Defining a sustainable aesthetic: A new paradigm for architecture

This thesis explores the process of defining an aesthetic philosophy of sustainable architecture. An argument is made for the justification of the need for a sustainable architectural aesthetic over the continuation of the current sustainability paradigm. The various factors that influence the development of a sustainable aesthetic are also discussed, including urban growth, varying climate conditions, and the moral and social obligation that sustainability represents. In the end, three principles of a sustainable aesthetic are established: that sustainability represents a practical philosophy, that sustainability serves as the concept generator in the design process, and that sustainable architecture is universally specific to the constraints of its site. Several case studies are also examined in relation to these principles as well as more quantitative evaluation factors.