''Art of sustainable design in architecture'' A critical analysis for sustainable design development paradigm.

Abstract

This dissertation proposes to critically investigate the current debates regarding concepts for sustainable design in the field of architecture; particularly it proposes Art of Sustainable Design as the key element which is capable of developing the sustainable design movement. If sustainable design process seeks better sustainable performance for buildings, Then Art of Sustainable design would seek better performance of the sustainable design process itself. The research is exploring sustainable design principles (focusing on architecture) in its philosophical context; as well as criticizing it as a term, then defining the keys elements for its enhancements. The research represents a study for the performance of sustainability (A sustainable value). This provides a wider range for sustainability in architecture as it gives the chance for a building to sustain as an architecture valuable product in addition to having better sustainable performance. Architects, by understanding the nature of art of sustainable design can change their current practice toward a more sustainable design practice; this can add value to their designs and can serve in shifting sustainable design from one paradigm to another towards a truly sustainable architecture practice. In 2004, Jason F. McLennan stated that ''Sustainable design is the philosophy that simply asks, what is the most we can do on a given project to enhance the quality of the built environment'' also he stated that '' Sustainable design is a design philosophy that seeks to maximize the quality of the built environment, while minimizing or eliminating negative impact to the natural environment''. Through this research studies, it proposes Art of Sustainability as the component which bridge the gap between sustainable design as philosophy and principles from one side and architecture design practice from the other side. The research reinterpret the six major sustainable design principles (The respect for: 1- The wisdom of natural systems, 2-The human vitality principle, 3-The ecosystem principle, 4-Cycle of Life 5-Energy and Natural resources, 6- the Process – Holistic Thinking Principle). Key words: Sustainable design - Sustainable performance - Sustainable value - Art of sustainable design

V. Summary This research is a critical analysis for the philosophical meaning of sustainable design; especially in the field of architecture. The research is divided in to three parts .The first two parts represent critical analysis and studies for the two major elements defining the ground basis of this research which are sustainability and sustainable design. For the first element which is sustainability, the research studies the different philosophies and background related to it as a movement. Through this study the research focused on both, the term sustainable development which was defined through the Brundtland report as" the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs" and the different pillars on which sustainability rests which are (economical, social and environmental pillar). Some believe that culture is a fourth or central pillar among the other three. The second element of this study is a Study for the meaning of sustainable design, its origins, historical backgrounds and philosophy. It shows the different approaches toward sustainable design (Green design-ecological design-environmental design) and its relation to sustainability .Also it shows how much such approaches are related to truly sustainable design. In addition, it shows the different perspectives for sustainable design movement and beginnings (The biological beginning of sustainable design-The indigenous vernacular beginning of sustainable design-The industrial beginning of sustainable design-The modern beginning of sustainable design). Finally it studies the different elements defining sustainable design which are based on the respect for (1- The wisdom of natural systems, 2-The human vitality principle, 3-The ecosystem principle, 4-Cycle of Life 5-Energy and Natural resources, 6- the Process – Holistic Thinking Principle). The third part of the research is an interpretation to a generative process in terms of sustainable design .This process is proposed through the research and defined as Art of Sustainable Design. It is derived from the previous study held in the first part. Art of sustainable design is defined through the process of holism which encompass both revolutionary and evolutionary sorts of innovation. Its components are (Nature-human-place -energy and natural resources) with regard to the eco-system balance and out product life cycle. The elements of Art of Sustainable Design integrated within architectural are represented within four components which are the innovation of space, structure, construction and building materials and design with the respect to the surrounding context. The innovations start from the degree of space to the degree of place. Beauty of wholeness is a new measuring tool for architectural work in terms of process of holism. Through the Art of sustainable design the enhancement of sustainable design process can be achieved .this could help in the enhancing of the movement toward more sustainable design which means better design practice.