To understand how architectural firms are responding to climate issues to future-proof the built environment, we spoke with sustainability leaders from JCJ Architecture and SGA, who shared their strategies and insights on how the field is evolving in response to climate change.
In Part 2, we continue our exploration of resiliency in architecture with Sadaf Jafari, Director of Sustainability at SGA, an architecture and design firm with offices in Boston and New York, that specializes in innovative and sustainable solutions for complex urban and waterfront environments.
Jafari provides insight into how SGA’s approach to climate adaptability emphasizes proactive solutions and innovative design techniques, from conducting thorough climate risk assessments to implementing regenerative design principles.
Design teams should approach the integration of climate change projections into building planning and construction with a multifaceted and proactive strategy. Some key steps are:
Designing buildings to withstand regional climate variations involves crucial considerations such as water-efficient systems and rainwater harvesting, drought-tolerant landscaping, enhanced insulation, natural ventilation, shading, structure elevations, use of flood-resistant materials, effective drainage and stormwater management systems. The core goal is to make your building as regenerative as possible.
Architects can balance these factors across different geographic locations by tailoring strategies to specific climate risks, using local climate data and applying universal principles of energy efficiency and durability. For example, areas in New England and the Northeast are more concerned with flooding and mitigating the risks of rising flood plains, while California prioritizes water conservation efforts. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and adhering to local building codes and sustainability standards are also essential.
Dew point analysis affects the type and amount of insulation, the placement of the vapor barrier, and even the window performance rating needed for the project.
Addressing dew point analysis in the design phase ensures that insulation remains effective, prevents moisture-related issues, and contributes to building longevity. Architects integrate this analysis into their designs to create resilient, energy-efficient structures.
Effective stormwater management strategies are crucial for mitigating flooding risks, especially in regions like New England, which experience heavy rainfall and storms. Some key approaches we integrate into building designs include:
These features help absorb and slow down stormwater runoff, reducing pressure on drainage systems and minimizing flood risks during heavy rainfall and storms.
We incorporate future climate models and projections into our design process to ensure buildings are resilient to potential changes. But our main goal is to design buildings that are adaptable to potential changes over the next 600 years, not 20-50 years and that is why SGA is trying to address principles of Regenerative Design. This model encourages that design should mimic nature, which heals itself and regenerates.
Regenerative Design gives back to the grid and allows developers, architects, and project owners to achieve climate goals. It requires a mindset shift. Regenerative Design recognizes that even today’s best-case scenarios leave tremendous room for improvement and energy savings.
Another trend we’re seeing is more utilization of the Passive House model, a certification with PHIUS (Passive House Institute US Certified) that outlines a set of design principles used to attain a quantifiable and rigorous level of energy efficiency within a specific comfort level. Using this model, energy efficiency stems from continuous insulation throughout an airtight building envelope, high-performance windows, balanced heat- and moisture-recovery ventilation, management of solar gain, and elimination of thermal bridging. SGA designed the first “Passive Building” residence hall In Massachusetts at Wheaton College, successfully cutting operating costs by 50%. We also designed Williams College’s Garfield House in Williamstown, MA, a 40-bed suite-style residence hall, to meet the strict PHIUS criteria, implementing passive ventilation and phase change materials for cooling such as enhanced wood framing and structural insulated panel systems.
To ensure buildings can endure and recover from catastrophic weather events, several key elements of resilient design must be prioritized. These elements contribute significantly to long-term sustainability and community resilience:
These elements contribute to sustainability by reducing environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and conserving resources. They build community resilience by ensuring essential infrastructure remains operational during disasters and by fostering community unity and preparedness. Resilient design not only protects buildings from severe weather but also strengthens the well-being and resilience of local communities, ensuring they can recover and thrive in the face of adversity.
Understanding project vulnerabilities and associated risks, open communication, early collaboration, and informed decision-making are essential for the successful integration of resiliency and climate adaptability in architectural projects.
Some of the best practices include engaging clients and stakeholders from the outset, discussing resilience goals, community values, and project conditions. You should also collaborate on decision-making processes to ensure alignment with climate-adaptive strategies.
Some of the challenges are flooding and rising sea levels, storm intensity and saltwater intrusion. Opportunities to address these include innovative design practices such as adaptive design, which can take the form of floating structures, amphibious buildings, and elevated platforms. Green infrastructure is another important tactic, using natural barriers like mangroves, wetlands, and dunes to provide effective flood protection and enhance biodiversity.
Waterfront and water-adjacent projects require balancing the natural beauty and resources of these areas with the need to address climate change risks. By embracing innovative design, sustainable practices, and resilient planning, we can create environments that not only endure the challenges of a changing climate but also thrive within it.
Innovation Square 3 (ISQ3), one of SGA’s latest designs, incorporates industry-leading net-zero features and contextual elements reflective of the maritime environment. In collaboration with Related Beal, SGA’s design with DREAM Collaborative is set to be the first LEED Platinum and net-zero-ready life sciences building in Boston. The foundation will be raised five feet to gracefully sculpt a protective edge for the development and prevent impacts of climate change. Hand-in-hand with resiliency considerations, ISQ3 prioritizes peak sustainability features such as a high-performance envelope design, MEP electrification using heat pump technologies, maximum on-site renewable energy generation via rooftop photovoltaics, and a reduction in embodied carbon through whole building life cycle assessment.
Architects play a crucial role in shaping a more resilient and sustainable built environment. By advocating for proactive solutions, collaborating with various disciplines, and adopting innovative and resilient design practices, architecture firms can lead the response to climate-related challenges. Educating clients on the importance of sustainability, engaging with communities, and advocating for supportive policies and regulations are essential actions architects can take to drive positive change. By continuously learning and implementing the latest sustainable technologies and techniques, architects can make lasting, positive impacts.
Architects also play a lead role in the exploration of innovative design solutions, such as mass timber. Recent advances now make it possible to design large-scale wood buildings by using sophisticated timber structures. For example, SGA designed 90 Arboretum as the first all new mass timber frame office building in New England. This environmentally friendly method results in about 30% fewer carbon dioxide emissions than traditional steel or concrete construction. The 72,000-square-foot, three-story building also utilizes Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRF) equipment, which moves heat or cooling within the building to where it is needed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
To enhance their focus on adapting to climate challenges and building resilience, architecture firms should prioritize continuous learning and stay informed about the latest sustainable and resilient design practices. Educating clients on the long-term benefits of these approaches and designing innovative solutions that fit the specific environmental conditions of each site are essential. They need to collaborate with diverse experts, advocate for supportive policies, and involve local communities to ensure comprehensive and effective project outcomes. Implementing eco-friendly construction practices, monitoring project performance, and conducting post-occupancy evaluations further guarantee a commitment to creating resilient built environments.
Sadaf Jafari, Director of Sustainability at SGA, believes that resiliency and climate adaptability should be integral to every project from the outset. SGA emphasizes proactive solutions, guiding project teams to collaboratively address climate-related challenges and develop tailored responses for each organization’s needs. This approach to resiliency encompasses anticipating and mitigating the impacts of climate change, ensuring that structures can endure potential catastrophic events. With extensive experience in designing waterfront and water-adjacent projects, SGA’s expertise helps future-proof assets against environmental risks and contributes to long-term sustainability and community resilience.
