An ecologist does not design an ecosystem. They study the ecosystems and the conditions that are required for those ecosystems to function naturally. In some cases, they may intervene in order to restore any conditions that may have become disrupted within that ecosystem. The system itself does all of the work. However, the ecologist must understand the system to be able to effectively support it – and recognise the consequences that can result from attempting to override the processes of that system.
The architect who has absorbed this lesson will be in a similar position to that described above.
A building that can sustain itself does not mean one that requires no maintenance whatsoever. Rather, it is a building whose design allows for its environmental factors to have a positive impact on the building itself. For instance, the building may be designed in such a way that its orientation allows for it to capture the winter sun yet avoid the summer sun. The building may also include ventilation systems that work with the environment to provide the occupants with comfort in terms of air quality. Finally, the materials that are used for the building are selected based upon their ability to naturally weather in the specific environment in which they will be exposed to the elements. For a Monmouth Architect, consider www.hillsandcompany.co.uk/
Ecosystems are resilient to the extent that they’re complex; there are multiple ways for an ecosystem to achieve its outcomes, even if one of those elements fails within that system.
The buildings that have this quality appear to last longer than buildings that do not have this quality of resilience in their systems.
Both the ecologist and the architect can eventually learn the same thing. Systems that can work with their given conditions will last longer than systems that try to fight them.
