As we embrace the possibilities and impact of sustainable architecture in 2023, I believe it's crucial to acknowledge the trailblazers who have paved the way thus far.

Ultimately, sustainable architecture is a philosophical and design approach that aims to reduce the negative environmental impact of developments while doing everything possible to preserve natural resources while simultaneously improving the end-user’s quality of life. It can be easy to take for granted the leaps and bounds the housing and building industry has made to make sustainable architecture more accessible, but this wasn’t always the case.

Without further ado, let's take a look at some of the most famous green architects and their design philosophies, which I hope you will find as equally energizing and inspiring as I do!

Frank Lloyd Wright

Many people hail Mr. Wright as one of the greatest modern architects of all time—

And for good reason. At the time of his practice, green architecture was not as popular or widely accepted as it is today, making his efforts and designs all the more admirable. Key features of his designs include the use of natural materials in their authentic forms, abundant natural light, and an emphasis on natural ventilation, all of which support his idea that nature, people, and building structures must all support each other and thrive together in order to be sustainable. 

Fallingwater is a prime example of this feat because the property appears as if it blends into its lush surroundings rather than something that was built into them.

Ken Yeang

Ken Yeang is a Malaysian architect, an ecologist, and a respected author who is certainly cementing his legacy in the sustainable architecture community. By minimizing the use of non-renewable energy and prioritizing low-energy design, he was able to enact plans for Malaysia’s Mesiniaga Tower, which has become a blueprint for skyscraper design thanks to its bioclimatic design principles. According to Yeang, there are six primary sustainable design principles, as noted in this article.

• “Ecodesign is not the only bio integration of the built and natural environments but also the prevention; of resources and energy depletion, of environmental degradation by infrastructures.”

• “The design must have minimum destruction to the environment.”

Peter Busby

Peter Busby started his own firm in the 80s and later merged with leading sustainable design firm Perkins+Will in Vancouver, B.C. While Busby’s works focus on the human experience through his use of natural resources and renewable energy, he gives equal importance to examining how the surrounding environments are treated and how cities are formed. His influence can be seen in the design plans for the world’s tallest hybrid wood towers, Canada Earth Tower in Vancouver, a project on which he consulted with Perkins+Will. The mixed-use skyscraper is intended to be built utilizing mass timber thanks to its environmental benefits, low carbon footprint, and potential to significantly reduce CO2. It also employs Passive House principles and targets zero emissions through an effort to avoid consuming fossil fuels in its operation.

I hope you find this information enlightening and close this blog feeling inspired by these industry veterans. If you have any questions about sustainable architecture and design, or my role as a skilled land acquisition and development consultant and Executive Director of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s Land Division, I would love to chat and encourage you to reach out to me anytime.