Teymur, N. (1982) Environmental discourse : a critical analysis of ‘environmentalism’ in architecture, planning, design, ecology, social sciences and the media / Necdet Teymur. London: Press. – This complex architectural analysis, published in 1982, is a thought-provoking work that critically examines the concept of “environmentalism” within various fields, including architecture, planning, design, ecology, social sciences, and the media. Teymur dives into the discourse surrounding environmentalism and scrutinizes its application and implications in these diverse disciplines. The book offers an in-depth analysis of how environmental concerns are addressed and understood across these fields, providing valuable insights into the intersection of environmentalism and different areas of study and practice. It’s a significant commentary that encourages readers to think critically about the environmental discourse and its role in shaping these disciplines.

Anon (2008) La ville écologique : contributions pour une architecture durable = The ecological city : contributions for a sustainable architecture / AS Architecture Studio. Bruxelles: Archives d’architecture moderne.-This book, published in 2008 by AS studios, offers valuable insights into sustainable urban design and architecture. The book explores the concept of the ecological city and provides contributions to the field of sustainable architecture. It discusses various aspects of sustainable urban planning, design, and environmental considerations. AS Architecture Studio presents innovative ideas and practical strategies for creating more environmentally friendly and sustainable cities. This book is a resource for architects, urban planners, and anyone interested in the intersection of architecture and ecological urban development, offering ideas and solutions to address environmental challenges in urban areas.

Barber, D. (2016) A House in the Sun: Modern Architecture and Solar Energy in the Cold War. [Online]. New York: Oxford University Press.- In this book, Barber explores the intersection of modern architecture, solar energy, and the political context of the Cold War. The book showcases the design and development of solar-powered homes and buildings during the mid-20th century, highlighting how architectural innovations were influenced by both technological advancements and political ideologies. Barber discusses the role of architects and engineers in the promotion of solar energy, the challenges they faced, and the broader social and political implications of using renewable energy sources in architectural design. This book provides valuable historical insights into the relationship between architecture, technology, and environmental considerations during a significant period in history.

Steemers, K. & Steane, M. A. (2004) Environmental diversity in architecture / edited by Koen Steemers and Mary Ann Steane. London ;: Spon Press.- This book is a deep dive into  the concept of environmental diversity in architectural design. The importance of incorporating diverse environmental considerations into the design and planning of buildings and spaces is greatly emphasised in a light that entails the utmost importance of this topic. It offers insights into how architects can create environments that respond to a wide range of environmental factors, including climate, energy efficiency, and sustainability. The book features contributions from various experts in the field, making it a valuable resource for architects, designers, and researchers interested in the intersection of architecture and the natural environment. It encourages a holistic and adaptable approach to architectural design, considering the diversity of environmental challenges and opportunities.

fig1: www.inhabitat.com

Circular Economy is a term that has become incredibly prevalent in our modern lives, whether we encounter it in the work place, on the website of our favourite store or in a friendly discussion. It seems that the world is striving to go into this direction, before it’s too late. But is it truly that easily said and done?  In theory, a circular economy and the circular, almost infinite life of a product represents a terrific ideology, one that could reduce waste substantially. But do we really have the infrastructure to assure the longevity of a product? For example, looking at a smartphone, there are a myriad ways of adding it into the circular economy, such as creating a design that is made for reuse and disassembly or the general idea of modularity, where each component is interchangeable. Another way of extending the lifespan of a product such as a smartphone is perhaps implementing a variety of programs and appealing offers such as the option to bring back an old phone and get a new one at a reduced price, or bring a phone in to be recycled or to have its components used for a different phone. This is all idealistic, and maybe a tad utopic as unfortunately, most companies do not aim for their products or designs to stand intact in the face of time, their main goal is usually mass consumerism and coming up with something innovative every year. Most Apple users for instance, have noticed over time how their products start lagging or just overall not responding to simple tasks just as a new product is about to come out. Thus, the idea of circular economy is certainly a matter of the present and of the future, but I find it that we have a few more years, perhaps even a decade before we can promulgate it globally and in most domains. Certain domains such as the automotive industry, have been quite successful in the past few years in terms of integrating a circular economy: several automobile manufacturers have been working on recycling and reusing materials in the production process. For instance, some companies are exploring the circular economy model for electric vehicle batteries, focusing on recycling and repurposing used batteries. But can the same be said about all domains? Certainly not, as, I find it the the interior design/architecture sector has a lot of catching up to do. Two key ways in which interior design could implement a circular economy would be, in my opinion, a durable and modular design. The focus should be on creating interiors that are built to last, that showcase high- quality materials and construction methods and a timeless design look. For instance, we look at 19th century palaces around Europe, where the interiors are almost intact, due to the quality. However, when we look at some of the homes we build today, such as most suburban homes in the US, the most prevalent materials are cardboard, plywood and plastic. These materials are not meant to last. They are cheap and not resistant whatsoever and will require demolition within more than four decades, thus, waste will be produced. The second solution would be relying on a modular approach to design, one that allows for disassembly and reconfiguration. Ikea, in particular, does a fabulous job at creating modular furniture. Products like the Billy bookcase or the Kallax shelving unit consist of interchangeable and stackable modules that allow buyers to costumise the furniture layout to their preference.

Sources: Whiting, P. et al. (2023) A New Retail Interior Design Education Paradigm for a Circular Economy. Sustainability (Basel, Switzerland). [Online] 15 (2), 1487-.

