Sustainability: a three-dimensional issue
When it comes to designing sustainable buildings, the way we think about space needs to fundamentally change. This means moving beyond conventional metrics like square meters and flat floor plans and thinking more about the full lifecycle of each cubic meter. It requires a different way of thinking, for example, how each unit of space interacts with its surroundings and supports energy efficiency, comfort and durability.
Cultural definitions of space
I’ve worked all over the world and it’s interesting to see how ‘space’ means different things to different cultures. High-end apartments in China might feel like cramped shoe boxes to Europeans, while a spacious UK hotel room could seem modest compared to the expansive layouts preferred in the Middle East. These varied interpretations of space stem from our upbringing, cultural norms and regional expectations.
But with an ever-growing world population and the need for us all to live within planetary boundaries, we need to move beyond cultural conventions and redefine our understanding of space. This means looking beyond comfort and aesthetics to focus on how space interacts with the environment. The goal should be to maximise functionality while minimising waste, both in terms of energy and materials.
From 2D to 3D – we need to design in cubic meters
Architects and designers often start with 2D floor plans, using them as the foundation for visualising a project in three dimensions. But true sustainability requires us to think more deeply about the 3D nature of space, not just how it looks or feels, but how it functions.
When we started the Al Khozema hotel project in the Middle East, our client challenged the team to think about space in terms of cubic meters rather than square meters. This simple shift in perspective raised critical questions for our design team: does this lobby really need a 7-meter ceiling height? What if we reduced it to 4.5 meters; how much energy could we save on heating, cooling, and lighting? By focusing on the volume of space, not just its footprint, the team could design more efficient spaces that were easier to regulate environmentally.
Functionality does not compromise aesthetic, it enhances it
Maximising the functionality of space doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. It means being intentional about every design choice. Harnessing natural resources is key, designing buildings to work with the surrounding landscape, taking advantage of natural light, ventilation and thermal mass. Reducing mechanical interventions reduces reliance on artificial heating, cooling and lighting by optimising building orientation and insulation. We also question every area before adding more space, asking whether it’s necessary and whether existing spaces can be adapted or repurposed. A well-designed hotel lobby with a lower ceiling can still feel grand and inviting with the right materials and lighting. Similarly, a smaller guest room can offer a sense of cosiness without feeling cramped if the layout is carefully planned.
Design spaces that work into the future
Sustainability in design isn’t just about the materials we use or the technologies we implement, it’s about how we think. By embracing a 3D perspective on space, we can create buildings that are not only beautiful and functional but also efficient and resilient. The next time you look at a floor plan, try and think beyond the lines on the page. Imagine the space as a volume that interacts with its environment. Ask yourself how every cubic meter can contribute to not just the feel and aesthetic of a space, but also how that space will work now and into the future.