Filters not Interruptions

First off, I must say I was initially put-off by the title of this assignment-- "High-Performance Placemaking." In class, we discussed the connotations associated with "high performance" and "green," and how different demographics respond to these. It's official, I'm in the demographic that responds favorably to latter and negatively to former. Something about "high performance" ignites skepticism within me that the proposed solution is exploitive under the guise of efficiency. This isn't really accurate though, since high-performance as defined in class certainly doesn't fit that pessimistic definition... 

I was inspired by the idea shared in Tuesday's video that buildings can act as filters for the environment, rather than blockages. I liked this image-- structures allowing flow of natural processes, rather than interrupting them. Typically buildings have a sense of otherness from that of nature, but this type of them creates a cohesion between the two seemingly polar categories. I've identified several components that buildings like these should possess:

1. Structures should harvest natural capital like the sun and the wind. Not only does this allow continuity from outdoor processes to indoor processes, but it also honors the planet by creating less pollution compared to the alternative (electricity through fossil fuel combustion). Additionally, it reduces our dependence on the finite, non-renewable resource of fossil fuels. Luckily, solar is becoming more available and affordable. Wind energy is another option, although it's less prevalent than solar for what appears to be climate and cost reasons. Another example of harvesting natural capital is building structures which work in harmony with the natural wind patterns and geographic features of an area. In one of the videos we watched in class, I remember seeing a lovely community which planned its buildings in such a way that the wind flow reduced heating and cooling costs.

2. Buildings should also use non-toxic materials within the building, so as not to harm their residents. We talk a lot about outdoor air quality (which is crucial, don't get me wrong!), but indoor quality deserves some attention too. Some of the materials which we build with like paint, caulks, carpet, flooring, and upholstery have chemicals in them called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Short-term exposure to these can cause irritation, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. With long-term exposure, however, comes chronic effects like cancer, liver and kidney damage, and central nervous system damage (http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/voc/). 

3. Finally, buildings should esthetically harmonize with the outside world. They ought to feature plenty of windows that creates openness and fluidity, not to mention all the benefits of natural light. They should have incorporation of plants within, namely regional plants that provide a sense of history and place for those indoors. Their architecture should honor the area's geographic features by complimenting them, not overshadowing them. (i.e don't block out nearby businesses' views of the mountains with your huge ass skyscraper).

To close, I've included photos of the Queens Botanical Garden. I was really curious after watching the video as to what this garden looks like. (Especially since I work at a botanic garden, myself.) Enjoy!