Author(s)

T. Spiegelhalter

Abstract

Buildings, infrastructure, and the landscape in which they are situated are inextricably linked. Energy, materials, water and land are all consumed in the development and operation of buildings and infrastructures on Catalina Island, while the built environment itself affects the live/work conditions, health, ecology and the economy on Catalina Island in Southern California. This research paper presents excerpts of the ongoing 194.19 km2 large infrastructure assessment, and sustainable near-term action plan for the Island of Catalina. It evaluates the typologies of infrastructures and buildings on Catalina Island, and proposes the implementation of energy efficiency retrofitting, off-grid scenarios, and sustainability design strategies for two selected large-scale climate sensitive projects. These two design examples are presented as models for future development that could more serve as a concrete signal of an incentive for successfully protected and enhanced natural environments through ecologically designed buildings for the Santa Catalina Island community. These projects incorporate elements that emphasize the re-emerging role of the landscape as infrastructure and as the basis for passive design strategies that support resource efficient alignment of new buildings on the island. Keywords: sustainability, energy-efficiency retrofitting, zero-fossil-energy development, infrastructure, solar buildings.

Keywords

sustainability, energy-efficiency retrofitting, zero-fossil-energy development, infrastructure, solar buildings