The only thing better than eco-tecture, LEED certification and green building initiatives is when the structure is actually green in colour. Architect Juan Herreros recently won 2nd place in an international competition for the construction of the CEA Cadarache Research Center. Defending his rather box-like design, Herroros argued that long buildings reduce the impact of construction in order to keep the forest density. I for one am not totally sold on that argument, nor do I think that crystal clear renderings of the Centre give a fair portrayal of the impact construction really has. Buildings can create runoff, require the displayment of flora and fauna.
According to the Herreros, the “deployment strategy is compromised to build without altering the conditions of the forest, to inhabit the forest without violence creating a symbiotic architecture with its microclimate and its density. To do so, we are disclaiming to open large breaks on the continuity of natural cycles and are proposing to build linear buildings of optimum and constant width that occupies corridors from which have been lifted only the required trees, allowing the maximum proximity of the remaining facades. The original density of the forest will always be present and architecture appears filtered through the foliage.” Again, although the idea of being nice to mother nature is grand, I think it’s impossible to build without impacting your surroundings.
