Monday, 4 May 2015

Less of Technology more with Nature


Less of Technology more with Nature

Earlier days homes were built taking only the essentials, but they got transformed to comfort zones with the use of ones 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.

Researches 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. Building Biology aims at a vision of purer and healthier future.

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 known 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 multifold, tripling in the last 50 years alone.


Progress is essential. And technology should assist it without demeaning it in any way. It should lead to healthy living creating environmental - friendly living  spaces.




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