Initial Thoughts

ECONOMIC CRISIS: national turmoil

The United States is presently suffering the ramifications from years of financial recklessness, political lack of control, and social apathy. These symptoms led to the inevitable recent downfall of the economy, shift in government power, and a newly instilled fear and concern among the public.

The dramatic and severe conditions of today are affecting nearly every industry and segment of the population. Over the next few years and decades, there will be many transitions and fundamental changes in our national system. The need to address our country’s vulnerable situation and demand for stability has never been greater. This will require a massive effort at all scales of intervention and support, from federal programs to individual behavior change.

ARCHITECTURE: bridging the past with the future

In a period of economic turmoil and uncertainty, the built environment plays a unique role in tying the past with the future.

Unlike stocks, social norms, gas prices, or cultural values, architecture stands as one of the few (semi) permanent aspects that lasts over time. Their physical presence endures for decades, even centuries, often preserving associations and connotations. The connection between structure and inhabitant can remain strong even when the user is removed from the space.

The recent recession, manifested through foreclosures, sub-prime lending, and credit crisis, has created an unprecedented downfall of the economy, forcing many businesses and homeowners to abandon their buildings and move out.

This abundant stock of existing buildings poses an opportunity for re-appropriation as we move toward an era of increased investment in energy. These shells and materials can be reused to initiate many new efforts toward efficiency and renewables.

PROPOSAL: building re-appropriation

The physical remnants and remains of the recent economic downturn should be used as a catalyst and infrastructural base for the proposed energy initiative and anticipated direction of the new administration.

Through the provisions of H.R.1 Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a serious investment towards our future vis a vis climate change, energy security, and economic prosperity is imminent.

The re-appropriation of structures that are no longer inhabited by their original owners present an idea physical place to start many of the $50 billion worth of initiatives and programs that will surface in regard to clean energy technology and improved levels of efficiency.

FUTURE: national investment in clean energy and efficiency

As part of the cultural and behavioral shift that has to happen, and is already underway via the sustainability movement, the architecture of this generation must emphasize adaptive reuse, conservation, high-performance, and efficiency.

One of the many signals for all levels of consumers is the element of recycling and re-appropriating existing infrastructure. The significant volume of construction over the past few decades has led to a surplus of buildings, many of which are still viable shells, or have re-salvageable materials.

Though the building uses may have failed, their remnants provide vast supplies of usable parts or whole structures. These remains should be used as the basis for new investment towards energy initiatives. Along with many jobs, investments, research, and technology, there will be an abundance of projects towards deploying more efficient buildings and cleaner energy.

PROCESS: understand opporunities in future energy investment

By researching the nature of the failed businesses and government policies that have been in place for the last decade or so, it will become evident what issues led to the current crisis. Concurrently, it will be important to investigate and establish a clear idea of what new programs and agendas must be put into place in order to realize the goals of the H.R.1 Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The present legislature is very ambiguous about the methods and implementation for the allotted $50 billion, and yet there are numerous chances to take advantage of existing infrastructure to jumpstart many of these initiatives. Finding where the greatest opportunities lie for venture in energy will be a main area of focus and research as part of the process.

This will entail significant investigation into the current advantages as well as barriers to existing policies and businesses to understand how to best invest these resources for our future.

BUILDINGS TO RE-APPROPRIATE

• suburban single family detached homes

• big-box retail stores (and/or strip malls)

• inner-city high-end banks, etc.

• manufacturing plants or industries

ENERGY USES/NEW APPLICATIONS

• semi-urban housing density

• energy efficiency training or education

• office or showroom; business for energy start-ups

• R&D plus production of new energy systems