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A Changing Paradigm in
Architecture
Meredith Brown and Sky Lutz-Carrillo
csd
Dematerialization:
A Changing Paradigm in
Architecture
Meredith Brown
Sky Lutz-Carrillo
Introduction
This paper introduces the need for
dematerialization in architecture
as presented to the University
of Texas at Austin, School of
Architecture by Niklaus Kohler
on September 30, 2009. This
paper will begin by defining
dematerialization, rematerialization,
and virtualization, specifically
in terms of their applications to
architecture. Secondly, this paper
will outline the importance of
dematerialization in architecture
as it applies to sustainability.
Thirdly, the conceptualization of
dematerialization, which can be
implemented as a step-by-step
process, or as individual methods
to reduce the impact of the built
environment on the planet. All of
these issues are closely related and
in fact it may be useful to think of
rematerialization and virtualization
as possible strategies for realizing
dematerialization. These
approaches both offer valuable new
10,000 W
6000 W
2000 W
1000
500
0W
Year 2000
Year 2050 ?
Dematerialization is important to
architecture because it creates a
context for evaluating the built environment.
Dematerializing the built environment
as a goal for the way we approach
the world leads to a reexamination
the necessity of building in the shifting environment, designing for things
like flexibility, durability, and deconstructability as well as the particular
materials and resources used for
the manufacture and operation of a
particular building.
Why do we need to dematerialize?
Currently the United States uses five
times the global average of Watts
per capita, which indicates an attitude towards consumption in which
resources are limiteless. However,
mining the resources required to
generate that much power is taxing
the planet to its limits. Eventually, the
earth will run out of the resources
necessary to sustain life on the
planet if consumption is not curbed.
By accepting that there are a limited
2
Changing Paradigm
Conceptualization of Dematerialization
Dematerialization
Dematerialization
Conclusion
Dematerialization is a poweful
method for architects to help transform the built environment to reflect
a changing paradigm in society. It
is becoming more and more obvious that traditional attitudes towards
resource consumption are unsustainable. Thus, the methods of
dematerialization, rematerialization
and virtualization are the means to
achieve an otherwise utopian goal
of living sustainably while maintaining quality of life. Dematerialization
offers architects a step-by-step way
to adapt to societys changing needs
as they occur. By constantly reevaluating the necessity of certain buildings and building typologies, and
using new and improving scientific
and technological advancements to
creatively reuse and redefine existing spaces, architects can design for
References
1. Kohler, Niklaus. Dematerialization. Lecture
given to The University of Texas, School of
Architecture, on September 29, 2009.
2. Cleveland, Cutler. Edited by Robert
Costanza. 2007. Boulding, Kenneth Ewart.
In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J.
Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental
Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in
the Encyclopedia of Earth June 16, 2006; Last
revised July 24, 2007; Retrieved November
30, 2009]. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/
Boulding,_Kenneth_Ewart>
3. Sustainability Dictionary, http://www.sustainabilitydictionary.com/d/dematerialization.php
4. McDonough, William and Michael Braungart. Cradle to Cradle. New York: New Star
Press. 2002.
Figures
Figure 01: Models of use, Google images
Figure 02: Energy use by nation, Niklaus
Kohler lecture
Figure 03: Cowboy vs. Spaceman economy,
Google images
Figure 04: Conceptual diagram: Rematerialization, Niklaus Kohler lecture
Figure 05: Conceptual diagram: Intelegent
Materials Pooling, Niklaus Kohler lecture
Figure 06: Virtualization of production,
Niklaus Kohler lecture
Dematerialization