A Natureza como fonte inspiradora e guia de sustentabilidade

Abstract

The objective of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of Nature and how it directly influences architecture in achieving sustainability. With the increase of environmental concerns, the adoption of procedures and behaviours that are environmentally friendly has lead to new approaches to achieving sustainability. It is fundamental to know the extent of Canada and the diversity of its geography, ecology, vegetation and landforms to understand the variety of climates across the county and how it directly influenced the forms of indigenous habitation, which were a direct response to environmental challenges, with the materials that were available. It was vital to understand organicism and how it is broken down into different forms of representation. The scientific approach searched for truths, and to finding the essence to the principles of Nature. Understanding Nature's processes and how it operates is an important aspect to achieving sustainability. We need to mimic and adapt Nature's solutions to the daily problems that we face. Everything is interconnected; the process of evolution is very cyclical. Just as natural processes are cyclical and nothing is wasted, we must learn to respect Nature for her vast amount of knowledge and greatness just waiting to be discovered. My findings lead me to a simple approach to sustainability that consists of adapting vernacular architecture to modern day technologies. Learning from Nature and how to be more resourceful by integrating Bioclimatic Architecture principles that are based upon the design of buildings taking into account the climatic conditions, using the resources available in Nature to minimize environmental impacts and reduce energy consumption. Evolution and progress are part of the cyclical concept to life. We must learn to take a more humane approach to achieving sustainability and be aware of the impact we have on the environment.