Seven years, 103 days, 40 minutes and 17 seconds...
On September 17, 2020, Artists Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd displayed a clock
in Manhattan Square. This clock, however, displayed exactly how long we have until
an irreversible climate disaster occurs, not regular time. Unless greenhouse gases are
significantly reduced, the time we have before something like this occurs is limited. It
is very easy to see the repercussions of our actions already happening. Many areas of
the planet have already seen the 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit average above pre-industrial
levels. The consequences of this, are also showing. Storms are increasingly getting
worse, droughts are getting longer and heatwaves are getting more extreme. The
planet is getting sick and we are feeling the effects, but we can also help heal it.
The path to a healthier and more sustainable way of living can be paved by
architects of today. Currently, buildings generate, on average, 40% of greenhouse gas
emissions annually. The incorporation of new construction techniques, building
materials and technologies could significantly help reduce that average. Sustainable
design is a necessity in this endeavor and should immediately be incorporated into all
types of design whether it be residential, commercial, or industrial.
This thesis project will focus mainly on how to incorporate sustainable design
into smaller communities. A proposed self-sufficient neighborhood will convey how
altering our lifestyles can not only help improve the life of the planet, but also the
physical and emotional well-being of humans as well. The community will focus on
finding the balance between modern technology and traditional living methods to create
a healthy, comfortable and unique environment where individuals and families can
thrive
