TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

Sustainability is a function of the building and of the community within which it is built.

The Community

*    Should offer transportation choice (including walking.)

*    Should have ordinary daily needs available within walking distance.

*    Should have streets and public spaces which are convivial and secure.

*    Should have housing suitable for diverse age, income, and family structure.

*    Should have a suitable set of civic spaces.

*    Should have facilities for the processing of storm water and waste.

*    Should have common facilities to process and market agricultural produce.

The Building

Productive

*    Dwellings should provide places for food production as appropriate to the transect zone.

*    Dwellings should have adequate area dedicated to food processing and storage.

*    Lots should provide places for tool storage, as appropriate to the transect zone.

*    Buildings should catch and reuse rainwater for domestic use.

*    Buildings should be prepared for the installation of electrical generators.

Contextual

*    Buildings should provide frontages that engage the pedestrian passersby.

*    Building function, configuration and disposition should support its transect zone.

*    Building plans should be comfortable, functional and flexible.

*    Buildings should incorporate the knowhow of their regional heritage.

*    Sites should be designed integrally with the building, landscaping and its appurtenances.

*    Landscape material should be appropriate to the region.

*    Buildings should be designed to minimize site grading

Buildable

*    Building materials should be durable and cost effective. 

*    Building materials should  be easily repaired, rather than requiring replacement.

*    Building materials should be detailed and assembled in a proven manner.

*    Buildings materials should minimize energy through processing and transportation.

*    Building materials that require greater processing should be recycled.

*     Buildings should use recycled components and materials to the extent feasible.

*    Buildings design should minimize construction waste, which should be recycled.

*    Building should be detailed for readily readily available skill sets.

Flexible

*    Dwellings should include a potential workplace somewhere on the site.

*    Buildings should be designed to expand, including upwards and towards the frontage.

*    Buildings may have ancillary structures.

*    Buildings should be simple in massing and structure in order to be more easily adaptable.

*    Dwellings should enable occupants to age in place.

Frugal

*    Dwellings should be no larger than necessary to be livable.

*    Building plans should maximize economic and functional efficiency.

*    Buildings should respond to orientation while not undermining the pedestrian frontages.

*    Buildings should provide adequate and convenient recycling facilities.

*    Buildings should be designed to reduce energy consumption, primarily passively.

*    Building insulation and appliances should be as efficient as feasible.

*    Dwellings should include a sunny laundry-drying area shielded from street frontages.

*    Buildings should provide plug-ins for electrical vehicles and include a bike garage.