A new wave of sustainable architectural design
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Photo credit: Singapore Management University (SMU).
Meinhardt Group provided C&S and MEP services for the development of SMU Connexion which garnered the BCA Green Mark – Platinum (Zero Energy) Award in 2019.
A new wave of sustainable architectural design is on the horizon in Singapore, led by industry experts like Dr. Eugene Seah, Chief Operating Officer of Meinhardt Singapore and Global Board Member, Meinhardt Group.
In the face of global concerns about carbon emissions, we need to rethink our approaches to design and construction, and penchant for gravity-defying structures. And focus instead on designs that significantly reduce carbon emissions.
In an article published by The Business Times of Singapore – “Stop structural gymnastics, avoid demolishing buildings, Singapore urged” – Eugene was quoted as advocating for the adaptive reuse of buildings which entails keeping their shell or core as opposed to demolition and new build.
Specifically, he said it is “always better” to consider adaptive reuse, although developers are often pressed to consider if the building’s position benefits the design and financial objective of its new asset’s objectives.
Given that the built environment sector accounts for approximately 40% of global annual emissions, the solution can be found not only in new and green structures but also in the adaptive reuse of existing buildings. Eugene’s insights remind us embracing adaptive reuse over demolition not only serves our environmental objectives but can also align with a project's design and financial objectives.
While we must factor in the building's position and its benefit to a new project, it is clear that in our net zero world, sustainability needs to be at the core of our decision-making. Meinhardt Group is deeply committed to incorporating sustainable designs and environmentally-friendly approaches into our multi-disciplinary and integrated engineering and project management services.
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