Architectural Schools in Alberta and Manitoba Pioneer Adaptive Design for Climate Change

Architectural schools in Alberta and Manitoba are at the forefront of developing new design approaches that prioritize environmental sustainability to solve the difficulties posed by climate change. Through their efforts, they hope to lessen carbon emissions and build structures that are more resistant to future damage.

(Photo : Unsplash/Mohamed Nohassi)

Adaptive Design for Climate Change

According to John Brown, dean of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at the University of Calgary, and Mira (Mimi) Locher, dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Manitoba, climate change is compelling a reevaluation of buildings, which are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. They believe that to break through the process of demolition and reconstruction, architectural design and construction should incorporate longer life spans.

Brown noted that tearing down a building with a lifespan of only 20 to 30 years is a waste of both the resources and energy invested in it. In addition, constructing a new building requires even more power than the original building. Moving towards long-lasting and flexible buildings is something that needs to be done.

Aside from offering a doctoral program for architects seeking to leverage their expertise and investigate novel solutions, Brown stated that his institution combats climate change in three other ways: by teaching students to construct adaptive structures in anticipation of future developments, by encouraging faculty and students to collaborate on research in areas including heavy timbers, computer design, and robotics.

Moreover, as part of the study being conducted in computer design, artificial intelligence, algorithms, and data from numerous sources are being utilized to discover the most influential architectural design. He asserted that incorporating data, algorithms, computer design, and artificial intelligence into the process of building design offers tangible benefits. Accordingly, they are considering creating a new position for designers.

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Using Technology to Mitigate Greenhouse Gases in the Construction Sector

A crucial step that must be taken for nations to achieve their decarbonization objectives is the reduction of embodied carbon emissions related to construction. As mentioned, one of the methods they can use to lower their embodied carbon emissions is through the assistance of various technologies that will play a role in this ambition. They can reduce the amount of trash produced to 1%, a significant decrease from the current 10-15%. By utilizing current techniques such as modular and prefabrication, it is possible to minimize emissions by 40% percent.

Furthermore, artificial intelligence is being applied to the design and construction of buildings to increase energy efficiency. By analyzing data on building materials and energy consumption, it can make recommendations for reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption. Additionally, this tool can also help people understand the intricate relationships between the various elements responsible for climate change.

On the other hand, an application of artificial intelligence that generates recommendations for adaptation measures by analyzing data on climate change-related hazards and sensitivities can be of assistance. It can reportedly facilitate enhanced community readiness and resilience in the face of climate change's consequences.

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