Sustainability in architecture is a broad field, with endless possibilities for reducing negative impacts on the environment. Sustainable or green architecture is not a recent phenomenon. Some architects have been practicing these principles long before they became popular. Here we will look at some of the most prominent architects who have fought and advocated for green architecture.

What is sustainable architecture?

Sustainable architecture, similar to green architecture and ecological design, is a philosophical and design approach that seeks to reduce negative environmental impacts, meet user needs, and improve quality of life while conserving natural resources to some extent. The most prominent features of sustainable or green architecture include efficient use of energy and resources, use and promotion of renewable energy, and comprehensive consideration of the needs of residents and the environment during the design and construction process.

With the right focus, implementing sustainable design is not as difficult as it used to be. Read ” How Building Information Modeling Can Improve Sustainable Building Design ” to learn more.

List of 10 famous environmental architects and their design philosophies

1. Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright is considered one of the greatest modern architects and is a name familiar to every architecture graduate. During his time, sustainable or eco-friendly architecture was not as popular as it is today. However, Wright was already known for using natural materials in their original form , which became a key feature of his buildings. For him, caring for and respecting the local environment meant minimizing the impact on the surroundings through the use of materials, maximizing natural light, and paying attention to functionality and sustainability. His designs were sustainable and economical, emphasizing natural ventilation and natural lighting that could provide heating and cooling. Many consider his work to be relevant today because of these sustainable elements. He believed that in order to be sustainable, nature, people, and architecture must support and thrive together.

If people know Wright, they know Fallingwater . This house is a great example of organic architecture that does not seem to be integrated into its surroundings, but rather a natural part of its surroundings. In this way, the house and the people living in it are in harmony with the natural surroundings.

2. Ken Yang

A Malaysian architect, environmental activist and writer, he focuses on innovative and environmentally responsible design. Ken Yang has formally studied both architecture and ecology , which has helped him develop a natural relationship between the environment and design. He focuses on environmental design by reducing the use of non-renewable energy and instead opting for low-energy designs. The Messinia Tower, part of the 2 Series of towers, was designed as a result of years of research into passive design for tall buildings. The tower has greatly influenced the design of tall buildings by applying bioclimatic design principles. He has set out six basic principles of sustainable design in his book, A Dictionary of Ecological Design. Yang believes that ecological design is not only about the essential integration of the built and natural environments, but also about prevention. Depletion of resources and energy, environmental degradation caused by infrastructure. Design should be less destructive to the environment.

3. Phu Trong Nghia

A synonym for bamboo architecture, Phu Truong Nghia is known for his amazing projects using bamboo ( see Vidana Restaurant ). But that’s not the only eco-friendly material or element he works with. The Vietnamese-born architect aims to transform urban spaces in Vietnam and change the public’s attitude toward this style through his sustainable design works. Even if the buildings are not made of bamboo, they are in harmony with nature, creating natural ventilation and green spaces. The aim of reinterpreting vernacular architecture is to reconnect humans with nature. Living in a concrete jungle, humans feel somewhat disconnected from nature. Nghia sees the high density and energy of cities as a challenge for architects and believes eco-friendliness is the solution. The project design by VTN Architects is influenced by the need to be in harmony with the surrounding nature, which is why the use of unconventional materials was chosen.

More and more architects and designers are turning to bamboo as a building material because of its strength and design flexibility. In addition to Phu Trong Nghia, here are five other designers who are revolutionizing architecture with bamboo.

4. William McDonough

William McDonough is an architect, author, and educator. He is known for his Cradle to Cradle philosophy and the Hanover Principles . The Cradle to Cradle framework emphasizes five goods: good materials, economy, energy, water, and life . McDonough & Partners ’ designs are not just for the present, but also for the future. As a result, they are adaptable, flexible, and even renewable. This framework allows for the best use of materials, and for them to be recovered and rebuilt later. A building can be designed for a predetermined lifespan, but can also be demolished and repurposed to meet different design challenges. Instead of the traditional 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), McDonough recommends recycling materials at the end of their lifespan. The ICEhouse in Switzerland is an example of a project that was dismantled and rebuilt in another location.

5. Chitra Vishwanath

When looking for environmental architecture in India, Chitra Vishwanath’s name is sure to come up. For this eco-friendly architect, an eco-friendly approach is important to both simple and complex projects. Ecology is defined as the relationship between living things and their surroundings, and between living things. In architecture, this means connecting people with the natural environment within the built environment.

Biomi Environmental Solutions, led by Chitra Vishwanath, aims to address environmental issues through low-impact and low-cost designs . Mud bricks are a common material used in many projects and are sourced from the soil excavated on site for the foundations. All other materials are produced locally. Other sustainability elements incorporated into the project include rainwater harvesting and gardening where possible, given the water shortage in the area. The Atelier School project integrates economical, renewable and recyclable building techniques and materials. Chitra is committed to utilizing the soil of the site, and has even convinced clients who are reluctant to build with adobe to build with adobe walls.

6. Michael Reynolds

This architect may be quite different from other architects with more conventional designs. However, he is an architect who is also interested in sustainable architecture, but pursues an unconventional style. He has created an approach called “radically sustainable architecture” through the responsible use of materials . Michael Reynolds founded Earthship Biotecture, a company that designs energy-efficient buildings using discarded materials.

