Ar. Nejeeb Khan, KGD

The requirement and acceptance of sustainable building design is on a fast growth mode. Today, there are a lot many developers who are aware of the same. Architects are under less pressure on convincing clients globally on a macro & micro scale. The belief that it is an expensive model is no more existent. The pre-requisite of sustainable design is to go with the decision in the planning stage. Sustainable buildings are good to look at and are aesthetically appealing. They reflect and respond to the sun, sight and soil. Life cycle cost is much less in comparison with a non-sustainable building. Comforts in these structures are also very high.

Planning starts with a lot of research and data collection, climate requirements, user’s profile, function of the building and aspiration of the client as well. Today, technology helps a lot in designing. Architects use 6D models to understand building reactions to the local environment and usage. The usage of sustainable design is generally enjoyed by the owners or the ones using/leasing it. The idea is not well absorbed where a developer builds and sells it to someone.


Challenges are data availability to resolve the issues, and construction, implementation, and commissioning. We should develop our own system for reference rather than following the global one.

I admire...
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi by Norman Foster. We mostly look at things from a brick & mortar perspective, but this is an entirely different concept. It’s a complete break away from how structures are being designed in the current scenario.

Technology helps a lot in designing sustainable buildings; architects use 6D models to understand building reactions to the local environment and usage

The city’s design uses ancient Arabic architectural techniques along with modern technology to harness the sun rays with one of the largest photovoltaic installations in the Middle East.