Final answer:
Eco-friendly design in architecture encompasses the use of energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and minimalist design principles to minimize environmental impact. Innovative materials like self-healing cement and pollution-absorbing bricks contribute to this, as well as buildings that integrate with existing infrastructure, like the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eco-friendly design in architecture, often referred to as sustainable architecture or green architecture, is a philosophy that emphasizes the use of materials and energy in ways that reduce the impact on the environment. This movement became significant in the mid-1980s, with a rise in the utilization of wind, solar, and other alternative energy sources to minimize buildings' environmental footprint.
Key elements of eco-friendly design include the use of energy-efficient systems, such as designing buildings to maximize natural light and using advanced technologies to reduce energy consumption. Incorporating sustainable building materials is also crucial; this includes materials like fast-drying and self-healing cement that can repair itself, bamboo which is a sturdy renewable resource, and bricks designed to absorb air pollution.
The contemporary approach also suggests a minimalist design where the essence of materials is respected and unnecessary decorations are avoided, ensuring spaces that are functional and environmental. Eco-friendly materials, creative designs reducing environmental impact, and the integration with existing infrastructure play a pivotal role in shaping a project that is both compatible with the environment and user needs.
An example of eco-friendly architecture is the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe, which requires just 10% of the energy needed for a conventional building of similar size, inspired by biological design. Not only does this approach aim to protect future generations, but it also keeps in mind the immediate needs and comfort of the building's users.