Principles of Sustainable Design

Understanding Place
-Sustainable design begins with an intimate understanding of place.
If we are sensitive to the nuances of place, we can inhabit without destroying it.
Understanding place helps determine design practices such as solar orientation of a building on the site, preservation of the natural environment, and access to public transportation.

Connecting with Nature 
- Whether the design site is a building in the inner city or in a
more natural setting, connecting with nature brings the designed environment back to life.
Effective design helps inform us of our place within nature.
Understanding Understanding  Natural Processes
- In nature there is not waste. 
The byproduct of one organism becomes the food for another. In other words, natural systems are made of closed loops. 
By working with living processes, we respect the needs of all species. 
Engaging processes that regenerate rather than deplete, we become more alive. 
Making natural cycles and processes visible brings the designed environment back to life.
Understanding Environmental Impact 
- Sustainable design attempts to have an understanding of the environmental impact of the design by evaluating the site, the embodied energy and toxicity of the materials, and the energy efficiency of design,materials and construction techniques. 
Negative environmental impact can be mitigated through use of sustainably harvested building materials and finishes, materials with low toxicity in manufacturing and installation, and recycling building materials while on the job site.
Embracing Co-creative Design Processes 
- Sustainable designers are finding it is important to listen to every voice. 
Collaboration with systems consultants, engineers and other experts happens early in the design process, instead of an afterthought. 
Designers are also listening to the voices of local communities. 
Design charettes for the end user (neighbourhood residents or office employers) are becoming a standard practice.
Understanding People 
- Sustainable design must take into consideration the wide range of cultures, races, religions and habits of the people who are going to be using and inhabiting the built environment. 
This requires sensitivity and empathy on the needs of the people and the community.


"Sustainable architecture involves a combination of values: aesthetic, environmental, social, political, and moral. It's about using one's imagination and technical knowledge to engage in a central aspect of the practice -- designing and building in harmony with our environment. 
The smart architect thinks rationally about a combination of issues including sustainability, durability, longevity, appropriate materials, and sense of place.
The challenge is finding the balance between environmental considerations and econmic constraints. Consideration must be given to the needs of our communities and the ecosystem that supports them." -- Sanuel Mockbee, Auburn University