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The Architectural Institute of Japan Action Plan for the Global Environment |
1. Architecture and the Global EnvironmentAttention has focused recently on worldwide deterioration of the environment, including problems such as global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, and waste pollution. Architecture has always been a fundamental factor in the human living environment and it strongly reflects regional history and culture. Since ancient times, mankind has striven to create comfortable and safe surroundings in which to live. However, as our living spheres on the earth have expanded and economies have become dynamic, we gradually realized that everyday acts which from a narrow perspective were thought to improve our living conditions have actually been aggravating environmental quality on a global scale. It is time to review the interactive relationship between architecture and the global environment from the perspective of Earth as the dwelling place for mankind.
2. Our MeasuresSince 1990, the Architectural Institute of Japan has conducted a special research program to study preservation of the global environment because we recognized that both architects and their patrons were partly responsible for ecological deterioration. In 1995, we established the Global Environmental Committee and initiated broader, in-depth research in the fields of science, technology, and art. Based on the outcomes, we summarized priority issues to be addressed by the Institute and developed our action policy for each effort presented herein, with the attendant goal to actively advance its implementation in order to realize sustainable living spheres while conserving the global environment.
3. Deployment of our Action PlanThe Institute conducts fundamental research for the specific issues under the policy, and promotes activities for timely disbursement of the research benefits to society. We must examine the progress of such activities when necessary; periodically incorporate the findings into the policy of the Institute as a whole; and transfer the Action Plan to subsequent generations.
4. Member Awareness and ActionWe encourage our members to be aware that their professional knowledge can contribute toward relieving environmental problems, and to make the utmost effort to resolve the issues in each field while vigorously participating in relevant activities.
The Action Policy1) LifestyleAs the current global environmental issues have arisen as a result of the entire chronicle of human endeavors, we must reevaluate the roles and significance of economics and ethics in a broader sense, while also pursuing the traditional architectural discipline that has emphasized studies of human living environs related to architecture itself. We take initiatives in establishing an entirely new architectural paradigm, and in proposing and promoting alternative lifestyles suitable to the era of global environmental awareness, without being confined to the concepts of architectural production and consumption alone.
2) Analysis and Assessment of the Environmental Load Toward the goal of proposing means to curtail environmental load, we undertake comprehensive research and development to establish databases and methodologies for load assessment, exemplified by the CO2 issue that is said to be the major contributor to global warming, in the field of architectural life cycle; namely, the series of architectural stages from planning, design, and construction, practical use, and modification, to eventual dismantlement and removal.
3) Use of Resources Architectural production has traditionally been responsible for the mass consumption of our natural resources; toward the goal of curtailing depletion of our resources, we examine and propose ways to enhance architectural longevity and durability; appropriate use of architectural resources reflecting regional characteristics; methods to reduce resource consumption and promote recycling; and development of materials to reduce architectural waste and improve structural planning and construction design.
4) Use of Energy The quantity of energy and water consumed in the process of architectural construction and operation has been a profound load factor to the global environment. We conduct further research toward reducing the amount of these wasted resources, and improving utilization efficiency and recyclability. We also work to discover and implement innovative design techniques such as the use of natural energy to foster our symbiotic coexistence with the natural environment.
5) Use of Land On reflection that our previous development activities in pursuit of economic efficiency often resulted in devastation of our ecosystems, we strive to provide prime living environments for all people through the better use of land and superior design techniques while also embracing ecological conservation. Furthermore, we promote new research and design activities to create buildings and cities that are hospitable, pleasant, and safe from disaster.
6) Health Based on our experience that inadequacies in pre-development assessment of environmental impact have led to the change and degradation of our environs, we endeavor to undertake research on the desirable status and methodologies for environmental conservation in relation to human living conditions. In addition, in order to protect our health and the earth's ecology from contamination and deterioration, we propose and disseminate architectural measures, regional planning, and design techniques that enable us to alleviate damage caused by water, air, and soil contamination.
7) International Cooperation As global environmental issues exactly involve the entire human endeavors on global scale, worldwide collaboration is essential. Through the exchange of information with other nations and organizations, we encourage reciprocal utilization of all experiences and achievements and promote further international cooperation toward our goal.
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