[…] ” Space and time. The new architecture takes account not only of space, but also of time as an accent of architecture. The unity of time and space gives the appearance of architecture a new and completely plastic aspect (four-dimensional temporal and spatial plastic aspects). “ […]
Theo van Doesburg's “ Toward a Plastic Architecture ” (1942)
Theo van Doesburg's plastic aspect of architecture, which he mentioned in his manifest Toward a Plastic Architecture, shows the connection and dependance of the words SPACE and TIME. Flux of time can't be reversed or stopped also like it's influence on everything arround the world from living to artificial things. Time has an important role in architecture as well, where it affects different parts, from basic elements such as materials, technologies, structure of constructions to complex problems such as function, effectivity and efficiency of interior spaces, whole buildings and large complexes with exterior areas, which problems are also related to economical, political and social needs and priorities.
Nowadays we can see that dependance in architecture almost everywhere. Lots of facilities, amenities and building in common which were built years ago have to be reconstructed, redesigned or they simply change their function because they no longer fulfil the needs and requirements of society. This is one of the main issues of sustainable architecture - to find a way to create variable spaces for different needs and maintain the efficiency through ages.
Nowadays we can see that dependance in architecture almost everywhere. Lots of facilities, amenities and building in common which were built years ago have to be reconstructed, redesigned or they simply change their function because they no longer fulfil the needs and requirements of society. This is one of the main issues of sustainable architecture - to find a way to create variable spaces for different needs and maintain the efficiency through ages.
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
Flash movie created by Juraj Senecky
Main idea of this flash movie was to point out the importance of the time in connection with sustainability in architecture, where the flux of time is represented by the movement of clock-face. In the 21st century we can see that more and more achitectural proposals are proclaimed by architects as sustainable designs. I think that the proclamation of sustainability should be done after couple of years after finishing design, especialy in larger proposals, consisting of several buildings with conection to public space. If the final design will maintain it's effectivity and efficiency during that period of time and will be a contribution for next generation together with minimal impact to the environment then it should be listed as sustainable architecture.
Sustainability in this large scale is a realy difficult and complex problem without proper solution yet. We can take a look on the design of the Olympic park for Olympic games 2012 in London, which was considered as the most ecological in the history. Despite of that most of the buildings were designed as sustainable, with minimum use of materials, lowering the impact on the environment, also with possibility of recycling of materials of temporary structures or parts of buildings designed only for the mass of people, so after the games it could adapt to the lower number of visitors etc. the main problem is that it's not working as sustainable complex, which could be integrated to the city as a part of it's metabolism. Therefore after certain period of time we can proclaim that it wasn't sustainable but least unsustainable.
Flash movie created by Manel Ventura
Flash movie created by Juraj Senecky
Sustainability in this large scale is a realy difficult and complex problem without proper solution yet. We can take a look on the design of the Olympic park for Olympic games 2012 in London, which was considered as the most ecological in the history. Despite of that most of the buildings were designed as sustainable, with minimum use of materials, lowering the impact on the environment, also with possibility of recycling of materials of temporary structures or parts of buildings designed only for the mass of people, so after the games it could adapt to the lower number of visitors etc. the main problem is that it's not working as sustainable complex, which could be integrated to the city as a part of it's metabolism. Therefore after certain period of time we can proclaim that it wasn't sustainable but least unsustainable.
Olympic park for Olympic Games in London 2012
LINK: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/Olympic_Park,_London,_16_April_2012_%285%29.jpg
EVOLUTION AND INNOVATION
Flash movie created by Manel Ventura
Other aspect connected with the flux of time and architecture is change of needs and requirements of society, change in political or economical background in country and also improvement of science and technology which bring new materials, constructions, new and different ways of obtaining energy from renewable resources etc. All those aspects should be significant for the new architecture and also all architects should be aware of those facts in case of creation a design which should be classified as sustainable. They should create an open variable space which could be customized and modified to the actual needs of owners if it will be neccessary, with reversible effect as well. In final it will lead to creation of realy flexible and adaptable design which should be typical for sustainable architecture.
For example the design of Plassen Cultural Center by 3XN Architects is designed for gathering of 100 to 100 000 people. The key for such a variability was to add to all surfaces and spaces more than one function - which depends for example from the part of the day. This provides great efficiency of the whole building.
LIGHT ARCHITECTURE
Designs of SANAA Architects is are msotly created by very light and subtile constructions and materials, which secure contact with exterior and the environment and are harmless toward the nature. Using those type of materials, in combination with recycling is also one of the important signs of sustainable architecture. Sustainable designs should take into consideration surrounding nature, and should create healthy place for living also for next generations.
For example the design of Plassen Cultural Center by 3XN Architects is designed for gathering of 100 to 100 000 people. The key for such a variability was to add to all surfaces and spaces more than one function - which depends for example from the part of the day. This provides great efficiency of the whole building.
Plassen Cultural Center by 3XN Architects
LIGHT ARCHITECTURE
Flash movie created by Eric Broder
Designs of SANAA Architects is are msotly created by very light and subtile constructions and materials, which secure contact with exterior and the environment and are harmless toward the nature. Using those type of materials, in combination with recycling is also one of the important signs of sustainable architecture. Sustainable designs should take into consideration surrounding nature, and should create healthy place for living also for next generations.
Louvre Lens by SANAA
