Can buildings be elegant and efficient?

Integrating art and science, some buildings have achieved that rare but important combination of being sustainable and aesthetic
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Living Roof at the California Academy of Sciences
The "Living Roof" at the California Academy of Sciences, one of the most eco-friendly buildings in the world. Photograph: Arup

Over 70% of an average city's greenhouse gas emissions derive from buildings and the construction industry itself consumes more than 12% of the world's water. We only have one planet's worth of resources and it is vital that we transform the way the manmade environment is planned, designed, constructed and operated. It's more important than ever that engineers and designers work together to make sure all construction projects not only achieve emissions targets, but also meet the needs of future inhabitants whilst remaining visually attractive.

This challenging context has inspired the delivery of a new wave of beautiful landmarks in cities worldwide. Many sustainable buildings are also remarkable iconic structures that are internationally recognised. This new-found harmony between elegance and efficiency is raising the bar for architecture, design and engineering. The best buildings perfectly integrate art and science: they look good, people enjoy being in them and they work efficiently.

A strong example of this art-science integration is the "Living Roof" at the California Academy of Sciences, one of the most eco-friendly buildings in the world. The academy's visually striking 2.5-acre green roof blends into the surrounding Golden Gate park. But while this building is visually extraordinary, it also meets exceptional standards in efficiency. The academy (which received the respected LEED platinum rating administered by the US Green Buildings Council) has reduced its water usage by 76.9% through grey water reuse, low-flow WCs, kitchen sinks and showers. In terms of energy performance, the building achieved a 34% saving by locating photovoltaic cells around the edge of the green roof. The building also benefits from natural ventilation, heat recovery, displacement ventilation, external shading, reduced power-lighting densities and day-lighting controls.

An extensive natural lighting study was undertaken to optimise the geometry and distribution of the skylights, complementing the interior and its regularly changing displays. With more than 100 portholes, the exhibits now have plenty of daylight resulting in a drop in energy consumption. The creative and sustainable design not only complements the architectural vision, but also improves the environment for the exhibits – the coral reef tanks and living rainforest receive life supporting natural light.

Another recognisable and sustainable landmark is London's Shard, designed around the principles of low carbon and increased efficiency. While the building will be the tallest in western Europe, its facade is a groundbreaking example of reducing energy demand. The specially designed 11,000 glass panels that make up the facade reduce heat from the sun by 95%, protecting occupants from the sun but also minimising the need for air conditioning.

The Shard also has its own combined heat and power (CHP) plant, to cope with the varying energy demands of spaces within the building. CHP involves the local generation of heat and electricity (like an on-site small-scale power plant), achieving efficiency savings through the reduction of transmission losses.

Like the Shard, the Eden Project also combines beauty with sustainability. The Cornish visitor attraction is dominated by its recognisable double domes, and the construction's inflated plastic cells act as a thermal blanket to the structure. The vast amount of water required to mimic the humid conditions of the tropics comes from sanitised rainwater while the complex also uses a wind turbine to generate its electricity. Of course, it's not only the carbon credentials that make this construction extraordinary. The Eden Project is so striking that it was used as a filming location for the James Bond film Die Another Day.

Sustainability is frequently talked about in terms of efficiency, utility or responsibility but I would argue that it can also shape elegant design. It encourages architects and designers to innovate and push boundaries while considering the social impact of their buildings on the communities around them. The built environment is the largest user of natural resources in the world but the striking buildings emerging from this marriage of elegance and efficiency are also becoming powerful statements from mayors and property owners about their intent to improve the environmental impact of their city and perhaps, over time, they will also encourage a change in consumer behaviour.

Alistair Guthrie is director of building design at Arup


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