d+a | Issue 119

/ BEST PRACTICE / 96 THESE TWO DESIGN- CENTRIC FIRMS EACH REVEAL THE TOOL THAT SETS THEM APART TO ENDURE THE PASSAGE OF TIME. SUSTAINABILITY IN COLLABORATION feeding. Even the human residents have been positively surprised to observe a small piece of nature in the city. We supplemented the concept by applying passive design strategies, such as including shading and a double façade. An open-floor layout with many windows offers natural cross ventilation and is another way to reduce energy requirements for the building. We think the technocratic, modern way of life and fast development of cities shifts us away from our original natural and cultural roots. It is obvious that people in cities need green spaces. The designing of small green pockets, even in houses, can improve the current situation.”  Nguyen Duc Trung, Co-Founder, ODDO Architects W e believe that biodiversity in urbanised spaces may improve the physical and spiritual life quality of dwellers. We see a lack of this in rapidly developed cities, especially in developing countries. That is why in all our projects, we attempt to make them sustainable and have a connection between people and nature. We want to see the interaction of live species, such as vegetation and people, against the juxtaposition of lifeless construction materials. A recent example is the C+H House, where we designed several exterior and interior gardens. After a few months, other species such as insects and birds started to use the gardens for nesting or WORDS LOW SHI PING “