Morgan:
Arcosanti
Italian architect Paolo Soleri developed Arcosanti in the 1970s, a project founded on the basics of arcology, architecture and ecology. Within arcology, the organisms and buildings interrelate with each other to function as one being. The various elements of the city provide effectual movement of both the residents and resources. Arcosanti, which plans to build a city with a pristine urban environment and a miniscule environmental impact, encompasses 25 of its 4060 acre land, and as a result preserves the natural landscape for its municipal inhabitants. The project includes a four-week workshop which instructs students in the basics of arcology. During their involvement with the workshop, the students also contribute to the continuing construction of the city. The city also houses a Gallery, Bakery, and Café open for tourist visits.
http://www.arcosanti.org/project/project/future/teilhardComplex/teilhard.html
BedZED
BedZED, an environmental housing project in the United Kingdom represents an example for the One Planet Communities program. Through the project, individuals have learned about the relevance of routines and organization opposed to green buildings in the building of a “sustainable community,” and therefore they have been able to utilize this knowledge in the establishment of more One Planet Communities around the world. BedZED, which was commenced by BioRegional, reached completion in 2002. Partnered with The Peabody Trust and designed by Bill Dunster Architects, BedZED houses approximately 220 inhabitants in 100 living spaces. BedZED focuses on creating a community free of fossil energy development and does so through six important strategies:
-“Planning gain”
-Greater “energy efficiency”
- Greater “water efficiency”
-“Green” transportation strategies
-“renewable energy”
-structure
http://www.oneplanetcommunities.org/communities/bedzed/
Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
In Evanston, Illinois, the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) constructed a “green synagogue.” The building rests on a space of 31,000 square feet and cost JRC $10 million. JRC utilized the materials in the surrounding area by comprising 47% of its building with materials “manufactured within 500 miles” and over half of the wood used was recycled or Forest Stewardship Council certified. They have installed “water efficient features” throughout the restrooms and kitchen, and the innovative “drought-resistant landscaping” will save JRC about 41% on its water consumption. In addition, JRC has installed various lighting and insulation that will save energy and about 45% of the energy consumption. I believe JRC’s efforts to create an environmentally friendly place of worship will soon become the archetype for other green worship centers. I would enjoy being involved in a worship congregation concerned with the environment and its influence that takes the initiative to build an environmentally friendly place of worship.
http://www.jrc-evanston.org/node/114
Chartwell School
The Chartwell School in Seaside, California’s new campus reduces both its utility costs and negative environmental influence. The $9.2 million campus includes “dual-flush toilets, waterless urinals, and low-flow lavatories” in addition to the “rainwater catchment system” designed to catch rainfall and divert it back into the school for other uses. In the classroom, the windows allow for natural daylight to light the room and natural ventilation. The building materials were either recycled or FSC certified. Today, the school is a constant reminder and educational tool to the students of the efforts people can make to help the environment without sacrificing a normal lifestyle. I would enjoy attending a school like the Chartwell School because of the use of natural lighting and ventilation in the classrooms. It would make me feel more comfortable in the class room and increase my learning potential.
http://greensource.construction.com/green_building_projects/2009/0907_Chartwell-School.aspn_building_projects/2009/0907_Chartwell-School.asp
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