This tutorial involved imagining some future scenarios which could potentially occur in Queensland. Considering the future of this state is quite difficult but obvious at the same time. The dynamics of the state are a constantly changing notion which is hard to predict, however there remains a looming global issue of rising CO2 emissions and the impact that will have on the earth which is hard to ignore when looking towards the future.
A difficult idea I am coming to terms with is whether there is a solution or any action on current issues which can direct the path we take in the future. Society is an intertwined fabric of elements which has been constructed over months, years, decades and centuries which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to suddenly fix isssues. Humans have a 'conception of progress that prioritises industrial growth and economic expansion' which led to 'innapropriate technologies and systems of manufacturing and construction' (Design for Sustainability - Janis Birkeland, 2002). Queensland is a functioning state on an economic and social basis, however, there is an obvious lacking of environmental initiatives in the main cities to balance out the triple bottom line.
The last 40 years has seen some improvements in the way we manufacture and manage industry. For example, phasing out of CFC's in appliances, implementing a carbon tax to clean up industry, greener public transport and improved travel infrastructure to try and mitigate congestion in busy zones. These initiatives can create awareness in society to get the ball rolling on bigger and better initiatives.
What plans are in place now?
The Brisbane City Council has a vision to be a carbon neutral. They propose a series of initiative such as planting more street trees, purchasing carbon offsetting credits and reduce council activity energy consumption by 50% by 2026. These initiatives set a good example for the rest of Brisbane
Our future vision for Queensland 2050 is an improvement in social, economic and environmental aspects of Brisbane City. Brisbane needs a revitalised plan to follow or at least become aware of to move towards a preferable future. Being the state of Queensland, it is important that Brisbane CBD sets a role model for change. We propose to analayse and develop the following broad, but integral issues:
- Transport (Smart Cars, better transport infrastructure)
- Energy Use (Alternative energy sources, smarter electrical grid, end of oil era approaching in future)
- Waste (Dealing with our waste better)
- Water (We are running out of water world wide)
- Resilience (Against future scenarios presented)
- Biodiversity/ Environment (Protection, generation)
- Health (Obesity, drugs and alcohol, mental health)
- Food (Resource consumption)
- Population Increase (From other states or countries)
These issues can be addressed by re-evaluating the way we look at mixed-use typoligies in and near the city. More diverse building typologies can create interest in the city as well as improve conditions.
Any initiatives proposed must have economic viability for the developers or governments that fund it. Next week I will elaborate on the issues listed above.
Transport
- Transport sector is the second largest entity of energy consumption in Queensland. (Diagram).
- Congestion during peak hour periods.
Energy Use
- The largest consumer of electrical energy is actually the electricity generation industry which contributes 71 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
Waste (Dealing with our waste better)
-
Water (We are running out of water world wide)
As population worldwide increases, we need to consider 'peak water'.
Resilience (Against future scenarios presented)
Protecting Queensland against physical and economic distasters.
Biodiversity/ Environment (Protection, generation)
- Reduce urban sprawl so that we can be surrounded by more farm land.
- More greenery in city to reduce. Copenhagen has a mandatory law for all new buildings with a slope less than 30 degrees to have a green roof. http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/green-roofs-now-required-by-law-in-copenhagen.html
Health (Obesity, drugs and alcohol, mental health)
- Creating a social loop at water’s edge.
- Row to work.
- Architecture which is dull and boring is reflected in human performance.
Food (Resource consumption)
- Smart landscape design which is more than ornamentation. Using trees that bear fruit, or urban farms.
- Improving hospitality in mixed use.
Population Increase (From other states or countries)
Sprawl and resource consumption.
Fossil Fuel
Can we find another path for the use of Coal, a major source of the Queensland economy.
No comments:
Post a Comment