Ergonomics as the Common Denominator and Vital Condition to Achieve Sustainability of Buildings of Different Types on Example of Two Built Projects

Abstract

The author searches for universal aspects in design of buildings of different types to show how ergonomics becomes not only common denominator but also indispensable condition for sustainability of a building independent of its type. Ergonomics starts from human needs, to assure best working and living conditions in terms of health, comfort and efficiency. Buildings are designed for humans, and without this important human measure may become unfriendly or even harmful. Sustainability is overall human approach to protect our own kind at present with consequences for future. From the point of view of the architect it means to make our built environment not only best quality for ourselves, but harmonized with natural as well. To achieve this, our human measure has to be applied properly at the stage of design of our built environment. This reference plane remains constant independent of the type of human activities which architecture is designed to shelter. In the article the author as the practicing architect shows general or repetitive aspects in ergonomic design as universal conditions of sustainability, taking as the examples housing estate and 3D printing factory, recently completed (2016–2017).