HMC Architects’ New Initiative: Environmentally Neutral Design

HMC Architects announced today the firm’s High-Performance Architecture Initiative which includes a building design process and commitment to share ongoing research publicly. Based on HMC’s dedication to environmentally neutral design, the initiative will act as a directive for the firm’s work across all practice areas, including Higher Education, Pre-K-12, and Healthcare. Progress made through the initiative will inform an evolving public resource, providing the industry with an open source of information for designing beyond sustainability.

In order to truly move towards high-performance architecture, HMC and the architecture profession as a whole must make a major shift toward integrated thinking of buildings, not as isolated entities, but as integral parts of their place, serving as harbingers for an improved environment. The intended result is a building that is attune with its surroundings, to the extent that there is no negative impact on the environment. High performance architecture aims to advance beyond today’s accepted guidelines and standards classifications and towards truly environmentally neutral design, employing three primary areas of measure in determining the success of a project:

• Environmental Impact: The building should have a reduced environmental impact measured in three areas: its effect on climate change, pollution and resource consumption.
• Human Health: The building has to promote human health and quality of life. This is measured in two areas: performance and program.
• Economy: The building should benefit society and provide added value to the community through several major areas, such as education and income.

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via blog.hmcarchitects.com