There are many slogans used to represent the concept of the current environmental movement. Here's a very short list: sustainability, eco-concious, eco-savvy, environmentally friendly, and the most generalized, beloved term of all: green. While all of these terms have connotated an universal intent of minimizing human impact, spreading consciousness and creating a more harmonious natural and built environment, I have come to believe that the most applicable common thread is epitomized in the action word- innovate.
Our culture is consumed by the popular explosion of rethink, reduce, recycle, reuse jargon in everyday thought. In my opinion, innovate is the ideal term in which to unify all of the re words within a holistic ideology of utilizing the present built environment and human culture while adapting new technologies and theories into its application for modern day. Through the evolution of traditional cultural practices into a new terrain with integrated scientific advances, the historic systems will expand their capacities for improved sustainable, communal, localized existence.
While contemplating the implication of "innovate" in this specific context of my Mexican project, I find myself interrogating the impact of my design intent upon the natural environment and the local community. The process of designing and building my family's home exemplifies the necessity to use innovative measures to create an unique place that harmoniously integrates into the natural and social fabric of the landscape and community respectively, while still generating energy and water resources in a sustainable manner. In order to do so, I have deeply mediated on the ways in which I can incorporate traditional methodologies, local and alternative materials, and modern technologies for extensive modes of conservation and recycling.
I believe you must consider the process, the creation and the legacy of the place in a holistic manner. Striking a balance between the present and the future to innovate a modern home grounded in the local ecology and traditional culture of the region. Only in this moment of balance will you find peace in your impact upon the larger whole. You are only a compartment of the nautilus.
Resalvaged, Recycled Materials
Reinventing Local, Natural Materials
Resource Conservation
Revitalizing Traditional Practices
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