What is the career in the field of sustainable architecture?



"A building is alive, like a man... Its maker gives it the soul and every wall, window and stairway to express it." - Ayn Rand, "The Fountainhead".



And it's the architects who breathe life into buildings.



With the recent push towards sustainability, there is growing awareness around mindful construction in conjunction with nature. This has given rise to a fresh wave of architects who are designing eco-friendly spaces.



What is sustainable architecture?



The building and construction industry is one of the major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. So sustainable architecture seeks to reduce the impact on the environment at every stage. This is done using locally available resources, natural materials, energy efficient and climate-friendly methods.



What to study?



To work as an architect, aspirants need a Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) and Masters in Architecture (M.Arch). Students from the science stream are eligible to pursue these degrees. Recently, many institutes have been offering  postgraduate specialisations in Sustainable or Green Architecture. Some institutes also provide one year diploma or short-term courses on specific subjects such as energy efficiency, rainwater harvesting, water management, sustainable building materials and waste management.



Where to study



India




  • National Institute of Technology, Calicut: B.Arch

  • School of Planning and Architecture, Vijaywada: M.Arch in Sustainable Architecture

  • Rachna Sansad's Institute of Environment, Mumbai: Masters in Environmental Architecture

  • National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu: M.Arch in Energy Efficient and Sustainable Architecture.

  • Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune: M. Arch (Sustainable Architecture).

  • Centre for Environmental Planning and Technologuy University, Ahmedabad: Masters in Urban Design, and M.Arch in Conservation and Regeneration

  • Sir J.J.School of Architecture, Mumbai: B.Arch and M. Arch



Abroad:




  • Nottingham University, the U.K.: M.Arch (Architecture and Sustainable Design)

  • University of Greenwich, the U.K.: M.Sc (Sustainable Building Design and Engineering)

  • University of Leeds, School of Earth & Environment, the U.K.: M.Sc (Sustainable Cities)

  • Centre for Alternative Technology, Graduate School of the Environment, the U.K.: M.Sc Sustainability and adaptation in the Built Environment; M.Sc Green Building, and M. Arch (Sustainable Architecture).

  • National University of Singapore: Masters in Urban Design



Required skills




  • Enhanced design abilities

  • Technical and software skills

  • A holistic perspective of environmental sustainability

  • Knowledge of global and local environmental issues

  • Ability to come up with innovative solutions



DID YOU KNOW?



In India, green building rating systems such as the Indian Green Building Council's rating system and Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment offer training courses and opportunities to accreditation for green building professionals.



 



Picture Credit : Google


What is the career in the Sustainable architecture?



Imagine a wall mounted with a vertical garden, harboring different species of plants that act as a natural air filter, counter tops made from recycled made from recycled glass; solar and wind-powered heating and cooling systems. These are the houses of the future. I the face climate change, architects are coming up with creative designs that minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings. This is known as sustainable or green architecture. Modern buildings are responsible for around 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Designing sustainable buildings helps reduce emissions, and mitigate the effects of climate change. So if you are interested in making the world a better place, sustainable architecture could be your calling.



How it works



Sustainable architecture uses a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation in the design of buildings and cities. This is to ensure that our actions and decisions do not have a negative impact on our beloved planet. The role of sustainable architects is to reduce the impact on environment at every stage of building. They make moderate use of materials and energy, and reduce waste. They look for greener alternatives to raw materials that harm the environment, and opt for clean energy to reduce the carbon footprint of the structures.



Required skills



** Understanding of environmental sustainability



** Knowledge of construction and building technology



** Adopting sustainable design to climate change and other environmental challenges



** Expertise in CAD (computer-aided design)



Scope



The field of sustainable building design has gained global importance in the last two decades. Most countries in the world have developed a green rating system for buildings. In some countries sustainable architecture has become mandatory. And so, sustainable architects are in demands in both public and private sectors. The U.S. Green Building Council developed the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) programme that certifies qualified individuals as LEED) Green associates. As a LEED Green Associate, you can find job opportunity in architecture firms, consulting services, educational services, engineering services, building, developing and general contracting across the world.



What to study?



Master of Architecture (M.Arch)-Sustainable Architecture is a pre-requisite to work in this field.



Where



India



** College of Architecture, Bhratiya Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune: One of the oldest institutes to offer a two-year M.Arch (Sustainable Architecture).



** School of architecture and Planning Vijayawada: Tagged as an institute of national importance by the Ministry of Human Resource Development it offers M.Arch (Sustainable Architecture).



** National Institute of Technology. Hamirpur, Himchal Pradesh: It is one of the few institutes in the country to offer both B.Arch as well as M.Arch in Sustainable Architecture.



Abroad



** Norwegian University of Science and technology M.Sc in sustainable Architecture



** Sheffield University, the U.K: M.Sc in sustainable Architecture Studies



** Yale School of Architecture, the U.S: a specialization in Environmental Design is available under M.Arch.



 



Picture Credit : Google