**2. Sustainable design**

Sustainable design is a concept whereby edifices and built environments are constructed and maintained following principles of economic, social, and environmental sustainability [3]. Sustainable design, thus, is a design principle intended to overcome the global environmental crises caused by rapid economic and population growth, as well as environmental degradation [4]. Sustainable design seeks to mitigate negative environmental and health effects, maximize comfort, and increase performance. This concept considers all aspects of design, including planning, execution, material selection, and application (usage).

The principles of sustainable design can be applied at the:


*Understanding Local Architectural Forms as a Sustainable Design Transformation DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109560*

This principle is applied in the fields of architecture, landscaping, urban planning, engineering, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, and fashion design. Sustainable design also follows the three Ps (People, Profit, and Planet) and applies them in its planning, design, and application.

#### **2.1 People**

Any planned construction should benefit employees, laborers, and society. Employees and laborers should receive fair wages and be provided with a humane working system, empowerment, and new skills.

### **2.2 Planet**

Businesses should attempt to maintain harmony with nature and minimize the negative environmental consequences of their activities. They seek to prevent potential disasters such as floods, forest fires, and climate change. For instance, they attempt to reduce the use of imported materials and minimize their carbon footprint or replace plastic with paper or glass.

#### **2.3 Profit**

Sustainable development is also designed to realize a financial profit, following the previous two Ps (people and planet). In other words, sustainable development does not merely prioritize profit; it also considers the potential effects of development on human beings and the environment.

Sustainable development also considers aspects such as:

#### **2.4 Low-impact material**

Low-impact material refers to the usage of nontoxic materials that are produced in an environmentally friendly fashion. Low-impact materials may include recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood.

#### **2.5 Energy efficiency**

Energy efficiency refers to the use of products that require minimal energy. All equipment and systems should be designed to optimize their energy efficiency. For example, the installation of LED lights or skylights can minimize the amount of energy used for lighting.

#### **2.6 Quality and durability**

The quality and durability of products influence the amount of time before they must be repaired or replaced. Greater quality and durability positively affect end users.

#### **2.7 Reuse and recycle**

Recycling is a waste management strategy whereby materials are reused and repurposed. It is an integral part of modern waste management, being the third of the four Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Replace).
