Architects to agree on eco-friendly designs

TO HELP preserve the environment amid climate change, the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA) will include, in any of their future infrastructure projects, the solar power and rainwater catchment and anything that will reduce disaster risks.

The PIA will hold its 80th Annual National Convention at Waterfront Hotel-Lahug from Feb. 21-24 where they will discuss sustainable housing in the age of climate change and balancing development and conservation in historic town centers.

Architect Cris Cyril Abbu of PIA said sustainable housing should be balanced with economic, social, and environmental factors. The structure and the living space should be in harmony with the natural environment.

Sustainable housing is built in appropriate sites, with suitable construction methods that conserve natural resources and maximize the use of renewable materials, Abbu said.

Structure

Architect Germain M. Ang, the convention chair, said that water catchment in a building is important to prevent rainwater from flowing to the streets, which can cause flooding.

Abbu said construction of water barriers along waterways and retaining walls around industrial estates and housing developments will, in the short term, further limit the areas of egress for the water, and increase the level in lower-lying areas.

Aside from preventing flooding, the people can use it in watering their plants, washing their cars, laundry, and even dishes, thus reducing their water bills from the water utilities.

With water catchment, we could have free water supply and we can prevent flooding.

Thats what architects like us are doing to our clients, Ang said.

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Architects to agree on eco-friendly designs