Mont Cenis - Preserving & Giving Back to the Environment

Architecture can be a benefit to the environment.

Rather than being a destructive adversary, architecture could be designed with nature in mind. By creating programs and developing systems for "brownfield sites," architecture could assist in the recovery of "unwanted" (undesirable) spaces. Architecture can aid in the recovery and be the catalyst of positive change to its surroundings.

In order to create (build), architecture typically has a negative impact on its surrounding environment. In addition to being destructive by the building process, the function of the buildings may also play a role in the overall negative impact of the surrounding site. When these buildings/sites are eventually abandoned, the site is left - creating an area that consequentially has an impact on the area (nature) surrounding it. By creating programs that could utilize these spaces, a positive change can be made. Implementing sustainable methods of construction, considering the impact of new construction on the site and creating ways to benefit the surrounding areas (whether it be a natural landscape or urban space). Rather than continuing the process of destruction, architecture could be "retro-fitted" to utilize brownfield spaces. In addition to the reclamation, consciously programmatic systems could be implemented in order to provide benefits to these areas. As a result, the architecture itself would be "giving back to the environment."