Architecture & Nature: Essays 1-5, 2002

Architecture and Nature
Essay No 5: The Complex Problems of Tomorrow ­ – Freedom and Responsibility

The impact of legislation and technological change on energy consumption remain slight. The ways in which we use or waste energy are part of a world power game. Europe, (along with the USA) continues to exert a disproportionate influence in the exploitation of the earth’s resources; and energy is one of the most dramatic instances of this. The so-called “right” of the individual to enjoy freedom ­ of private transport, the products of energy-intensive industry, and an inefficient but comfortable home and work environment ­ demands a high price. The short-term view of material gain we see in most of our activities, and the difficulty we have in altering these values, could really change when legislation ­ or enlightenment ­ brings about a different set of criteria and aspirations. We must continue to work towards a change in these attitudes, and believe in the power of collaboration, co-operation, and the fundamental altruism of humans as part of our instinct for survival coupled with the enlightened use of our intelligence.

As we reassess our ideas of progress, I would suggest that real progress for mankind and a real sustainable future for the earth are becoming essentially the same. Architectural and engineering design and construction must therefore be genuinely concerned with this, and not treat `green’ issues in the superficial way that the media so often does. For example, too many north European architects are still `badging’ their designs with inappropriate token energy collectors that simply reveal their lack of profound research or understanding.

Looking ahead, I can see much cause for optimism.
One need only investigate a tree.

Trees capture light, make energy, grow by processing C02 and water, support and are a home to a multitude of other life forms. They make no humanly audible sound until `they shake themselves in the wind’, which is when their leaves start talking to each other and make wonderful sounds in the process. They don’t appear to waste heat or energy or waste anything else for that matter and are natural pollutant processors. They provide shade and they look great in themselves while making and defining space.

If there are appropriate architectural forms, they are to be found in nature, but we need to understand their composition and mechanisms at the molecular level, and not simply use their forms mimetically for visual delight. Ian Ritchie Architects stay aware of research and developments in what I refer to as genuine high technology, such as industrial nanotechnology and the molecular replication of spiders’ webs.

The need for “evident intelligence and humanity” in what we are doing and designing is indisputable, and I believe it is a beautiful idea.

In the words of Benjamin De Casseres:

“Progress is nothing but the victory of laughter over dogma”.

© Ian Ritchie 03/2002