Energy: patterns, planning and architecture

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While George originally meant his address to be a rather specialized discussion of one facet of modern life (the relationship of architectural design—particularly urban planning—to energy consumption), it is interesting to note how often his thoughts spill over into other fields and have a far wider application. That's the way it is with the environment, though . . . you can't touch a spider without shaking its whole web. Professor George Ramsey knows that, and I wish a bunch of other professors did too.

And by the way: Professor Ramsey has another very endearing quality for a man of his stature. He likes to be called George. I think we're going to get along just fine . . . and we'll be showing you those Research Center models once they're completed.

The use of energy has long been associated with prosperity, economic development and quality of life. It has provided fuel for our transportation and the heating and cooling we use in our homes. It has been the driving force behind our construction, land development, industry and business.

Energy is also intimately linked with our current concepts of freedom of movement, expansion, consumption and growth. Its reduced availability, accompanied by diminishing national resources, threatens our entire life pattern and ultimately will change all current thought in schools of planning and architecture. Ultimately, the reduced availability of energy will change society itself.

This process, in fact, is already well underway and is evidenced at every level . . . from a two-year staff study of "The Potential of Energy Conservation" by the President's Office of Emergency Preparedness . . . through nationally reduced speed limits . . . to lowered thermostat settings in our homes. Americans are, voluntarily or involuntarily, changing their lifestyles and the process will be continuous from this point forward in time. The graphs that accompany this article indicate the seriousness of our condition and the necessity for change.

These graphs illustrate two critical points: [1] the supply of fuel, resources and energy will never again meet demand and [2] we should note that most of the national and urban complexes in this country have been built during an era of assumed unlimited energy.

U.S. VS. EUROPEAN CITIES

The major metropolitan centers of Europe—Rome, Paris, London, Moscow, etc.—were well established prior to 1860 and were essentially designed about pedestrian movement within the city and horse-drawn agrarian supply from the surrounding environment. This was particularly true of small communities . . . but even the larger cities of Europe have traditionally consisted primarily of three- and four-story walkups and have been extremely compact. The inhabitants have usually lived over their shops or within a 15-minute walk of their places of employment.

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