Architect Felino Palafox discussed in the recent SEARCA's Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS) the importance of "green architecture."

Architect Palafox stressed the importance of green agriculture in the face of many environmental problems.

Green architecture is not new. It has been resorted to before as a means of reducing building operating costs while encompassing the basic principles of living a healthy lifestyle. It is the role of the green architect to achieve these objectives without compromising environmental protection and meeting human needs. Green architecture is proof that both man and his natural environment can live in perfect harmony.1

One example of green architecture is the use of solar panels which minimize energy consumption. It is environment-friendly since solar energy mainly comes from the sun, and is therefore clean and renewable. Solar energy systems also require very little maintenance. They are easy to install and require no wiring.2

Another feature of green architecture is incorporating trees in planning for a certain building. Instead of the usual practice wherein clearing of trees is done, a green architect would design a building in a way that would not harm its surrounding environs.

True to this philosophy, one of the four guiding principles of Palafox Associates centers on nature and environment. To quote: “The firm recognizes that we are merely borrowing the environment from future generations; therefore, we endeavor to minimize the impact of our actions, plan and designs, enhance the environment and minimize the negative impact.3”

Palafox is the founder of Palafox Associates, the Philippines’ premier architectural, planning, and design firm ranking 94th in the overall standing of  the World Architecture Top 200.

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Endnotes:

¹ What is green architecture? by Amado de Jesus
² The Benefits of Solar Power at Home by Anne Clarke
³ Palafox Associates

Dowload Architect Palafox' presentation