25A – What’s Next?

Existing Market

What’s Next

Through research and thought, I decided the first product I would like to expand through sustainable architecture is working on reducing electricity by opening up areas to the sun. This requires more design understanding. The next step I would like to work with is with different materials to build the setup of the house. Such as in the winter have insulated concrete or use more wood to maintain the internal temperature of the house warm. In warmer locations, work with natural materials (bamboo…) that would keep the house cooler, thus minimizing air conditioning. These materials have to be worked with so they can insulate very well depending on location. Technology is important. Maybe then work with having controls on your phone so you can control the insulated bricks to retain heat or not (for different seasons). Would need to expand on that.

Existing Market Interviews

Cory

Something he believes I could tap into is sustainable landscaping. They can provide natural shade, so for warmer areas I wouldn’t need to implement technology into my insulated walls. I would just have to know where to place the plants so it could be highly effective. Customers would appreciate this because plants help lower dust, carbon dioxide and could even help filter water. These all contribute to their good health for an extremely low price. 

Denise

She likes my idea of using natural sunlight. That is the main goal of sustainable architecture. She says I could tap more into the idea of design and layout first, and then focus on technology. Layout is the foundation of a good sustainable architecture. With that in place, then I should focus on creating controls, to enhance the layout and natural energy I get from layout. 

Isabella

She thinks my idea is very good, but that it could get more specific. She told me I should be working on mechanisms to also reduce electricity to heat up water, without increasing the amount of water used. The customers would appreciate this because it goes hand in hand with sustainable architecture. Why should I be focusing only on reducing electricity from air conditioning and make it more clear that you will also reduce light used. People appreciate this, because it could make their lives easier (turn on/off less lights, need to control air conditioning less, and not use too much money on heating).

Path for the Future

I loved talking to these people, because they opened my eyes to what I should be doing that could simplify my path to reach my goal, and help the environment a lot. 

The first interviewer was the most helpful because he gave me a completely different perspective on what I could be doing. He helped me integrate landscaping architecture into my model. It made me realize that not everything has to be technologically advanced. Sometimes taking a step back and looking at our natural environment (specifically for me in this area I am trying to penetrate), we can still add benefits to the planet and ourselves. 

My second and third interviews helped me realize that layout for my objective is crucial. I always get excited with new technologies, but then again I can take a step back and just realize that the reason many moderns products are not sustainable is because we, humans, always try innovating and including artificial man-made products when the solution could be as simple as planting a tree (shade) or turn the face of the house to where you maximize natural sunlight (versus spending energy on artificial light).

New Market

Radically Different Market

I am targeting wealthier people, corporations and government buildings. I have thought about targeting a poorer part of society, even expanding into underdeveloped countries. I think my idea flows well into it because sustainability should be something everyone should get involved with. Also, it could help your personal budget. If I were to target them I would focus more heavily on layout, because it is not something expensive to purchase, and is easy to integrate. Technology could face some problems to integrate because of difference in availability throughout the world. 

New Market Interview

Cory 

He believes strongly in landscaping architecture not only for design and aesthetic purposes, but also for sustainable and effective purposes. He thinks my idea is good but still needs to be expanded upon more. He says what I am offering is already somewhat in the market, unless my team is extraordinarily talented and could create a different way to decrease energy waste, I should focus on other areas of the house. He still stands by planting smartly because it could help me achieve what I am looking for. 

Denise

She is worried though in how am I going to differentiate myself in the market. People already are doing that. She told me about the idea of passive solar systems. One way I could expand into this market is by creating controls and insulation that measures/controls how much heat is retained (but without the use of electricity of course). That is something I can expand to. For the radically different market, I should put all my energy into creating the perfect layout so they will minimize costs naturally. 

Isabella

She thinks I forgot to focus on heating properties that are not just air conditioning; such as water heating. This could potentially be done by relocating the heating source so it could also receive more natural light. Implement some sort of solar panels for heating water purposes. 

Reflection

I really do want to tap into this market, even more because I come from an under-developed country, and I would love to have an impact on my native country. 

From my interviews, the first set and in this second one, I realized that I should focus heavily on looking around my natural environment and see if it could help my sustainable architecture. This offsets the creation of energy and waste I could potentially create if I only focus on technology and creating a new material. This idea works exceptionally well in my radically different market because I would cut costs by a lot, making it a lot more affordable and accessible to this market. 

There are different techniques to focus on in different markets.