The Key Role of Systems Thinking in Sustainable Architecture

Abstract

At present the built environment accounts for a large proportion of the world’s waste, greenhouse gases and consumption of finite resources. To date, only modest improvements in reducing these has occurred. Most of the voluntary rating systems have a piecemeal grab at sustainability, and improvements are benchmarked off a low standard. The main players within the industry have yet to apply the holistic systems thinking that is required to bring about a quantum shift in the way buildings are designed, built and occupied. The continued focus on novelty, the aesthetic and iconography within architecture is encouraged by existing systems. Governments, and private companies are seduced. The awards program for architecture, both local and international doesn’t place world best practice sustainability as a high criterion. These systems together with the powerful influence of social media, Instagram and architectural publications feed the animal that created the current issues. Architecture for the most part remains one of the few industries that have yet to embrace proof of concept seriously. And as a profession it has little interest or involvement in the operational building. How do the users experience the space, what works and what doesn’t? How do particular design elements actually work in practice? Is the building comfortable, is it adaptable? Does it bring inherent happiness now, and what about in 5, 20, 50 & 100 years? Does it perform well, better or worse than predicted? In order to break the cycle of existing procurement paths, accelerate positive change a new approach together with systems thinking is needed - The Elastic Loop. Harnessing the multiplier effect of high profile, and award-winning architecture provides leveraged for rapid re-calibration of the industry’s priorities. Comprehensive independent disclosure of published and award-winning projects in terms of their predicted performance, actual performance together with other key factors like user comfort and air quality. This data will inform and motive. All stakeholders will be able to make better decisions. Architects and other industry professionals will be able to improve their skills and design solutions. And false or misleading claims will be quickly discovered. The wide sphere of influence of these projects will amplify the wave of change, hopefully leading to a tsunami of carbon positive and restorative architectural projects. Thereby, re-calibrating the industry where architectural merit has its foundation stone firmly planted on world best practice. The integration of systems thinking within the industry is essential to bring about these changes. Architecture brings with it an engagement with both the Arts and Sciences – we can successfully harmonize the poetry and beauty we love in architecture with the best practice sustainability though leadership, transparency and education.