Page 30 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 33
P. 30
The Environment
Modern Revival: Today, green
roofs and vertical gardens are
celebrated for their biodiversity,
ability to reduce urban heat islands,
and stormwater management
capabilities. Advanced techniques
ensure they are compatible with
modern structural requirements.
Why It Matters: As cities
face climate-related challenges,
reintroducing greenery into urban
spaces not only enhances quality of
life but also contributes to carbon
sequestration and habitat creation.
Micro Community Setup of South Park Cottages: Image sourced from 4. Natural and Local Building
https: //africa.businessinsider.com/news/check-out-the-tiny-home-village- Materials
a-millennial-built-where-29-units-priced-as-low-as/v1r874e
• Ancient Practice: Using locally available
materials such as bamboo, stone, and
eating and cooling.
• Low Embodied Carbon: These timber has been standard for thousands of
materials are natural, locally sourced, years. Structures built with these materials
and often do not require extensive were adaptable and in harmony with the
processing, which greatly reduces carbon environment.
emissions associated with transport and • Modern Revival: Sustainable forestry
manufacturing. practices, engineered bamboo, and even
• Waste Reduction: At the end of a innovations like Ferrock (made from
building’s life, earth-based materials are recycled materials) are redefining how we
easily returned to the ground, minimizing use natural and nature-inspired resources.
construction waste. These materials are being chosen for their
renewability and minimal processing
requirements.
3. Green Roofs and Living Walls
Why It Matters: The focus on natural and
Ancient Practice: The Hanging Gardens
of Babylon and sod roofs of Scandinavia local materials is regaining importance as
exemplify how green spaces were integrated people recognize the environmental costs of
into built environments to manage water and transporting materials over long distances.
regulate building temperature.
• Construction and demolition waste
WWW.MSINGIAFRIKAMAGAZINE.COM
30
| we tell the true afrikan story
