Ten Shades of Green: Architecture and the Natural World

Ten Shades of Green: Architecture and the Natural World
By: Peter Buchanan
Publisher and Date of Publication: The architectural League of New York 2005
ISBN: 0-393-73189-8(PBK.)

SYNOPSIS
The title of the book Ten Shades of Green: Architecture and the Natural World is the name of an exhibition which was organized by the Architectural League of New York and curated by Peter Buchanan. The exhibition travelled to galleries and museums all over the United States from 2000 through to the end of 2004. Ten different buildings constructed between 1991 and 2000 were chosen to illustrate that the combination of environmental responsibility and great design are possible. It is also a form of classification that abide to ten principals for measuring the sustainability of a building, with concerns ranging from energy efficiency, well being and happiness, choice of materials, etc.

SUSTAINABILTIY Relevance:
The functionality and materiality of the buildings chosen, range from residential dwellings, to commercial, and institutional buildings. These buildings are located globally spanning from the different climatic regions in North America, to Australia, and European countries such as Germany, England, Switzerland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Although these buildings are different in nature they all demonstrate a level of sustainability, some more than others. With each entry Buchanan has highlighted where the building was successful and where it fell short with respect to his Ten Shades of Green classification. Coupled with technical drawings, (plans, sections, elevations, etc.) and beautiful photographs the methods used toward a green building are easy to understand and follow. It is also easy to discern that the majority of these buildings are located in the European regions and not in North America. Buchanan outlines where and how the differences between North America and Europe fall. The climate, to the culture, to active encouragement of the national and local governments (especially in Germany), and that of the European Union whom is committed to working towards a more sustainable way of life, contrasts the lack of support from governments in North America. Perhaps that is why there are fewer buildings that exhibit a good sense of sustainability in North America.
Rating (1-5 = useless to relevant): 4

OPINION
Ten Shades of Green: Architecture and the Natural World is a great addition to literature in support for a more sustainable way of life, design and approach to a culture change. In reading this book it was inspiring to know that before it was popular to be sustainable, that real people were dealing with real problems when fighting this generation’s struggle for a better tomorrow. In reading this book what was interesting to me and was also emphasized, is that building a better tomorrow we do not have to sacrifice design or creativity but it only helps to encourage this train of thought. This book demonstrates how well something can be designed through a combined effort of disciplines. It was really easy to read with detailed technical sketches, combined with great photographs and valuable information. As an Interior Design student I found it to be a good source of inspiration with respect to a profession that is constantly dealing with the world of materiality, and how we can impact the environment in both an aesthetically and responsible way.

Rating (1-5 = awful to fabulous): 4