On Bjarke Ingels' sustainable architectural approach

Abstract

Sustainability is an interdisciplinary concept that dates back to the 1970s and, since then, has proved to be more and more important. Consumerism leads to excessive use of natural resources, making the concept of sustainability more of a scientific notion in the eyes of experts. Natural resources, energy, and cultural values should be used more efficiently than they are today in order to pass them down to future generations. Sustainability should be addressed from political, cultural, social, economic, and administrative perspectives in a holistic manner; and experts of various disciplines should approach the issue more sensitively and profoundly. Of all industries, the construction industry uses the most natural resources as materials and energy during the whole processes of construction, use, and demolition. Architecture is economically, ecologically, and socially related to sustainability, and therefore, should take it into account more than other fields. Bjarke Ingels is a world-renowned architect. His designs integrate sustainability to increase the standards of living. The aim of this study was to address the significance of sustainability in Bjarke Ingels' designs. A literature review was carried out, and then, his designs were analyzed to reflect on his understanding of sustainability. To that end, the study theoretically addressed his approach to sustainability, and then, evaluated it through his designs.