Design with Nature: Ecological Design in Architecture
3.9K views · 2026-02-27
Space & Architecture
Architects talk of sustainable design, climate change, and net zero carbon in architecture, but in trying to make buildings more efficient they lose sight of the real problem. We have become so separated from nature that we can’t imagine a world where we live in harmony with it.
Architects attempt to make building more sustainable. But we never ask what are we sustaining? We are sustaining industrial mass production, capitalism, and a fossil fuel-based economy. Architects who focus on sustainable architecture are at best treating the symptoms and not trying to find a cure. At worst they green wash buildings giving the illusion that they are somehow eco-friendly. Sustainable design becomes a marketing tool to sell your next project, or to attract the right clients. The real problem is we treat nature as a natural resource to be exploited. As our civilization expands globally there is nowhere on earth that can escape exploitation.
Being part of nature gives our lives meaning. We must become stewards of the biosphere. We must transform society from using nature as a resource, to become guardians of our planet. Architects should be at the forefront of this transition.
Written and produced by Jaime Roberts
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:55 Design with Nature
6:25 Earth
12:56 Water
14:41 Air
17:25 Fire
20:36 Spirit
Topics and Terms:
Ecological Architecture
Eco-Architecture
Biophilia
Biophilic Architecture
Genius Loci
Heliodon
Healing Environments
Passive Design
Atlas
Telemon
Stupa
Pilotis
References and Resources:
Spirit & Place, Christopher Day, Architectural Press, Oxford, 2002
Design with Climate, Bioclimatic Approach to Architecture and Regionalism, Victor Olgyay, Princeton, 2015
Design with Nature, Ian L. McHarg, Wiley, 1992
Site Planning, Kevin Lynch and Gary Hack, The MIT Press, 1990
Sun, Wind & Light, Architectural Design Strategies, G.Z. Brown and Mark DeKay, John Wiley & Sons, INC., 2001
About the Channel:
Roberts Architecture is Youtube channel exploring the world of architecture through design and drawing.
About me:
Jaime Roberts is a licensed architect located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Contact:
jaime.roberts@robertsarchitecture.com
Architects attempt to make building more sustainable. But we never ask what are we sustaining? We are sustaining industrial mass production, capitalism, and a fossil fuel-based economy. Architects who focus on sustainable architecture are at best treating the symptoms and not trying to find a cure. At worst they green wash buildings giving the illusion that they are somehow eco-friendly. Sustainable design becomes a marketing tool to sell your next project, or to attract the right clients. The real problem is we treat nature as a natural resource to be exploited. As our civilization expands globally there is nowhere on earth that can escape exploitation.
Being part of nature gives our lives meaning. We must become stewards of the biosphere. We must transform society from using nature as a resource, to become guardians of our planet. Architects should be at the forefront of this transition.
Written and produced by Jaime Roberts
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:55 Design with Nature
6:25 Earth
12:56 Water
14:41 Air
17:25 Fire
20:36 Spirit
Topics and Terms:
Ecological Architecture
Eco-Architecture
Biophilia
Biophilic Architecture
Genius Loci
Heliodon
Healing Environments
Passive Design
Atlas
Telemon
Stupa
Pilotis
References and Resources:
Spirit & Place, Christopher Day, Architectural Press, Oxford, 2002
Design with Climate, Bioclimatic Approach to Architecture and Regionalism, Victor Olgyay, Princeton, 2015
Design with Nature, Ian L. McHarg, Wiley, 1992
Site Planning, Kevin Lynch and Gary Hack, The MIT Press, 1990
Sun, Wind & Light, Architectural Design Strategies, G.Z. Brown and Mark DeKay, John Wiley & Sons, INC., 2001
About the Channel:
Roberts Architecture is Youtube channel exploring the world of architecture through design and drawing.
About me:
Jaime Roberts is a licensed architect located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Contact:
jaime.roberts@robertsarchitecture.com