Design Passive, Think Resiliently
2LU/HSW
Currently most cities and metropolitan regions are designed & planned following practices and policies which do not give everyone access to living conditions that are fair, accessible, affordable and clean. These policies result in creating Environmental Sacrifice Zones with debilitating consequences for vulnerable communities. As you layer geographical information system mapping with climate data, clear trends emerge showing these sacrifice zones populated by low income communities in ‘affordable housing.’ The labeling of ‘Affordable Buildings” creates its own biases where the outcome of the design process is not equitable or just. In this session, NYC based Designer/Activist Satpal Kaur will share her journey in designing super energy efficient designs by working with Developers and agencies to change the climate narrative and challenge norms.
- Understand the concept of Climate justice as applied to design strategies for affordable housing and “vulnerable disadvantaged” communities
- Articulate the power dynamics inherent in the exercise of design: between experts and non-experts, between owners and end-users, and between organizations and practitioners of color, etc.
- Recognize disruptive strategies that empower design teams to center the climate crisis and energy burden.
- Become familiar with examples of how public and private organizations in New York City have approached issues of social justice and design in affordable housing
Satpal Kaur, founder of
Satpalkaaur.com. A design activist firm that believes Architecture is a tool for Equity, Change & Activism championing Healthy space. Recipient of 40 Under 40 Award by Building Design+Construction. Branded as a High Performance Building Activist and thought leader because of her passion to implement cutting edge technologies that merges Building Science and environmental justice in architecture. Designed the first Multifamily Passive Houses in NYC and championed different envelope typologies from landmarked SSUS Ship Conservatory to Window-AC unit prototypes. A believer of holistically integrating clients to actively become part of the sustainable revolution pursuing a comfortable and just environment. She is a sought after Public Speaker.
