The role of culture in contemporary theories of sustainable architecture.

As the world becomes more globalized, modern cities are becoming more and
more indistinguishable. All too often the identity of the modern city turns its
back on the cultural built environment of the past. Sustainable architecture and
design are rapidly addressing many of the key issues around climate change and
energy shortages, but it also has the ability to mediate between the existing
cultural heritage and the future built environment. Ensuring that the
architecture of tomorrow represents the culture embodied in our cities.

Sustainable architecture can contribute to solving these issues as it has the
potential to bridge between the practical and the symbolic elements of the city.
It negotiates the relationships between humans and the physical world both
manmade and natural. The role of culture is established in many theories of
sustainable architecture and is significant in ensuring that place and identity are
taken into consideration. However, the disconnection between existing
knowledge and practice is increasing as sustainability becomes even more
ambiguous and fragmented. Understanding how culture is embedded in many
sustainable architecture theories can play an essential role in the larger
paradigmatic movement of sustainably.