Harmony in Design: The Future of Environmental Design

Harmony in Design: The Future of Environmental Design

In an era marked by heightened environmental consciousness, the significance of environmental design has emerged pushing businesses to invest more in sustainability initiatives. In its simplest form environmental design is a comprehensive approach that ai/ms to maximise harmony with the natural world while minimising the ecological footprint of human activity.

What is Environmental Design

Environmental design is a new approach in planning consumer products and industrial processes that are ecologically intelligent, sustainable, and healthy for both humans and our environment . This interdisciplinary field examines how man-made systems, landscapes, and structures affect a specific area’s sustainability and ecological balance. 

Benefits of Environment Design 

  1. Lean towards sustainability 
    Sustainable design practices such as energy-efficient buildings, water-saving technologies, and waste reduction strategies minimise environmental pollution. In the business aspect this can enhance a brand’s reputation and foster trust among consumers.
  2. Improving health and wellbeing of building occupants 
    A healthy environment creates healthy people. Individuals residing in eco-friendly buildings often enjoy a multitude of health benefits attributed to enhanced air and water quality. Moreover, the prevalence of natural light, biophilic design elements, and toxin-free environments further contribute to a healthier and more conducive living or working environment

Career in Environmental Design 

As the world increasingly prioritises sustainability, the significance of careers in this field becomes more prominent. Environmental designers strive to create solutions that improve a space’s overall environmental quality, aesthetics, and functionality while limiting its negative impact on ecosystems. This field presents abundant career opportunities spanning from small-scale enterprises to large corporations. Several career opportunities include:

  • Sustainable Product Designer
  • Sustainable Transportation Planner
  • Green Building Consultant
  • Urban planner 
  • Environmental Graphic Designer
  • Industrial Ecologist

Telkom University Environmental Design

Telkom University’s Green Campus initiative exemplifies its dedication to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly campus environment that fosters learning, innovation, and responsible citizenship. The green lounge is  designed to optimise natural lighting and ventilation and utilise green roofs for thermal insulation. 

The university prioritises the creation and preservation of green spaces, including gardens, parks, and landscaped areas. In addition to improving the campus’s aesthetic appeal, these green areas offer opportunities for relaxation, fun, and biodiversity preservation. Constructing a prayer space above water not only promotes environmental sustainability but also fosters a profound connection with nature. By integrating architectural elements that harmonize with the surrounding environment, we can create a sanctuary that not only serves its spiritual purpose but also respects and enhances the delicate ecosystem it inhabits.

Telkom University goes Green 

Aside from environmental design which focuses on the architecture design of landscape and layout. Telkom University also implements green measures that support environment design. 

Public transportation (TUC-TUC)

To mitigate carbon emissions and alleviate traffic congestion on campus, a convenient solution has been implemented: a mini-bus service that shuttles a maximum of 12 passengers around key destinations. This service efficiently navigates the campus, stopping at pivotal locations such as the open library, TULT building, GKU building, and more.

The Environmental Design building at Telkom University had a red bus parked in front of it.

Beam Electric Bikes 

The Beam e-bike represents a paradigm shift in urban mobility, offering a clean and efficient alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Beam bikes can be found at most faculty buildings in order to encourage students, lecturers and guests to use  a greener transportation option.

Beam electric bike

Writer: Amelia Putri Qatarina