Redefining the Design Team, 1995

Synthetic thinking in a more complex world

While our designs have often explored the structural and energy performance of certain materials to help create spatial environments, one of our current concerns, as illustrated by the experimental greenhouse in Terrasson, is to create a less expensive architecture using material which is less and less processed by industry, while maintaining the pleasure of light in architecture. At the same time, we stay aware of research and developments in what I refer to as high technology, such as holographic films to help conduct and distribute light using far less transparent surface areas; molecular “replicating” spiders’ webs, and nanotechnology (advancing in Saarbrücken at the Institute for New Materials, and elsewhere)
At the end of the 20th century we can recognise some of the environmental building follies of this century, such as air-conditioning. We can also see the crudeness of our industrial manipulation of the earth’s resources into pretty basic building materials. Looking ahead, I can see much cause for optimism.
One need only investigate a tree.
They capture light, make energy, grow by processing CO2 and water, support and are a home to other life forms, and they don’t make a human audible sound, 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. 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, not simply appropriate their forms for visual delight.

I would like to quote an exchange from the second reading of the Energy Conservation Bill.
(Mr Patrick Thompson) ” ..Concepts such as wind power, wave power, hot rocks and fuel cells are exciting, but, as my noble Friend said, the truth about energy efficiency is that it is boring, as it really only concerns property insulation and design.”
(Mr. Brandreth) “I disagree with my hon. friend about energy efficiency being boring. I find that when I talk to people in my constituency about cost savings, they recognise that it is a case of enlightened self-interest and that they can help save the world, while improving the quality of their home life and enhancing their bank balance. Far from being boring, it is exciting.”