Anjos, M. F. et al. (2021) Design and implementation of a modular interior-point solver for linear optimisation.

fig1.- Kallax Shelving unit that can be assembled with other shelving units to create a larger one-  www.ikea.com

fig2- Circular Economy Diagram- www.futurecycling.com.au

fig3- Modular Sofa ( tiny magnets allow for the pieces to be stuck together in various ways) – www.dezeen.com

Last week’s lecture presented various ideologies, such as capitalism and the cradle to grave idea. Opposite to those ideas, stood Karl Marx’s ideologies and the cradle to cradle idea. In my opinion, socialism or communism are not the response, as in practice it never truly works equally for everyone. I believe, we can implement the cradle to cradle idea in a capitalist society, as a longterm response to years of wastefulness. There are already a myriad of products that can be reused and are not harmful for the environment, such as bamboo toothbrushes or shampoo bars that don’t contain packaging. But nothing is forever, and everything runs out at one point. Thus, what would be the best way to implement cradle to cradle into our daily lives? The C2C concept, developed by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, advocates for designing products and systems that are regenerative and sustainable, with a focus on minimising waste and environmental impact.  Some possible ways for implementing C2C would be: completely rethinking and redesigning products with the purpose of extending the product’s life, eco-friendly materials, education and more awareness about the topic, financial aid for brands that strive to go into a C2C direction. A C2C future is possible, but it goes without saying that it would take a lot of work and collective determination. When applying the Cradle to Cradle principles to interior design for instance, the goal is to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible. Material selection is one incredibly effective way of making sure that the project’s components can have a life even long after the initial concept has served its purpose. Thus, choosing materials that are safe, healthy, and environmentally sustainable,  looking for products that have been certified by organisations like Cradle to Cradle Certified™, which assesses materials based on factors such as material health, material reutilisation, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness, using recyclabale and recycled materials represent a myriad of ways in which the C2C concept can successfully be implemented into interior design. Furthermore, I find it that designers should search for inspiration, materials and ways of building in the surrounding environment and should opt for locally sourced alternatives. Amongst different architectural styles,Japanese architecture is considered to be  the most sustainable, as it is reflecting a harmonious relationship with nature and a commitment to resource efficiency. To further my point, Japanese interior architecture  is adamant  on  incorporating lots of cultural, locally sourced materials such as dried up bamboo or integrating nature in various ways. It is also very adaptable and flexible, as elements are modular and can be repurposed from one interior to a different kind of interior. Perhaps the most sustainable aspect would be the traditional craftsmanship that is involved in Japanese design, practice that reminds me of William Morris’s concept,  the Arts and Crafts movement. Since every piece is unique, there is no mass production, thus no mass pollution.

Throughout history , there have been multiple attempts at something that would truly change our habits in terms of production and waste. It is safe to say, that the Cradle to Cradle ideology is perhaps the closest we can get to perfection. There is a lot of work left to do, but we have the means now more than ever to make future generations proud of the choices we have made today.

Sources: Marshall-Baker, Anna. & Tucker, L. M. (2012) Cradle to cradle home design : process and experience / Anna Marshall-Baker, Lisa M. Tucker. New York: Fairchild

Haggar, S. el- (2007) Sustainable industrial design and waste management cradle-to-cradle for sustainable development / Salah M. El-Haggar. Amsterdam ; Elsevier Academic Press.

Harada, Jiro. & Holme, C. G. (Charles G. (1985) The lesson of Japanese architecture / Jiro Harada ; edited by C.G. Holme. New York: Dover.

fig1: architectural digest.com

fig2: mcdonough.com

During the seminar, I was on the ”FOR” team, regarding the statement that designers are not sustainable or environmentally friendly. Although changes have been made within the industry, I believe we have yet to make effective, long-lasting changes. I find it that the so called “changes” are merely superficial, as the idea of ”design” in and of itself is about constantly coming up with something new and original. This is not to say that designers don’t  bring back and look at the past quite often, but I believe it should be more about upcycled materials and pieces of furniture rather than just bringing back trends. I think every domain of design, such as fashion design or interior design is extremely wasteful, and very few designers actually strive to make an effort when it comes to reusing the elements they work with. I think the industry is going on a greener path, but there is a lot of work left to do. Perhaps, there are a few firms making a substantial difference, such as Terreform ONE. During one of the architectural society lectures this semester, we had the honour to receive a talk from the creator himself, Mitchell Joachim. As a trained architect, he’s always found his domain to be quite wasteful and not aiming for greater purposes. His entire ideology behind the firm was the idea of creating architecture that truly serves and solves an issue, not just something that is visually pleasing or makes a statement. Thus, he decided to intertwine architecture with technology an sustainability. Their projects start by looking at the nature around us and what it has to offer and they draw inspiration from any source of life. Their cricket shelter for instance, is a daring project that is meant to be a prototype for potential future insect farms, as they are proving to be a great source of protein , especially in our current climate, where resources are fading away at an accelerated rate. 

Although I do still believe design and architecture are amongst the most wasteful domains, I do strongly believe that there is so much potential left unexplored. As designers we have the tools and creativity to truly make a change, I think it’s just a matter of actually being willing to. And it is evident that firms such as Terraform ONE are eager to pass the baton.

Sources: Joachim, Mitchell. et al. (2021) Design with Life. New York City: Actar D.

fig1: Cricket Farm – terreform.org