Renovating Carbon - Re-imagining the Carbon Form

Renovating Carbon - Re-imagining the Carbon Form

Carbon is everywhere—in the soil, in the air, in life. Carbon is the foundation of architecture and the built environment. Carbon is also infamous for intensifying the climate catastrophes around us. And architects—by the nature of their education and practice are transforming this carbon into the built environment. 

Twelve critical essays in this book present a constellation of voices surrounding carbon and its relationship with architecture, renovation, material, form, and design pedagogy. The renovation of two buildings on the Equator—at the School of Design and Environment (SDE), National University of Singapore; serve as the protagonists for these reflections. The essays raise key questions on the values embedded in the architecture of architecture schools. What principles might a low-carbon future embody? What do renovations mean for rapidly urbanizing Asia? How can they transform the relationship between climate and architecture on the Equator? Do they demand new equatorial forms? How can material innovations influence their design? How can the design of architecture schools influence a new generation of architects towards a sustainable future? These and other questions are set forth within while illustrating the models of thought that have shaped the architecture of SDE 1 & 3, offering ways to sustainably transform carbon in the context of our warming world.

About the author

Erik L’Heureux FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, is an award-winning American architect, educator and administrator. He is the Vice Dean, Special Projects at the School of Design and Environment (SDE) leading the transformation of SDE at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He is currently leading the transformation of the School of Design and Environment 1 and 3 at SDE with over 250,000 square feet of renovated facilities slated for completion by 2022. As the Master of Architecture Program Director and Dean’s Chair Associate Professor, he teaches the new generation of architects to be committed to the complexities and potentials of architecture on the equator. And through his design work, he developed a series of award-winning buildings that combine passive performance, pattern, and simplicity as a product of the hot-wet climate and the dense, urban equatorial context where he practices. L’Heureux sees the integration of design education, academic leadership, and creative practice as a hallmark of his impact, inspiring students, professionals, and the public to become more attuned to architecture fit for the equator and the warming world.