| Abstract [eng] |
Industrial revolution, which started at the end of the 18 th century, brought great global changes as manual work was replaced with automated mechanical work. Unfortunately, even though this revolution resulted in significant growth of economy and a number of new discoveries, it triggered a negative effect as well, i.e. global warming. A significant increase in carbon dioxide emissions on our planet deplete the ozone layer and have already led to irreparable consequences for our climate and planet. And even though, according to scientists, it is no longer possible to repair the damage caused, the present generation of mankind is the last one that can stop further degradation of the planet. One of the most important roles in solving the problems of global warming is played by architecture as the production and processing of materials, construction and maintenance of buildings and facilities requires an enormous amount of energy from solid fuel, which is one of the main sources of CO 2 . However, the negative impact of architecture on the environment does not end with construction and maintenance of buildings as the majority of buildings are designed without considering their fate after the estimated period or if functional needs have changed. In order to prevent the negative impact of architecture on the environment, it is necessary to change the priority treatment and architectural design principles. Thus, this Master’s thesis aims at investigating the existing trends of ecological or energy-efficient buildings in Lithuania and the world and forming a conceptual model of the design of multifunctional eco-buildings that would help to ensure that the designed building is in harmony with the natural, urban and social framework. Based on the analysis of the collected literature and sources, the most ecological or, in the case of Lithuania, energy-efficient multifunctional buildings were investigated, including the analysis of legislation defining the development trends of ecological architecture, sustainable technologies and materials used in ecological buildings, design solutions and renewable energy production techniques. A sociological survey of the users of ecological or energy-efficient buildings was employed to evaluate the investigated buildings in Vilnius from the perspective of their users, and a survey of the design experts of ecological or energy-efficient buildings was used to collect information on ecological building design principles and solutions. Visual assessment of the environment was selected to determine the visual aspects of multifunctional buildings with regard to the formation of a comfortable visual environment, whereas spot investigation indicated ecological properties of these buildings. Finally, an experimental project (Multifunctional business centre in Vilnius, Konstitucijos ave. 19B) was prepared, where the solutions of conceptual model were adapted. The prepared experimental project ensures the validity of estimated investment into the project implementation as well as return on investment during maintenance of the building. The designed business centre compensates for the occupied natural framework area of low ecological value by creating public and private green spaces of new quality in both land plot and building terraces. The users of these ecological buildings would be provided with natural light, fresh air, acoustically comfortable environments and microclimate control. Smart house technology would allow optimising and reducing energy consumption, and solar panels, geothermal heating and collected and filtered rainwater would provide the building with renewable energy. Life cycle design principles would allow the adaptation of these buildings to the changing future needs, and a unique architectural form would not only perfectly fill the gap of street construction in the northern part of the Konstitucijos avenue and create a comfortable visual environment, but also would not block the natural lighting to adjacent buildings and the residential block located on the northern side, thus reducing the amount of energy consumed in other buildings. Conceptual model statements of multifunctional ecological building were implemented in the experimental project, also, a simplified substantial model of eco-architecture was formed, specifying the criteria applied to all ecological buildings, regardless of their purpose, size or location, and a definition of ecological architecture was formulated. The defined criteria of ecological architecture and the models formed will be of use for the development of sustainable architecture in Lithuania and formation of the approach and perception of current and future specialists towards the significance of architectural solutions and responsibility on a global scale. |
