Concepts in a science city
Green building, or sustainable design, is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water, and materials and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment over the entire life cycle of the building. Use of green building concepts in architecture is the need of the hour.
Patna is situated at 25°11’ N and 85° 32’ E. Minimum Temperature of Patna is 22° C (Summer), 9° C (Winter) and Maximum Temperature is 38° C (Summer), 32° C (Winter). Patna receives average to heavy rainfall during the monsoon (June to August). There is a proposal to build Patna a smart city. Major technological, economic and environmental changes have generated interest in smart cities, including climate change and economic restructuring. Thus green architecture may also play an important role in the development of a smart city.
There is a proposed Science City in Patna in an area of 16.5 acres. The proposed Science City would aim at creating a sustainable, entertaining learning place where youth can encounter science and technology in action. The development could provide opportunities for youth to participate in science through exploration and creative experimentation.
During the survey of Science City, Kolkata and National Science Center, Delhi, it was felt that there is a need to incorporate the concept of green architecture in science museums and science cities as well in order to give a positive message of sustainability to the society. Further, in order to meet the criteria of LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), it is proposed that the science city at Patna and elsewhere should incorporate the following environmentally-friendly features:
Harvest rainwater
Recycle water and the recycled water can be used in the HVAC plant
Produce at least 50 per cent less wastewater than conventional buildings
Install water-efficient fixtures to save water
Install energy-efficient fixtures to save energy
The toilet areas are placed with occupancy sensors. i.e lights would switch off at the time of no occupancy (Intelligent building concept).
Use photovoltaic cells
Beyond halogen and incandescent light options, museums use LEDs, CFLs, fibre optics, hybrid solar lighting and natural light.
Support a green roof
Use natural lighting in 90 per cent of occupied spaces
Construction should include recycled steel and locally available waste materials (construction debris)
Wall insulation be made from scraps of recycled denim
Create outdoor green spaces through landscaping
The artefacts in the museum are conserved by Recycling- by using
Reusable materials (rags, sponges, brushes)
Less paper (digital archives)
Saving scrap (for later use)
It is proposed that there be a guided tour of the eco-friendly science city campus for the youth to help them orient towards environmental sustainability.