The impact of climate change on Architectural practices: Design strategies for a sustainable future

Climate change for decades has been a focal point of concern globally. Its effect causes a range of disruptions that are mostly accompanied by natural disasters like hurricanes, droughts, and floods. The long-term change in weather and temperature conditions caused by excessive air-trapped carbon dioxide is the core of climate change, and not only has it reshaped environments and their functionality, but also the world of architecture. The rising of temperatures, the increase in sea levels, and the severely fluctuating weather conditions all point to the urgent need for architects to put on new building designs that are capable of withstanding these impacts. The role of architecture in creating a sustainable environment amidst climate change cannot be overlooked, as this sector occupies an approximate rate of 40% energy-related carbon emissions globally. It becomes mandatory that, in the face of this reality, architects must engage in innovative solutions to reduce the harsh impacts on immediate environments. With no further ado, this article objectively embarks on a journey to explore how climate change influences the architectural industry and what architects must do to overcome these effects.

Architects are going the extra mile away from the conventional fundamentals of architectural practice because of the considerations of several factors, including climate change. Buildings must be constructed with new approaches to fit disturbing occurrences like rising temperatures, incessant rainfall, or snowfall, alongside intense natural disasters.

The global rise in temperatures and heat waves is one of the footprints of climate change, and this is heavily daunting on individuals whether they are in or out of their homes. Going back to the 19th century, there was a drastic increase in temperature by 1.1°C, and ever since then there have been further projections that it could rise as much as 3-5°C in the 21st century if significant actions are not worked out to prevent it. Buildings in regions experiencing this heat are more at the receiving end of this condition as both the environment and their homes become uncomfortable to live in. Architects must now design buildings that are capable of moderating temperatures such that they remain cool in times of extreme hot seasons and, in the reverse, remain warm in extreme cold seasons. These designs must be devoid of the idea of using high-end air conditioners, as equipment in that form can be easily overpowered in extreme seasons.

The rise of sea level and flooding marks another effect of climate change, and according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sea levels across the globe have risen above 8 inches since 1880 and could increase further if climate change isn’t controlled. In Nigeria, coastal areas like Lagos, Calabar, Delta, Bayelsa, Ogun, and Rivers are constant victims of flood and seawater intrusion, causing several damages to agricultural practices, human existence and livelihood, and infrastructure. In this regard, conventional foundations should be discouraged, as elevated forms and more sturdy structures stand as assuring adaptive measures to prevent the aforementioned disasters.

Extreme frequency of weather dispositions are affected by climate change. Most countries whose atmospheric conditions are programmed in seasons are now changing. In Nigeria, the states along the coastal region experience climate shift, having more wet seasons than dry. This contributes to the escalation of weather uncertainty; hence, architects are pushed to design modern-day buildings with the ability of withstanding strong winds, heavy rainfall, and wildfires without faltering. The emphasis must be on the durability, longevity, and safety of structures in order for convenient human adaptation to take place.

Adaptable and Sustainable Practices in Architectural Design Strategies

Contributing to global comfortability, and in a bid to wave off the effects of climate change, architects must rise to the demand by applying strategic innovation to modern-day buildings, making them more resilient and adaptable in intense environmental situations. These structures are expected to absorb energy while maintaining functionality.

1. Resilient Building Materials

There’s been immense innovation in building materials, some of which are technologically driven, low-carbon, and eco-friendly, which are all essential for sustainability. It therefore becomes a veritable tool for architects in mitigating the effects of climate change on buildings. Traditional building materials like concrete and steel emit a high level of carbon; hence, building materials like bamboo, recycled products, weather-resistant roof sheets and timber, self-healing concrete, graphene, smart glass, cross-laminated timber, and a host of others with low carbon rates are good tools that could be incorporated in buildings to ensure that buildings reduce emissions by up to 50%, so they boast resilience in extreme climate conditions. Architects can also stay ahead by using computers to predict future weather conditions, giving them cues on the choice of building materials to use for certain structures in certain regions.

2. Elevated and Flood-Resistant Structures

It’s important that buildings, regardless of the region in which they’re situated, are built with elevated structures, as this elevation is beneficial in terms of flood resistance. When a building stays above the ground level, erosion, flood, and water intrusion are minimised; it becomes more useful when it’s above but bedecked by a firm foundation. Self-healing concrete also comes in handy here, as this helps to heal cracks and streaks caused by water. These tools and strategies must be employed by architects to help manage the effects of climate change better.

3. Passive Cooling and Natural Ventilation

This is particularly vested to see towards combating rising temperatures. Architects should incorporate passive cooling tools into building designs; this can be easily executed with the provision of natural ventilation and shading infrastructure, reducing the deployment of mechanical cooling systems, which in themselves consume excessive energy and emit carbon. Windows should be strategically placed, rooms for cross-ventilation should be created, and shades well cornered can all maintain stable indoor temperatures, especially in hot climates.

4. Energy-Efficient Design

Buildings are studied to carry high degrees of energy levels because of their building components. It’s therefore important that the energy performance of buildings is deliberately controlled to reduce gas emissions. On this note, architects must utilise energy-efficient tools like green roofs, solar panels, and high-performance insulators, which help in modulating energy levels. The International Energy Agency (IEA) posits that buildings contribute 28% of global energy consumption; this figure can however be reduced when architects implement energy-efficient designs.

5. Water Conservation Systems

The exacerbation of climate change often leads to water scarcity in many parts of the world. Climate issues like drought lead to severe human implication; hence, architects should strive to incorporate water-saving features into the design of buildings. Infrastructure that conserves rainwater and greywater should be planted, as these are modern-day practices for water conservation, allowing buildings to stay self-sufficient in times of severe atmospheric dryness or drought.

Alongside the factors aforementioned, architects can adapt, sustain, and mitigate the effects of climate change through the constant practice of carbon-neutral building materials and the infusion of green-inclined spaces for carbon sequestration. More focus should be poured on sources of renewable energy like solar and wind power with zero-carbon emissions, indirectly removing the possibility of gas emissions. Also, more greenspaces should be incorporated into architectural designs to deflate heat and improve the quality of air. These green-inclined practices include green sheets, vertical gardens, and urban forests, reducing accumulated building energy and welcoming a good amount of carbon dioxide.

Urban Resilience and Planning for Climate Change

Climate change cannot be entirely handled by individuals; it requires the plan of a collective to develop plans for urban cities in order to build climate-resilient communities.

• Designing Climate-Resilient Cities

Many times, cities are always major targets for climate effects. This is because these cities are high in population with increased human activities, and reliance on mechanical infrastructure triggers gas emissions. Therefore, architects collaborating with urban planners in designing or restructuring cities becomes utterly important. This plan would involve structures, ways, and restrictions that would enable spaces to absorb gas emissions to reduce climate change effects.

• Future-Proofing Infrastructure

Evolving with the changing climate conditions demands that architects evolve alongside their use of infrastructure to build long-term sustainability. Flexible and high-rise foundations, green sheets, vertical building landscapes, and power plants should all be significantly considered for harsh climate conditions to hold restraint.

Conclusion

Climate change has caused a significant shift in architecture. While the effects of climate change might be disturbing, the urgency it brings resorts to architectural brilliance and innovation. Architects are stretched to the edge to deeply research in order to provide solutions for these effects in the form of buildings and infrastructures, which are resilient amidst climatic challenges. The innovations of architects through energy-efficient systems help mitigate the effects of climate change and build an era of long-term sustainability, ultimately landing architects a grand role in preserving the world.

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