Abstract
The author searches for universal aspects in design of buildings of different types to show how ergonomics becomes not only common denominator but also indispensable condition for sustainability of a building independent of its type. Ergonomics starts from human needs, to assure best working and living conditions in terms of health, comfort and efficiency. Buildings are designed for humans, and without this important human measure may become unfriendly or even harmful. Sustainability is overall human approach to protect our own kind at present with consequences for future. From the point of view of the architect it means to make our built environment not only best quality for ourselves, but harmonized with natural as well. To achieve this, our human measure has to be applied properly at the stage of design of our built environment. This reference plane remains constant independent of the type of human activities which architecture is designed to shelter. In the article the author as the practicing architect shows general or repetitive aspects in ergonomic design as universal conditions of sustainability, taking as the examples housing estate and 3D printing factory, recently completed (2016–2017).
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Notes
- 1.
The author assumes that the term ‘sustainable development’ is nowadays already clear and popular enough so as not to be explained. However, for better understanding of sustainability in built environment: “In 1987, the Bruntland Commission published its report, Our Common Future, in an effort to link the issues of economic development and environmental stability. In doing so, this report provided the oft-cited definition of sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (United Nations General Assembly, 1987, p. 43). Albeit somewhat vague, this concept of sustainable development aims to maintain economic advancement and progress while protecting the long-term value of the environment” [1].
- 2.
It is the reference to timing in Poland, incorporating sustainability in policy, economy, science and in development in general since nineties; as the declared rule of statutory tasks sustainable development is stated in constitution of the Republic of Poland 1997, article 5 [6]. It can be also observed in scientific publications, with a start of defining sustainable buildings and design.
- 3.
The process of so-called 3D printing relies on selective laser sintering of polyamide powder. For more details go to http://www.materialise.com/en/manufacturing/3d-printing-technology.
- 4.
The opening of the building was an event at regional scale, with invited officials from Polish administration authorities at local and regional levels, press, investor’s and contractor’s CEOs and top level management. For more information go to http://www.ugk.pl/fabryka-druku-3d-w-bielanach-wroclawskich.
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Horn, P. (2019). Ergonomics as the Common Denominator and Vital Condition to Achieve Sustainability of Buildings of Different Types on Example of Two Built Projects. In: Charytonowicz, J., Falcão, C. (eds) Advances in Human Factors, Sustainable Urban Planning and Infrastructure. AHFE 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 788. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94199-8_37
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