Barefoot Architects’ Post

Sustainable Building: Minimising Environmental Impact When it comes to building, the most environmentally responsible option is always to leave the landscape untouched. Simply put, the greenest way to build is to have no building at all. However, when development is needed, the most environmentally conscious solution lies in repurposing existing structures. At Thembela Architects, this principle informs our vision of revitalising the Gqeberha city centre. Renovating key landmark buildings, like the Old Breweries Building, reduces the environmental impact on our city, while conserving resources, minimising waste, lowering the demand for new materials and lowering carbon emissions associated with new construction. It also has the added benefit of preserving the city’s architectural heritage. We follow the principle of ‘step lightly on this earth’ and support new-use building. #Thembela #ThembelaArchitects #Architects #DesignThatMatters #Architecture #UrbanRenewal #Gqeberha #InnerCitySpaces

Here is the link to the synopsis of the session described by Graham A Young . Please read to the bottom of his summary to see a quote from visionary, and IFLA Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award winner, Anne Whiston Spirn. https://lnkd.in/eG4U4sei

Enhancing water elements in design projects, urban planning, and landscaping is pivotal. The choices made in these areas can significantly enhance the overall look and feel. By incorporating natural components, a peaceful atmosphere can be achieved. It is important to consider sustainable methods to improve both the practicality and visual appeal of the space. #LandscapeArchitecture #Landscapeimplementation #LandscapeMaintenance #LandscapeSupervision #DesignProjects #Landscaping #Sustainability.'

DISCUSSING THE FUTURE OF BREMERHAVEN’S INNER CITY. Earlier this month, Henk Stadens and Robin Schliephake presented our vision for the future city centre of Stadt Bremerhaven during a citizen’s dialogue. With around 80 attendants, it was a good opportunity to involve citizens in the future plans for the city centre, which are combined in a larger policy vision called ‘Innenstadt Neu Denken’. In their presentation, Henk and Robin emphasized the city's surrounding waterfronts and highlighted bringing green to the city. New trees and green spaces could transform areas such as the square in front of the Great Church and the Theodor-Heuss-Platz. At the same time, it can create a visual axis and thus make the Columbusstraße and its side streets serve as a better connection between the inner city and touristic Havenwelten. In developing the green strategy for the city center of Bremerhaven, Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners collaborates with De Zwarte Hond. By designing multifunctional public spaces that re-establish the relationship between these waters, a new urban nature will fill the streets and squares of the inner city. Additional green would also improve the city centre's quality of life and climate resilience. The plans and vision were well-received by the participants in the citizens' dialogue. Henk comments: “We should keep in mind when working on urban planning that we cannot look into the future. But I think Bremerhaven is seeing quite well that there are now opportunities to improve on previous urban mishaps. They actively look to the future to improve the city and make it an attractive place again.” Visuals: HISM Erlebnis Bremerhaven GmbH Ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven #dezwartehond #architecture #urbanism #strategy #connection #greening #climateconscious #bremerhaven #innenstadtneudenken #citycentre #riverfront #tourism #havenwelten #DZHprojects

Speaking at COP 16 in the session on: Rethinking Urban Landscapes - Equity, Restoration and Resilience in Arid Regions. Amongst all the theory and policy discussions I wanted to present a practical example of the role of landscape architecture in the discourse. I shared the Caledonian Inner City Park, Pretoria, South Africa. A project approved by Council but as yet unbuilt. To make the point of our role as visionaries I quoted from Anne Winston Spirn’s 1984 book: The Granite Garden, Urban Nature and Human Design. An excellent book which never ages and was way ahead of the Nature Based Solutions buz ( every single presentation I heard included this phrase 😉). Here is her quote: ‘If cities are to become more liveable, it will be by design: not just through the design of built projects – homes and workplaces, gardens and parks, streets and sewer systems – but also through visions that may never be realised. …… Without visions to guide their development, cities will be shaped by the politics of expedience’

NEW BLOG ALERT! As water scarcity concerns grow, architects are pivotal in promoting water-smart landscaping to fuse functionality with sustainability. This approach not only conserves resources but also paves the way for eco-friendly urban development. Learn more about shaping water-efficient cities. https://buff.ly/4dfmoPg #SustainableArchitecture #WaterConservation #UrbanDesign

Standing in the heart of Harare, the Eastgate Building stands as a testament to innovation and sustainability in architecture. Designed by renowned architect Mick Pearce, this marvel of engineering is not just a workplace but a living example of how thoughtful design can harmonize with nature. Inspired by termite mounds, the building utilizes passive cooling techniques that minimize energy consumption, reducing its environmental impact significantly. As I gaze upon its natural ventilation system and green terraces, I'm reminded that sustainable construction isn't just a trend—it's a responsibility we owe to our planet and future generations. The Eastgate Building challenges us to rethink urban development and embrace designs that prioritize both functionality and environmental stewardship. #GreenBuilding #SustainableArchitecture

Read the latest issue of Passive House Plus to learn more about how Cairn Homes is leading a #PassiveHouse revolution with 1,800 new apartments. Discover innovative designs blending coastal views with sustainability, rethinking architecture for less environmental impact, and modular school buildings with recycled insulation. This issue of Passive House Plus is packed with sustainable inspiration for Ireland and the UK! https://lnkd.in/eWT2JXcQ

Light, the environment, nature. These are the words that come to mind when one thinks of the works of the Danish architect Henning Larsen The sustainable urban redevelopment of Faelledby in Copenhagen is based on the use of wood. The neighbour- hood explores a living model that is more compatible with nature, creates spaces for over 7,000 residents, incorporating nests for the birds and habitats for animals in the buildings’ facades: “Taking the rural village as an archetype, we are creating a city where biodiversity and active leisure activities are the elements of a sustainable pact between people and nature”. Read the full article below ⤵️ #biodiversity #architecture #sustainability

We are honoured to be among the winners of the 2024 National Urban Design Awards for the Downsview Framework Plan, working with Henning Larsen, KPMB Architects, and SLA for Northcrest Developments and Canada Lands Company / Société Immobilière du Canada. The honour is bestowed by RAIC - IRAC Canadian Institute of Planners Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. Jury comments: Converting one of the largest contiguous spaces in Toronto into a nature-first community is ambitious. The 520-acre brownfield area comes with a strong history of an airport and requires a thoughtful re-integration of the city fabric across the lands. An ambitious goal that has been crafted by input from citizens, it is an example of how sustainable development can occur. Big ideas and aspirations are well bundled into this master plan with a strong focus on nature in the city. The plan focuses on six fundamental principles: nature, equity, accessibility, people, sustainable development, and transit proximity.  The framework plan demonstrates good analysis of the site and its context. The plan aims to incorporate sustainable principles, connect to its surroundings, integrate public transit into its design, and create walkable communities. This project is a demonstration of how a once-negative industrial site can be transformed into a valuable resource for future generations and should be used as an example for other municipalities. https://lnkd.in/gsXrbjXt