Architecture is a blend of art and science and requires
extensive tertiary education and years of practical professional
experience for an architect to translate a client's needs into an
aesthetically pleasing, functional building.
The key to understanding the benefits of using an architect in
economic terms is life cycle costing which takes all aspects into
account. A recent addition to the equation has been the
consideration of economic sustainability of the world environment.
Saving energy in homes and buildings is the key factor in this part
of the equation. Energy is only part of the efficiency in design
which is the benefit of using an eco architect.
Eco architects are most skilled at designing energy efficient
buildings that are aesthetically pleasing and able to withstand
extreme temperatures and weather fluctuations.
The main areas eco architects focus on are:
- Efficient Planning. Locating rooms and spaces
in positions that will allow for an efficient flow of people using
the building is the first benefit. An eco architect is trained to
analyse functional relationships and translate them into
architectural form. The result is minimal wasted space as well as a
reduction in cost of processes and personnel operations.
Circulation in a building can waste up to 30 per cent of floor area
and poor planning may result in enormous manpower losses. An
architect will ensure these economic penalties are curtailed.
- Efficient Design. The structure and
construction details are sophisticatedly co-ordinated by an
architect. The semi-trained unprofessional approach often wastes
materials and overlooks the state-of-the art methods available. Eco
architects are trained and experienced at integrating the
surrounding environment into the efficient design of a home.
Savings of 30 per cent and more for complicated projects are likely
with a professional team of architects and engineers. Appropriate
selection of materials will ensure the best life cycle costing over
the planned active life of the building. The architect is conscious
of maintenance, capital replacement and aesthetic sustainability
when designing.
- Energy Efficiency. Architect designed
state-of-the-art energy efficiency building in temperature climates
can save between 60 and 90 per cent of energy use compared with a
conventional building. Only professionals with higher education are
aware of solar design techniques and state of- the-art thermal
engineering needed to achieve these results.
- Extended Value of the Building. History has
proven that a well designed architecturally pleasing building
designed for longevity, aesthetically as well as functionally can
last beyond seven economic cycles. A conventional
non-architecturally designed building is virtually worthless after
two or three economic cycles. The intrinsic value of an eco
architect designed building can be much greater than a
non-professional effort.
- Aesthetics. Artistic expression is based on a
spiritual contribution from an eco architect and can lift the
morale of the building occupant creating a better working
environment. A more positive attitude of personnel can result in
economic benefits from increased efficiency.
A home that has been designed and built to comply with the
surrounding environment, is energy efficient and sustainable adds
at least ten per cent value to the home. These homes are quickly
purchased by astute investors who are very aware of the high costs
of repairs and maintenance in more cheaply designed and built
homes.
Author: Garry Baverstock