Ecolux Communities

Abstract

Seven years, 103 days, 40 minutes and 17 seconds... On September 17, 2020, Artists Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd displayed a clock in Manhattan Square. This clock, however, displayed exactly how long we have until an irreversible climate disaster occurs, not regular time. Unless greenhouse gases are significantly reduced, the time we have before something like this occurs is limited. It is very easy to see the repercussions of our actions already happening. Many areas of the planet have already seen the 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit average above pre-industrial levels. The consequences of this, are also showing. Storms are increasingly getting worse, droughts are getting longer and heatwaves are getting more extreme. The planet is getting sick and we are feeling the effects, but we can also help heal it. The path to a healthier and more sustainable way of living can be paved by architects of today. Currently, buildings generate, on average, 40% of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The incorporation of new construction techniques, building materials and technologies could significantly help reduce that average. Sustainable design is a necessity in this endeavor and should immediately be incorporated into all types of design whether it be residential, commercial, or industrial. This thesis project will focus mainly on how to incorporate sustainable design into smaller communities. A proposed self-sufficient neighborhood will convey how altering our lifestyles can not only help improve the life of the planet, but also the physical and emotional well-being of humans as well. The community will focus on finding the balance between modern technology and traditional living methods to create a healthy, comfortable and unique environment where individuals and families can thrive.