Environmental design

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Environmental design is the process of addressing surrounding environmental parameters when devising plans, programs, policies, buildings, or products. It involves the integration of architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, and interior design to create spaces that are both functional and sustainable.

History

The concept of environmental design has roots in the early 20th century with the rise of the modernist movement in architecture. Pioneers like Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier emphasized the importance of designing buildings that harmonize with their natural surroundings. The term gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with the growing awareness of environmental issues and the sustainability movement.

Principles

Environmental design is guided by several key principles:

• **Sustainability**: Ensuring that the design minimizes negative impacts on the environment, and promotes the health and well-being of occupants.
• **Energy Efficiency**: Utilizing design strategies that reduce energy consumption, such as passive solar design, natural ventilation, and the use of renewable energy sources.
• **Resource Efficiency**: Using materials and resources in a way that reduces waste and promotes recycling and reuse.
• **Human Health and Well-being**: Creating environments that enhance the physical and mental health of occupants through good indoor air quality, access to natural light, and the use of non-toxic materials.
• **Integration with Nature**: Designing spaces that incorporate natural elements and promote biodiversity.

Applications

Environmental design can be applied in various fields, including:

• **Architecture**: Designing buildings that are energy-efficient, use sustainable materials, and integrate with their natural surroundings.
• **Urban Planning**: Creating urban spaces that promote sustainable transportation, green spaces, and efficient land use.
• **Landscape Architecture**: Designing outdoor spaces that enhance the natural environment and provide recreational opportunities for the community.
• **Interior Design**: Selecting materials and design elements that improve indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption.

Notable Projects

Some notable projects that exemplify environmental design principles include:

• Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright
• The Eden Project in Cornwall, England
• Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Education and Careers

Many universities offer programs in environmental design, which may include courses in sustainable architecture, urban ecology, and environmental psychology. Careers in this field can range from architects and urban planners to landscape architects and environmental consultants.

See Also

• Sustainable design
• Green building
• Ecological design
• Biophilic design
• Environmental psychology