Environmental responsive architecture

Abstract

Thesis: In response to today's wasteful consumption of man-made energy and quickly disappearing natural resources, a new environmentally responsive architecture must be created to apply to contemporary social housing needs. Presently the natural environment has been an important public and governmental issue. There has been an increasing awareness that many of our natural resources are becoming exhausted at an alarming rate. Current architecture should respond to these Issues. Housing, and in particular, suburban housing, is a vast and Important frontier where environmentally responsive architecture must be demonstrated. Suburbia is the fastest growing entity of a city, thus having a most profound Impact on the surrounding natural environment. Through such methods as natural resource utilization, xeriscaping, and use of recycled materials, new suburban architecture can have a positive effect on the environment. While making a low impact on the natural environment, this type of architecture can bring the user toward a closer understanding of the environment he or she lives In. Context: My site will be located in the 82nd and University Avenue area, in Lubbock, Texas. This area is a environment where current and future suburban growth will take place. Facility: The vehicle for my thesis will be a town house complex. The initial size of this complex will include 16 town homes with the potential to grow to 20 plus town homes as demand occurs. With all modern amenities provided, these residences will be marketed for the young, earth conscious professional.