The principle is simple: harmony of function, design, and environment without any flashy extravagance . His projects are commonly known as “Earthships” and are built using natural and recycled materials. All designs are designed to be sustainable, incorporating various, if not all, of the Earthships’ biological construction principles, which can be applied anywhere in the world.

7. Peter Busby

Peter Busby is a principal designer at Perkins+Will Vancouver . He founded his own firm in the 1980s, which later merged with Perkins+Will, a leader in sustainability for decades. His research focuses on human experiences and needs through efficient use of natural resources and renewable energy. While impacting people’s lives is not his only goal, he also pays close attention to how we treat the environment and how we build cities.

Busby was involved in the construction of Canada Earth Tower, one of the world’s tallest hybrid timber towers in Vancouver. The goal was not simply to design using eco-friendly elements, but to change the market and public perception by celebrating nature and eco-friendly materials. Reinforced concrete is used only for the foundations and elevator cores that support lateral stability. The primary material used is fire-resistant plywood. The proposed design focused on eco-friendly features to reduce energy consumption and public spaces that reconnect with nature and local biodiversity.

8. Anupama Kondu

Environmentally, socially and economically sustainable, Anupama Kondu combines contemporary and traditional materials with local craftsmanship. With an appreciation for local craftsmanship and an understanding of materiality and technology, she uses both to create high-quality spaces full of identity and beauty. Materials used range from concrete and reinforced concrete to rammed earth and recycled baked clay pots.

The Volunteer House project in Pondicherry is an example of using unconventional materials and applying environmentally friendly and affordable methods. All the clay bricks used were made on site by local craftsmen, and the entire building was burnt to create the chain dome. The use of iron cement, on the other hand, was demonstrated brilliantly in the modular low-cost housing project, “Full Pack House.” She and her team favored the work and traditions of local craftsmen, and researched and developed the terracotta dome roof using the skills of Auroville potters. By using local materials and labor, the impact on the local environment is minimized, and a connection to the local community is maintained. Last year, she was awarded the RIBA Charles Jenks Award for her comprehensive approach to architectural theory and practice.

9. Yatin Pandya

Yatin Pandya is not only a practicing architect, but also a writer, academic and activist. He founded Footprints Earth (Environment, Architecture, Research, Technology and Housing), an organization that focuses on architectural design and research for sustainable and affordable projects. It focuses not only on environmental sustainability, but also on affordability, contextual, social and cultural sensitivity . Pandya’s penchant for traditional architecture has allowed him to combine modern technology with traditional knowledge. Pandya believes that solutions for social and cultural significance, environmental and economic sustainability, and sustainable aesthetics can be found in authentic traditional architectural wisdom. Footprints Earth uses recycling and upcycling as a common practice as a way to utilize urban waste sustainably.

10. Eugene Bandala

Like Pandya, Eugene Pandala also draws wisdom on sustainability from ancient history. Bandala is known for his use of clay in his designs. Inspired by traditional Indian styles, Bandala explores sustainability and affordability. These designs also demonstrate how clay is environmentally friendly and effective. Bandala also uses wood and waste materials in line with his sustainable approach. Steel and concrete are used only when necessary. Tendu Leaf Jungle Resort was built using recycled steel and waste wood from old buildings, as well as clay and stones from the banks of the Ken River. Bandala was keenly interested in the local environment, and nature was a source of inspiration and architectural element for him. A connection to nature and eco-friendly design are at the core of all Bandala’s work.

11. Bjarke Ingels

Bjarke Ingels, a sustainable architect and founder of Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), has developed an eco-friendly design philosophy that focuses on sustainability as an integral part of architectural innovation. His approach, often called “hedonic sustainability,” demonstrates that green buildings are not only environmentally friendly, but also enhance quality of life and human enjoyment. One of Bjarke Ingels’ most notable projects is the waste-to-energy facility in Copenhagen. Not only does the facility function as a power plant, it also features a ski slope on its roof, transforming an industrial building into a recreational space and landmark.

12. Stefano Boeri, Architect

Stefano Boeri Arcetti has won worldwide acclaim for his commitment to integrating nature into urban environments. One of his most famous projects is the Bosco Verticale in Milan, an example of eco-friendly architecture inspired by nature, embodying the concept of “creating a forest in the sky.” The residential tower, which is home to thousands of plants and trees, represents a tremendous leap forward in the field of sustainability in architecture. The project demonstrates how nature-inspired architecture can lead to healthier living spaces by significantly reducing carbon dioxide levels and enhancing urban biodiversity. Boeri’s vision highlights the role of sustainability engineers in combating urban pollution and climate change, demonstrating that thoughtful, environmentally conscious design can transform the way we live in cities.

13. Thomas Heatherwick

Thomas is a renowned architect known for his green architecture, taking an innovative approach focused on sustainable design, with a strong artistic vision. His projects, such as the Eden Project in the UK, are pioneering examples of green architecture, redefining the relationship between nature and architecture.

The fusion of architecture and nature not only highlights the harmony between architecture and sustainable design, but also provides a discussion on how the built environment can coexist harmoniously with nature, promoting a more sustainable future.