How can bioclimatic design foster diversification of low-energy building strategies in the next future? – design for long-term learning process in residential building

Abstract

In recent years, Bioclimatic Design theory recognized users’ adaptive behavior a central aspect to address low-energy and comfort in buildings. Users that once were considered passive receptors of comfort, now are provided with the tools to make themselves comfortable. This paper takes a step forward, recognizing that users can be passive, reactive and creative at the same time. People often adopt complex behavior, construct proper habits or create new ones, considering their own culture and values. In this scenario, Bioclimatic Design should identify new strategies to promote sustainable behavior among final users. In this sense, knowing how inhabitants learn from built environment is the first step in this direction. Designers must adopt people perspective and identify how they relate to the built environment, receive information and act pro-environmentally. Surrounded by architectures that enable learning processes, inhabitants will be able to ethically balance energy sufficiency measures as a trade-off between energy needs reduction, unpredictable events, and individual growth. Conclusions highlight that to continue differentiating energy strategies, architecture and technology should broaden user choices and allow natural development of pro-environmental attitudes based on deep ecological culture and wellbeing.