I like designs that integrate seamlessly with the natural environment whether it be by preserving the natural vegetation or working with the topography of the land to come up with a creative design. For my design, I would like to incorporate either the natural vegetation or green roofs which can help decrease direct solar radiation. Additionally, I would like to incorporate other passive solar design methods to help decrease the energy usage of the building. This can be done by properly orienting the building and windows and by choosing quality materials that help the building retain its heat. I also enjoy designs which have sunrooms or many windows which can also decrease the use of artificial lighting. Also, I am inspired by designs that incorporate solar panels and rain catching systems to decrease the building’s water and energy usage. Shown below is the Harvard’s Science and Engineering Complex.
I like that this building has a lot of greenery on the terraces as well as many windows and green spaces outside.
Shown above is the Bullitt Center in Seattle. As shown in the picture, it has exterior shading covering the windows, and there is also plenty of natural light. On the inside, the stairs are made easily accessible, and they included a bike garage instead of a parking garage. This encourages able people to take the stairs instead of elevators and bike instead of drive. I am inspired by this building because it was designed in ways that influence the decisions people make, and I would like to incorporate ideas like this into my design as well.