engleski

Sustainability in Architecture: Environmentally Responsible Projects in Croatia

Sustainability is one of the most relevant themes within the architectural profession. Climate changes and limited energy resources require a need to focus on low energy consumption and environmentally responsible architecture. Architects combine creative design with technical knowledge to provide integrated solutions for built and natural environments. Energy efficient and resource conscious approaches are incorporated into architecture as technical innovations including a particular use of materials based on the location or as utilisation of the climatic conditions. Energy efficiency is at the heart of the integrated European Union energy policy, aiming to reduce total consumption of energy. The Republic of Croatia is a member country of the EU (since July 1, 2013) and in compliance with EU directives Croatia has adjusted its development strategy to the principles of sustainability. Therefore, it is interesting to see what is actually built and how a number of Croatian architects studios approach architectural themes in relation to environmental sustainability. The paper aims to understand sustainability in the profession of architecture. The purpose is to investigate the ability to make architectural and spatial design choices on different scale environmentally sustainable. The paper intends to explore examples of good practice in Croatia from implementing environmentally responsible and energy efficient techniques in the planning, budgeting, design and construction of the municipal projects, technology development and investments in energy efficiency as well as new construction considering energy-efficient design. The paper presents the work of different teams of architects in small and large-scale building and landscape architecture. The paper ends with important lesson how the future projects of different scales can be developed to be more sustainable. More research and innovation is needed. Different approaches may serve as inspiration for architects and others interested in architecture in relation to design, functionality, construction, sustainability and environmentally responsible actions.

Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, Architecture, Good Practice, Croatia

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