Earlier days homes were built taking only the essentials, but they
got transformed to comfort zones with the use of one’s skill. The needs were comparatively few and they
were copiously met with equal abundance by the available resources. As the
times were tough, coming up to a good position needed hard work.
The struggles are constantly fought and crossed over, taught them
gentleness, patience in all efforts and aim to achieve substance and value in
the long run.
The scenario is entirely of a different nature nowadays. We are
boasting of high rise buildings and taking pride in ourselves for bringing the
latest technology at our doorsteps. But
in spite of achieving cozy comforts and countless conveniences, people are desperately
groping for peace and genuine happiness, finally seeking relief from stress
which is the result of technology - dependent, aggressive, and competitive
lifestyles.
Technology is outgrowing the initial efforts. Mankind is
witnessing it snowballing out of control. Each one has realized that to live
longer, healthier, and happier, the Earth has to be saved first and then one
can build with it. Buildings too could cause sickness and discomfort for those
dwelling within them.
In modern housing we are coming across numerous afflictions like
Sick Building Syndrome, Building Related illness and environmental illness.
Yearly, the list of potential indoor pollutants and the effects of low-level
electromagnetic radiation are growing larger.
The ambient air available for our breathing bears ample proof to
the extent of pollution that has crept in to the atmosphere. The surroundings
of a big city or the nearby areas of an industrial locality prove how bad the
situation is when compared with fresh, and unpolluted air of a rural setting.
Literally our lungs relishes and longs for such a pristine and pure atmosphere.
Researchers have found out that the inside air is worse than the
air outside because airtight buildings are mostly insufficiently ventilated.
The mould growth which stems from moisture damage is extremely bad for indoor
air quality. It could cause and aggravate headaches, asthma, allergies, hormone
disorders and at extreme situations even cancer. Though the able bodied could to some extent
withstand it, the symptoms could be much more pronounced in small children,
sick people and the elderly. The modern well-sealed buildings are said to have
an air exchange of only once every five hours or longer. The problem with stale
air has increased manifold by the thousands of chemicals from building
materials that let off gas inside. Building science emphatically says that the
human body requires between one and two air changes per hour to maintain
vitality, regenerate body cells and eliminate environmental toxins.
Electricity has become an indispensable ingredient for the modern
generation. Electrical energy has found place for newer exciting and essential
uses in modern buildings. The incandescent bulb having now gradually getting
replaced by compact fluorescent bulbs and many more accessories have become a
part of modern day life.
We find our lives have been enveloped in air-conditioning,
electric heating systems, satellite communication systems, sophisticated
electronic devices, Computers, weapon systems and cell phone technology. The
energies emanating from these sources are today superimposed upon our subtle
body energies. The result of this development indicates an apparent increase in
certain illnesses that have been unknown or less known before the advent of
electrical age. Research into the long-term effects of an exposure to
electro-magnetic-radiation point to growth of cancer and to the destruction of
living cells.
But what is done cannot be undone and what has been commenced
cannot be retracted. We simply cannot
move life outdoors, switching off all gadgetries. Science has recognized and
anticipated the hazards of development and new branches seek to promote new
codes.
Germans had coined the term Bau-biologie to describe a movement
promoting the use of healthy building principles to improve living, workspaces
and the health of people who occupy them.
Bau- biologie literally means “building biology.” It studies how buildings impact life and the
living environment. It is all-inclusive and holistic involving ecology,
culture, sensitivity to nature, health, and organic approach. Properly designed and executed breathing wall
systems yield lasting benefits.
Utilising the vast knowledge that has been amassed over the past
four decades, the application of Building Biology principles identifies means
to eliminate or to a maximum extent alleviate obstacles in the effort to create
healthy living and working space. These facts are applicable both for new
construction, redesign, renovation of existing buildings.
It encourages planning of residential centers interlaced with
green spaces away from industrial sites, harmony with nature and finally
orientation. It lays emphasis on the use of solar energy, natural ventilation
and lighting. Some of the other aspects
of this science are its insistence on natural building materials, interiors and
furniture based on physiological findings.
Since we cannot overnight reject or abandon our settled life
located in airtight, electro magnetic resonance infested buildings, at least a
small starting or beginnings could be attempted. Increased awareness is one of the first major
tools for generating effective ecological practices for future
generations. Products with strong
fragrances used for cleaning or personal care products must be avoided.
Carpets, Plastic building materials, paints and glues are hazardous. Minimizing
electrical gadgetry, and plenty of natural ventilation are welcome
aspects. Preventive action eliminates
effects of toxic substances on health.
Some of the communities in US do not have computers, do not have
the electricity to run computers, and they do not want the electricity to run
computers. They are aware of the negative effects of technology working against
the faith and family life and follow only those technologies that maintain an
acceptable quality of life. They all collectively knew as the Amish. They are ultra - conservative branch of
Mennonite Church formed around 1693. They maintain an 18th century lifestyle in
a 21st century world. They are not against progress, but accept new
technologies that have passed a rigorous examination. A modern, efficient
airtight stove is acceptance of new technology, but the latest car is not. The
Amish have withstood and prospered as a distinct sect of people for over 300
years. Their numbers have grown multi fold, tripling in the last 50 years alone.
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