Planetary Healing and Ecological Design

 Ecological Design 

With Global Warming being a popular topic recently, considering ecological design choices in our future landscape architecture could drastically change the future for the environment. Ecological design is a design approach that carefully considers the life cycle of a particular product or design over its life cycle in the environment. When first thinking of ecological design, one may think of a green roof or some sort of a sustainable landscape. In the video "Living Machine," a rest stop is the may point of focus in using an ecological design specifically with its plumbing system. The hydraulic system in so many words continuously treats, filters and reuses water throughout the entire buiding. 

Influence on Community 

Ecological design can be seen as an expensive endeavor when when it comes to a new design. Many people want contribute positively to the environment however, costs are a major factor. I believe if costs were not an issue ecological design would be implemented more in designs. Communities are willing to contribute positively to the environment as long as costs and maintenance are low. Some ecological designs require and exential amount of maintenance and expertise. I think beginning to educate communities on ecological design will further advance this design approach in our society. 

Widespread Use on Landscape Architecture 

Ecological design implementation is esssentially in the direct hands of landscape architects. I think subconsciously landscape architects are trying to design for longevity and sustainability however, I think many times clients get in the way of this design approach. Subtle ways of using ecological design could rainwater harvesting, composting, simple recycling or even starting a garden with plants that can be cooked. Many times designers have to design for what is on trend and in style but we can start by using native plants to a particular environment to create longevity for the ecosystem. 

Ecological Design in the Future Techniques 

• Downcycling: recycling that results in products of lesser values 
• Durability: high quality products that resist wear and damage can reduce resource consumption as products don't need to be replaced, returned or repaired
• Efficiency: designs that are energy and resource efficient over their entire life cycle from production to recycling

American Geophysical Union's Washington Headquarters

• Designed the building to meet a net zero energy goal and create 
• The rooftop terrace is sheltered by the steel framework supporting the photovoltaic array.
• The building’s new steel-beam “hat” supports 719 solar panels.