Can design make the world a better place? Hashirin Nurin Hashimi looks at thoughtful architecture that empowers the communities the structures are built for
CLIMATE CHANGE IS ONE OF THE major threats in the world today, with carbon emissions in the built environment being a major culprit. Buildings in the US discharge almost half of the country’s carbon emissions, and they consume nearly 50 per cent of the energy produced. Architects are tackling climate change with sustainable or “green” design, which according to the World Green Building Council, “preserves precious natural resources and improves quality of life”.
Design has the power to do more. Besides addressing environmental concerns, it can also elevate and empower communities, or what author John Cary calls “dignifying design” in his book, Design for Good: A New Era of Architecture for Everyone. “Dignity is to design what justice is to law and health is to medicine. It’s about making people feel valued in the spaces they inhabit,” Cary explains on the sidelines of the Brainstorm Design conference, during Singapore Design Week 2018 in March.
An architect by training, Cary dismisses the notion that design is a luxury, adding that the principles of design fundamental to the private sector can also be applied in the social sector to address the world’s most pressing issues. In his book, he looked at buildings that heal, spaces that enlighten and places that bring communities together. “More than just being beautifully designed, these projects have a measurable social impact—the number of jobs created, or people housed, among others—reinforcing the role design has in making people’s lives better.”
This story is from the August 2018 edition of Singapore Tatler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2018 edition of Singapore Tatler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Old-World CHARM
Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora
INDUSTRIALI
Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey
Love Story
Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds
Over the Rainbow
The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight
Twist and Turn
Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations
Game On
From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other
The Wrist Taker
Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces