Abstract:

To address the energy crisis, the rational use and the management of generated energy in the urban environment is playing an essential role. This functional framework in which landscape architecture focuses plays a leading role in the shaping and development of historical events, in forming cultural values and perceptions of a society, and in the way that human societies and cultures evolve. Since landscape architecture is involved in a variety of disciplines and is used in a wide range of applications, it becomes a multidimensional science that contributes, among other things, to the sustainable spatial development of urban centers. In this process, measures are taken in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development, such as the redesign of degraded areas, urban planning based on transport networks, the creation of open-air spaces and planted greenhouses for the reduction of energy for air conditioning, requests for reuse of building materials and energy management to reduce environmental footprint.

In this framework it becomes clear that architecture holds as primary goal the creation of structures that combine art and design, in order to create a space serving functional needs and comfort. As a practical application, it is equipped with many adaptation capabilities and takes into account the immediate environment while harmoniously integrating the exterior with the structured environment. For the implementation of these goals, the role of sustainable architecture is essential. The collection and management of energy from naturally renewable sources such as the sun, the wind, and water are taken seriously during the design of sustainable buildings. The purpose of this research is to investigate and record the knowledge and the views of the architects of Rhodes on issues related to the approach of sustainable architecture. The ultimate goal is to highlight the importance of this new philosophy and the benefits of this design for the environment and society.

The methodology followed is empirical quantitative with the questionnaire as the research tool, answered by 116 individuals. The research took place in January and February 2019. The results of the survey data show that the participants support the construction of environmentally friendly buildings regardless the cost, and state that the existence of green spaces, besides aesthetics, contributes furthermore to energy issues. They believe that the building's volume can affect lighting, ventilation, and room temperature, and it is worth using passive design strategies for cooling/heating. The majority of the sample knows what sustainable architecture is and suggests that it can contribute to create a better living environment, to save money on energy, ensure better overall comfort, and agree that new buildings should be built on the principles of sustainable architecture.

Keywords:

Education, energy management, sustainable architecture.