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Sustainability: Cost, Comfort or Choice?

Leading international architect proposes less reliance on air conditioning and cars through traditional design and materials

Buildings and places need to be designed and developed in a sustainable way to allow communities to be less reliant on air conditioning and cars. Sustainable design can lead to cost and energy efficiencies, enhanced lifestyles and a reduced impact on climate change.

This is the view of Tim Makower, partner at Doha-based architects Allies and Morrison, who will be presenting his thoughts and ideas at the Sustainability and the Built Environment Seminar on 3 March, which has been organised by the UK Trade & Invest section of the British Embassy in Doha.

"Air conditioning is not the only way to cool a building, especially in the more temperate months of the year. The Gulf faces extremely hot weather for three, arguably five, months of the year and during this time air conditioning is essential. But for the rest of the year, the weather is very pleasant and architects, engineers and developers should explore alternative ways to cool buildings during these months," said Mr Makower.

Allies and Morrison opened an office in Doha in summer 2009 and over the last three years has helped to develop the 'Architectural Guidelines' for the DOHALAND 's 35 hectare development Musheireb, (formerly Heart of Doha). It is also designing the Diwan Annexe and the National Archive buildings within the first development phase of Musheireb. Both buildings will be two of the first LEED Platinum buildings in Qatar.

Mr Makower said that far more air conditioning is used than necessary. He believes that by reducing the reliance on air conditioning there would be some clear benefits, including cost savings and being more eco-friendly due to lower energy consumption.

"We need to design places and buildings that allow people to respond to the climate and live in more harmony with the seasons. For instance, people should be provided with the choice to switch off their air conditioning and open a window during the winter months; for many people that is the most comfortable way to live," said Mr Makower.

"What could be better than being given greater choice, greater comfort and cost savings all in one go? We are designing homes and work places now which can be dramatically opened up on to external courtyards and balconies in good weather."

Mr Makower said this flexibility should also extend to the use of the car. He passionately believes that places should be designed to be pedestrian-friendly and that streets should be naturally cooled so that people can choose to walk to school, shops, the mosque or to work during the cooler months, instead of having to use their cars and face traffic congestion.

"I don't question the right to use air conditioning or a car. But I believe that we should design places and buildings that give people the choice to switch off their air conditioning and leave their car in the garage," added Mr Makower.

During his presentation, Mr Makower will explain how using inventive solutions, which are often founded in traditional Qatari methods and building techniques, can naturally cool buildings. For instance, buildings can be cooled by incorporating wind-catchers or using thick walls. They can also be positioned to capture the prevailing winds and sea breezes and be related to the sun's path to create optimum shade. This can be supported by architectural features such as projecting cornices, canopies, colonnades and screens, all of them traditional Qatari motifs. Re-introducing the traditional form of the narrow lane, or Sikkat, is another way to create shaded spaces with modern buildings.

"Over and above energy related issues, sustainability is about minimising waste and creating lasting places. Buildings and neighbourhoods should be built to last, while still allowing for the natural process of gradual change and regeneration rather than wholesale demolition. It is DOHALAND 's intention to retain and maintain the Musheireb in the long term, and to ensure that it is built to last."

The Sustainability and the Built Environment Seminar will be held at 8.30am on 3 March at the Diplomatic Club in Doha.

Allies and Morrison was founded by Bob Allies and Graham Morrison in 1984. The practice is now led by 10 partners and employs around 200 people.

It operates from its own studios in central London and opened a branch office in Doha, Qatar, in the summer of 2009, which is headed by partner Tim Makower and country manager Simon Gathercole.

In Qatar, Allies and Morrison is working closely with DOHALAND , project leader Arup and masterplanner Aecom, to write and develop the 'Architectural Guidelines' for Musheireb (formerly called the Heart of Doha) including The Seven Steps, the guiding principles for a new language of Qatari architecture that is rooted in the past and looking to the future.

Allies and Morrison has also been instrumental in delivering the detailed design of the 150,000 sq m Diwan Amiri Quarter that encompasses the Diwan Amiri Annex, the National Archive and the National Eid Ground, which are now under construction.

Allies and Morrison has established a standing as one of the UK's premier architectural practices. Its expertise covers a range of project types including urban planning, offices, retail, transport, healthcare, student housing, mixed-use, residential, education and cultural, civic and religious buildings.

Allies and Morrison has a reputation is founded firstly on a contemporary, contextual approach to design, from the largest scale of the masterplan to the finest scale of detail. Our aim is to deliver design that will last, rather than passing with fashion. It is also known for the balance it strikes between Architecture and Urban Design, working at all scales from major Masterplans, such as the London Olympics to small civic buildings such as the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.

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© Press Release 2010