Short answer
Incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for evaluating and guiding design decisions to ensure holistic sustainability.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Architecture, Design and Conservation (Aarhus School of Architecture, Design School Kolding, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation (KADK)) (2018)
- Method
- Literature Review and Case Study Analysis
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The built environment is a significant contributor to global sustainability challenges, but architectural design offers powerful solutions to address the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in Architecture, Design and Conservation (Aarhus School of Architecture, Design School Kolding, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation (KADK)). Using Literature review and case study analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for evaluating and guiding design decisions to ensure holistic sustainability.
Architecture as a Catalyst for Achieving Global Sustainability Goals
The built environment is a significant contributor to global sustainability challenges, but architectural design offers powerful solutions to address the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Architecture, Design and Conservation (Aarhus School of Architecture, Design School Kolding, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation (KADK)) · 2018
Key Findings
- 01The built environment is intrinsically linked to all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- 02Architectural interventions can provide tangible solutions for achieving goals related to poverty, health, education, clean water, energy, industry, cities, and climate action.
- 03Specific design strategies and project typologies can be identified to support each goal.
Application
Design takeaway
Incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for evaluating and guiding design decisions to ensure holistic sustainability.
How to apply
When initiating a design project, identify which UN Sustainable Development Goals are most relevant and use them to inform design objectives, material selection, and performance metrics.
Project actions
- 01When defining the scope of your design project, consider how it can contribute to specific UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- 02Research existing architectural projects that have successfully addressed sustainability goals relevant to your design.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive overview of all 17 UN SDGs in relation to architecture.
- +Provides concrete examples of successful projects.
Limitations
The guide's focus is primarily on architecture; other disciplines within the built environment may have different or additional contributions to the SDGs.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of findings depends on the thoroughness of the case study analysis and the accuracy of the UN SDG definitions. Validity is supported by the breadth of the goals covered and the real-world examples provided.
Think critically
To what extent can architectural design alone solve complex global issues, or does it require integrated efforts across multiple sectors?
Design Principles
"Design solutions should strive to address multiple dimensions of sustainability, aligning with global development objectives."
Designers and engineers must recognize the profound impact of the built environment on global sustainability. By integrating the UN's Sustainable Development Goals into design processes, professionals can create solutions that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible and socially equitable.
What This Means for Your Design
Buildings and cities have a big impact on the planet and people's lives. This research shows how architects can design buildings and spaces that help solve global problems like poverty, climate change, and inequality, as outlined by the UN.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this guide when discussing the broader context and potential impact of your design project, particularly in relation to sustainability and global development.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the critical role of the built environment in achieving the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. By analyzing the intersection of architecture and global sustainability targets, it provides a framework for designers to create solutions that address pressing global issues, such as climate action, poverty, and health, thereby demonstrating the potential for design to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.
Source
Architecture, Design and Conservation (Aarhus School of Architecture, Design School Kolding, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation (KADK))
An Architecture Guide to the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals
journal · 2018
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about architecture as a catalyst for achieving global sustainability goals?
- Incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for evaluating and guiding design decisions to ensure holistic sustainability. Evidence: Architecture, Design and Conservation (Aarhus School of Architecture, Design School Kolding, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation (KADK)) (2018).
- Why does "Architecture as a Catalyst for Achieving Global Sustainability Goals" matter for design?
- Designers and engineers must recognize the profound impact of the built environment on global sustainability. By integrating the UN's Sustainable Development Goals into design processes, professionals can create solutions that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible and socially equitable.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for evaluating and guiding design decisions to ensure holistic sustainability.
- What were the main findings?
- The built environment is intrinsically linked to all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.. Architectural interventions can provide tangible solutions for achieving goals related to poverty, health, education, clean water, energy, industry, cities, and climate action.. Specific design strategies and project typologies can be identified to support each goal.
- What research method was used?
- Literature Review and Case Study Analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from Architecture, Design and Conservation (Aarhus School of Architecture, Design School Kolding, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation (KADK)).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When initiating a design project, identify which UN Sustainable Development Goals are most relevant and use them to inform design objectives, material selection, and performance metrics.
- What are the limitations?
- The guide focuses on architectural contributions and may not fully encompass all aspects of the built environment's impact or solutions.