Architecture has many languages that become the physical tools which communicate an architect’s values. In order to design worthy architecture we delve into the essence of our creations and question what they say about life.

What do they say about our fundamental ideas? What about those things that are so difficult to discuss in the written language? Daniel Liebeskind wrote that, ‘We have the Language of Architecture; which is the language of proportion and space – the language in many ways of abstraction. The language of longing. The language of dreams.’

There is a growing cultural awareness of the need to change and the challenge to make our cities more livable. This kind of resilience means that as advocates of this timeless pursuit, we collectively hold the health of nations in our hands. It is paramount in this age of climate change and sharply growing urban populations that we recognise that humanity has reached the tipping point, in respect of resources and energy. Further, that our collective intelligence must address these core issues. Passionate designers who are committed to sustainability will seek to deeply embed its poetic seed in their architectural mind-frame.

At the Melbourne conference, the application of design knowledge was demonstrated via a practical, creative and proven long-term view that values sustainability as the core effort of all architects, engineers and property professionals.

Communities can and must be designed for the future, and – although climate change is very evident in many parts of the world – it is the responsibility of the design community to promote resilience within cities, in order to enable them to face pending catastrophes. Good architectural design aims to enhance the quality of the life of its people, through the buildings of its community.

Global warming statistics point to construction as the biggest contributor to environmental degradation. According to the Sustainable Social Ecological System Research Group, construction uses approximately 15% of the world’s fresh water resources, 40% of the world’s energy and produces approximately 23% – 40% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

May / June 2011 Issue

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