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Design has always played a fundamental role in the development and enrichment of our cities, and this role is becoming increasingly critical in our rapidly airbrushing world. Good design is essential in meeting the future environmental challenges , creating places people identify with and embrace, and differentiating our cities for tourism attraction. Well designed government buildings are an Important part of cycles and are Intrinsic to their health and success.
They accommodate and facilitate the delivery of public services and enhance the quality of the city urban structure and its public spaces. Government buildings contribute to the city efficient functioning and urban character. They can reflect the values and achievements of the community and need to be efficient, represent good value for money and demonstrate a high level of environmental stewardship. Building design is also a key part of the Government’s response to climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and anticipating the need to adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Design outcomes that contribute to the sustainability of the urban environment may be facilitated by adhering to a number of relatively straightforward design principles. The Design Guidelines frontiersmen Buildings are intended to address these principles and other related issues, including climate change whole-of-life Implications for buildings, adaptability and the Incorporation of public art. OBJECTIVES The government building contributes to the protection of ecological processes and natural systems at local, regional, State and wider levels.
Energy use and management Intent: To minimize the building’s energy requirements for the life of its operation and to minimize any adverse environmental impacts resulting from the buildings use and management of energy. Water use and management To minimize the buildings water use requirements for the life of its operation and to management of water. Operable systems allow the occupants to control their internal environment, however occupants also need to be educated on how to optimally operate the building to ensure the best performance throughout its use.
Consider investing in design elements that may require a larger cost output at construction, but will reduce the use of energy over the buildings life. C Sustainable materials selection: – low embodied energy – high recycled/recyclable content material production has a low ecological impact low volatile organic compound (VOCE) to reduce off-gassing. D Select fittings and fixtures with low energy and water usage. Exaggeration of the building toward the north. Internal planning of the building places shared, frequently used functions in optimal locations.
On the western edge of the building, aim to reduce the impact of the hot western sun: – low level of glazing – sun shades where glazing is utilizes. A building can provide energy and water for its own use internally as well as for use within the wider precinct. Consider the depth of the building. A thin plan allows for cross ventilation.
Making the case for good design in public building Tests Jewell 12 December 2006 Design and design champions Design is not an add-on but instrumental to social and economic well-being. Physical and social regeneration are interlinked: a low quality environment is associated with social exclusion. Good buildings and places can promote inclusion and civic pride. Design quality is an objective, not a subjective, value. Like music, art and literature there are clear standards of excellence that can be measured and evaluated at a global scale (egg. The Stilling Prize, RIB awards and the Prettier Prize).
Design is an iterative process; not a one-off, box-ticking exercise. This means setting clear design visions, writing good design briefs; running well-managed competitions and upholding quality through the detailed design and delivery process – whatever procurement method is used. Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.