“We shape our environment, thereafter, they shape us.”
Respect for place is about recognizing and honouring the sanctity of a place and exploring sustainable patterns of living there. This includes following passive solar design principles and harnessing solar and wind energy. It is about protecting the existing biodiversity, and “that which is not yet visible.” (McLennan, 2004) It is about preserving our cultural heritage, both the craftsmanship of the past, and the environment. It is about reusing the structure that is already in place, and not building beyond city limits, and building for the long game.
“When we neglect to bring forth that which is unique and beautiful in our surroundings, we degrade ourselves and diminish our potential to communicate that which is unique and beautiful in our culture.”
Respect for place is about designing with the question in mind of what can be done to improve this place? How can it improve the vitality of the community and restore what is already there? It is important to protect the connection with the natural world because without it, we lose empathy for the plight of environmentalism.
I aim to abide by this principle by facilitating the connection to the natural world trough barrier-free access to biophilia, without encroaching on the life that already exists. I aim to endeavour the challenge of heritage restoration, and simply maintaining and honouring what is already there, adapting without misusing.