and will enhance a community. A poor building will do the opposite. True sustainability balances the often conflicting requirements to protect and enhance the environment (both locally and globally) whilst encouraging social and economic development of our communities. This is the design equilibrium that we, as architects, constantly strive for and - given like-minded clients and the input and support of the community - can bring us modern buildings future generations can admire and be proud of.
Next month Jamie will be looking at Renewable Technologies
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