This developing concern has led to a slow, but steady, expanding familiarity with alternative materials of construction that are environmentally responsible. I also believe that one must also have an awareness of the historical context within which one designs. There has been a very rich development of the specific uses of building materials. Trees were once considered the homes of dangerous spirits that only in times of great need were to be disturbed. This fear of the forest greatly influenced the amount of wood that was cut on the British Islands and thus limited the material's utilization in building.
Forests are no longer dark places of great mystery in most parts of the world.
They became familiar and eventually resources for generations of builders. Methods of converting raw materials into building materials plays a critical role in the design of a structure. Understanding this prolific, consumptive past provides the base upon which future innovation must stand. Contemporary design should emphasize the use of resource-responsible products to create a stronger, healthier, innovative, cost efficient, and environmentally conscious building. The realization of this lies in effective and appropriate utilization of all of the resources of our planet.