HIGH PERFORMACE 144

Master Of Architecture Architecture And High Performance Technology

Studio Leaders Jonathan Evans

DIJANA

TASEVSKA

The earth’s atmosphere is warming at an increasingly rapid rate, with the construction and operation of our built environment accounting for around 38% of global carbon emissions. As other sectors, like personal transportation, adapt and transform in recognition of the clear and present danger of global warming, the construction industry will account for an even higher proportion of emissions without a radical and holistic change from the current ‘business-asusual’ methods of construction and operation. So what needs to change, and how?

The Architecture and High Performance Technology graduation studio this year provided an opportunity to challenge and rethink the way that we utilise and recycle resources and energy in our built environment, to not only eliminate the concept of waste, depletion of non-renewable resources and release of sequestered carbon into the atmosphere. The studio sought to establish new relationships for the built environment, which are aesthetically beautiful, technically robust, and integrated with the natural environment to develop lasting solutions to the current global challenges. Can our buildings of the future be procured to make a positive contribution to the environment?

The studio explored a number of aspects of architectural design, construction, operation and ultimate demolition through the research and design of a UNSW education building of the future – to formulate integrated design principles which will better address our ongoing climate crisis. The site was an area within UNSW’s Kensington lower campus between Fig Tree Lane, Alumni Park and College Walk.