Green architecture within an urban context : educating the public about a more sustainable built environment

How can green architecture be implemented into an urban context in a way that educates the surrounding community about the importance of creating a more sustainable built environment? Unfortunately, the majority of successful and efficient "green" buildings do not exist within the context of a highly populated urban setting. These types of buildings are more commonly found in rural areas where natural energy forces are more favorable and where fewer people have the opportunity to interact with them. The success of these buildings is admirable because of their contribution toward creating a more sustainable built environment; however, in order for people to understand the benefits of ecological design and ultimately integrate these values into their own lives, they must be given the opportunity to experience green buildings more frequently.This project explores how green architecture can be implemented into an urban context in a way that teaches the public about a more sustainable built environment. It is important that ecological design solutions become evident in urban settings so people can understand their benefits through daily interaction. The project is a United States Postal Service station, located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, which will respond to environmental issues influenced by the context of the site. The post office building provides the best opportunities to carry out the thesis ideas because of the connections a post office has with the community it serves. The project is based on the conventional program of a postal service station and responds specifically to physical, social, and environmental influences of and around the site. The overall building design will display green design strategies in a way that promotes a sustainable environment within an urban context, focusing on the implementation of double-skin facade technologies.College of Architecture and PlanningAdded title: United States Postal Service Station, downtown Indianapolis, IN.Thesis (B. Arch.