Norm to form
How to translate sustainability ideals into architectural reality
from norms to forms
Sustainable architecture seeks to maintain or enhance capital systems (see ‘On capital’ in the tools archive). Based on this basic principle, we’ve created a series of design algorithms that may help to inform an architect’s actions or norms and built forms or configurations. Each algorithm follows the design algorithm outline below and demonstrates sustainability's potential to provoke form.
design algorithms
for natural capital
Architecture is the transformation of natural capital into built or manufactured capital and, as we mention above, sustainable architecture seeks to maintain or enhance natural capital. Any project includes an initial transformation and then its ongoing impact on natural capital systems.
The design algorithms below show norms and forms, and combinations, we might apply when attempting to maintain or enhance natural capital. We also approach some of the other capital types further down.
Why are the illustrations so tiny?
Because execution of these architectural norms and forms can, and should, vary greatly. Sure, there are a few great examples, but we shouldn’t be limited by them. We’ll add any other FAQs as we receive them.
We’re working on an illustration library: contact us to contribute. We’re also working on a spreadsheet version and an algorithm map: stay tuned.
design algorithms for
other capital types
We’ve focused heavily on natural capital, but other capital or wealth areas are also important for sustainable architecture. The design algorithms below touch on:
health capital (issues such as stimulation and complexity);
intellectual capital (promoting visual cues of sustainable design and knowledge, for example);
moral capital (ideas such as sharing resources, or matching resources to one’s actual needs);
manufactured capital (seek out permanence).
Adapted from Diprose, P. (1999). Architectural implications of sustainability on Built Form, PhD Thesis, Department of Architecture, University of Auckland, New Zealand.