saARCImag |
|
A recent article in the CapA recent article in the Cape Argus, concerning the proposed expansion of the Cape Town International Convention Centre, described how it would set standards for GREEN buildings.
(see http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20081024120331192C356444
Please use [SHIFT] click or right click)
The new extensions will have all mod-green-cons, including photo-voltaic cells, water re-cycling, etc., etc., and a large new hotel. But part of the proposal involves knocking down a sizable, and apparently serviceable multi-storey building. (see pictures below )
Aside from any aesthetic considerations, it seems to me that there is quite a large question about the "green-ness" of reducing a large building to rubble rather than "re-cycling" it.
While the energy consumption of buildings in use is, no doubt, a very important consideration, the overall environmental effect of extracting and processing the materials for the quoted R1.4 billion worth of building, is likely to be a pretty large hole in the ground somewhere, which will have to be filled and eventually rehabilitated by someone; perhaps with another demolished building.
e Argus, concerning the proposed expansion of the Cape Town International Convention Centre, described how it would set standards for GREEN buildings.
(see http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20081024120331192C356444
Please use [SHIFT] click or right click)
The new extensions will have all mod-green-cons, including photo-voltaic cells, water re-cycling, etc., etc., and a large new hotel. But part of the proposal involves knocking down a sizable, and apparently serviceable multi-storey building. (see picture below)
Aside from any aesthetic considerations, it seems to me that there is quite a large question about the "green-ness" of reducing a large building to rubble rather than "re-cycling" it.
While the energy consumption of buildings in use is, no doubt, a very important consideration, the overall environmental effect of extracting and processing the materials for the quoted R1.4 billion worth of building, is likely to be a pretty large hole in the ground somewhere, which will have to be filled and eventually rehabilitated by someone; perhaps with another demolished building.
The ecologically sound refitting of existing buildings certainly does cost much time and effort, but those are not scarce or non-renewable resources, and the project starts several jumps ahead of its "new" competitors by not having to dig its own grave.
(see http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/greenbuilding/Design/costissues.htm )
Now a system of GREEN GRADING is most desirable, and has at last arrived, but if it works so that people can do very BROWN things and then score up by buying in irrelevant GREEN POINT paint to "greenwash" their work, and more particularly their public images, then I think we have a problem. "Hogwash" is not green.
Phillip Newmarch
Built in the late 60 s (?) PWD Architect - Fleming (?)
I don't think its anybody's favourite building. It now looks a bit like the old cheese that fell out of a Freeway sandwich.
But it does have some nice features, IF you can find somewhere to see them from. And its overall shape is no worse than most Cape Town buildings, indeed, better than many. Has anyone more information?