At the 2008 UIA World Congress of Architecture in Turin an expert on sustainable construction in tropical regions, Bruno Stagno, showed how the principles of sustainability could be applied in the design and construction of an office building. The internationally-renowned Costa Rican architect explained how an office building in San José reduces energy demand through natural lighting and ventilation, achieves this at a relatively modest cost, presents a striking and attractive appearance, and provides a stimulating work environment.
Bruno Stagno showed how the “target issues” for sustainable construction, developed by the Holcim Foundation and its partner universities, applied to his design for the head office of Holcim Costa Rica which was named by the Spanish version of GEO magazine as one of the five pioneering sustainable buildings on the planet. The “target issues” also serve as the basis of the adjudication process of the Holcim Awards and as a framework for other activities of the Holcim Foundation.
Three of the target issues for sustainable construction are the same as the three goals of sustainable development: balanced environmental, social, and economic performance. One applies specifically to building: the creation and improvement of buildings, neighborhoods, towns, and cities. And one recognizes the global urgency of sustainable construction: the need for significant advancements that can be applied on a broad scale.
“Sustainable construction will only have a broad, effective and recognized impact when the ideas of sustainable buildings are adopted by the vast majority of architects, builders, investors and clients,” said Bruno Stagno. “The Holcim Awards competition brings to attention diverse strategies for addressing sustainability and enables new projects to consider different approaches to best meet economic, environmental and social performance criteria”.
The Holcim Foundation will announce the winners of the regional phase of the Holcim Awards competition in late 2008. The regional Holcim Awards Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will automatically qualify for the global Awards to be announced in mid-2009.