The Role of Technology in Sustainable Architecture

This paper sets out to examine the relationship between architecture and
technology in sustainable architectural design and in particular to address
the following questions within this context: What are “smart buildings” and “smart cities” and what is the role of technology in achieving these?
Which approach lends itself better to achieving sustainable design; “High
Tech” or “Low Tech?”
The paper begins with a discussion of the term “smart” and its current ap-
plication in the context of smart buildings and cities in the professional
community. In the ensuing discussion the meaning of energy efficiency
and energy performance and methods for evaluating these are explained
and design strategies to maximize the energy performance of buildings and
cities are discussed. In the course of this discussion, alternative interpreta-
tions to the current meaning of “smart” in this context are offered. Then
follows a discussion on “High Tech” and “Low Tech” approaches and the
suitability of these different approaches to achieving sustainable buildings
and cities. The paper closes with a short discussion on the interaction be-
tween buildings, their occupants and technology, offers some conclusions
regarding the role of technology in sustainable architecture and suggests
an approach for future orientated building design.