One of the main challenges faced by Modernisme architects in terms of environmental sustainability was the extensive use of materials such as iron and glass, which had a significant carbon footprint. These materials required massive amounts of energy to manufacture and transport, resulting in high levels of pollution.
Additionally, the large-scale construction projects associated with Modernisme required substantial amounts of resources, including wood, stone, and water. The extraction of these resources often had detrimental effects on the environment, such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and depletion of water sources.
Furthermore, the ornate and intricate designs of Modernisme architecture often used excessive amounts of energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. Poor insulation techniques and the extensive use of glass in buildings led to significant heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, necessitating high energy consumption for maintaining comfortable indoor climates.
Moreover, the urban planning associated with Modernisme architecture often led to the destruction of green spaces and natural habitats. City expansion and the construction of large buildings resulted in the loss of biodiversity and disrupted ecological balance in urban areas.
Overall, the challenges faced by Modernisme architects in terms of environmental sustainability were primarily related to the extensive use of energy-intensive materials, the depletion of natural resources, excessive energy consumption for maintaining indoor climates, and the destruction of green spaces.
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