Building the Future: A Sustainable HQ | FT Rethink

Architects are working both creatively and sustainably like never before. Innovative responses to climate change such as floating offices or buildings that contribute to habitat enhancement and species recovery are examples of design thinking that has changed to not just incorporate sustainability into design but to change the way we think about our built One such architecture firm is Herzog & de Meuron. Construction and the wider built environment is a global pain point. It accounts for around 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Here Herzog & de Meuron have used recycled concrete for the raft foundation and locally sourced materials to great effect. In addition rainwater is collected and reused using an AI powered water intelligence platform. But the design of the building goes beyond state-of-the-art innovation. The sustainability has a social component. People need to feel good in the building. They need to want to work together to welcome clients and to bring all that together in a way that it really works. To keep buildings alive a long time is the most sustainable contribution that you can do. The future of sustainable construction will look at challenges from every angle. Take cooling. The angle of the one roof building allows the breeze from Lake Geneva to cool the structure. Balconies have been constructed to allow in light but not the sun. Plantings will cover 80 percent of the roof surface to cool the air underneath the solar panels as well as helping to remove atmospheric pollutants. For any remaining cooling that is still needed a 100 renewable thermal genilax system pumps water from Lake Geneva through the building providing heating and cooling. Sustainability has to be in line with an architectural concept. It should feel different. It should feel like when you walk in nature you know every corner every side gives you a new impression.