Green Architecture
Architecture in North America is gradually becoming ‘green’. Progress reflects differences in America and Canada which originate out of societal priorities, economies and political preoccupations. One aspect which connects the work of architects seeking to advance ideas of a sustainable architecture in North America is that of patronage. Although it is rather reserved, some of the most significant recent work in both countries has been commissioned by the public sector. Furthermore, even as concerns for sustainability cannot yet be seen as truly transformative, they are influencing the work of established architects like Richard Mier. Simultaneously, smaller practices like Mc Donough, Will Bruder and the Patkaus are becoming more influential through an increasing amount of built work, successful competitions and invitations to practice across the continent. There are also signs that more collaborative work is bringing together architects, engineers and construction specialists. This is resulting in more integrative design solutions which benefit from increasingly sophisticated simulation techniques and software, these provide designers with better tools to predict performance and particularize construction. It is on those who searched for potential, whom were sponsored by inspired patronage and interdisciplinary design collaboration, assisted by highly developed technological expertise that the greening of architecture resides in North America.
All three of the examples in this article can be understood as engineered ecologies, as practices of what they represent. What they portray is not just a new thing or a new environment, it is a cultural product through context specific intervention in environmental ecologies. The consequences for future architectural practices and the necessity to engage with ecologies as the potential of artificial natures seem more important. It is in the hands of architects to participate in new synthetic...