Towards eco-sensitive high-rise buildings : an exploratory study

Abstract

Architecture essentially deals with buildings. Buildings which are more than mere structures addressing more aspects than mere functional/structural needs. Architecture provides for and pervades man's cultural, social, spiritual and conceptual thinking as well. However these buildings do not stand isolation, but stand in a given context, utilizing space on this planet and resources of this planet. Architecture thus has a responsibility to address these aspects. A building in order to be a good work of architecture thus needs essentially to make a genuine response to its physical context, which includes the qualities of the setting such as the rythem, the flavor of the setting, the views, vistas etc. and also the natural environment. The sensitivity to these characteristics makes a work of architecture eco-sensitive. Eco- sensitivity is that which in its best possible ways is in congruence with its own environment, or in other words a space in totality within which its environmental prerequisites of natural ventilation, natural lighting, and any other such aspects are met with. in the face of increasing global environmental degradation and scarcity of resources such as energy, eco-sensitivity has become a fundamental aspect to be considered (especially in a high-rise building as the size and the magnitude is much higher). In any climatic region of the world, the tropics pose a great challenge due to its unique climatic characteristics, which is coupled with bright sunshine and torrential rain throughout the year. This gives the opportunities to the architect to seek out ways to incorporate natural lighting, ventilation etc., into the design which in turn helps to reduce energy consumption to a great extent. However, what is observed in the Sri Lankan high-rise is that this key aspect has been seriously neglected. What is seen in the city are mere replicas of a high-rise that may be found in any part of the world. This virtual lack of eco sensitivity has made a serious negative impact to the built environment, as well as on the economy of the county as management and maintenance costs are very high. Therefore this study will explore the concept of eco-sensitivity and to achieve that the aspects and components that are needed to be responded to in designing high-rise buildings.