Environmental design begins with people, their behaviour, needs and aspirations. By observing how individuals live, interact and find comfort within their environments, we gain insights that inform our approach. This human-centric perspective ensures that our recommendations not only address functional requirements but also resonate with those who inhabit these spaces.

Our methodology is anchored in understanding the intricate interplay of the 3C’s – Culture, Climate and Context. By examining cultural practices, environmental conditions and the specificities of place, we tailor solutions that are both sustainable and contextually appropriate with minimal negative impact on the environment. This approach helps us offer guidance tailored to the unique rhythms and needs of each setting, making every project distinct and specific to its location.

Central to our practice is the principle of demand minimisation. Before considering technical systems and supply options, we explore strategies that reduce resource consumption and environmental impact. By prioritising passive solutions, we aim to achieve efficiency and sustainability from the outset.

To support this, we employ a ‘high tech for low tech’ design approach via advanced computational modeling tools that simulate environmental factors, enabling data-driven decisions that enhance performance and adaptability. This integration of technology enables our consultancy services to be rooted in simplification and optimised for both present needs and future resilience.

Culture

At the core of our design approach is the belief that ‘Culture’, the first of the 3C’s, is a critical driver that shapes how spaces are used, experienced and remembered. Designing with culture means understanding how people live today, how they aspire to live tomorrow and how their past informs both.

It’s not about replicating traditional forms or resorting to visual clichés, but about engaging deeply with the values, behaviours, rituals and rhythms that inform everyday life. From the balance between public and private realms to communal gatherings and climate-responsive practices, culturally rooted design brings both opportunities and challenges. It demands the humility to unlearn universal assumptions and instead engage with how different communities define, inhabit and experience architecture. Even conventional typologies, such as commercial or educational spaces, should be shaped by the cultural DNA of the communities they are meant to serve.

Climate

Climate is a fundamental driver in our 3C’s approach, shaping both the environmental logic and spatial expression of every project. By example, a building in a dry desert will differ entirely from one in a humid, tropical setting. Therefore, by analysing and understanding local conditions, we extract passive strategies, like natural ventilation, solar protection, thermal mass, or night cooling, that inform orientation, envelope design and the overall experience of space.

Climate can also guide unique design solutions, such as harnessing a sea breeze, protecting from sandstorms, or managing high humidity. Good environmental design should be site-specific and climate responsive.

Context

Having established the objectives of a project, contextualising a project is essential before embarking on design proposals. Understanding and defining the various parameters that will impact the design, which are essentially not in our control, but directly impact both design and operational performance.

Criteria such as location, be it an urban or greenfield site, topography, ambient air quality and noise levels, building type and their expected occupants, must be considered. Furthermore, one must address local market conditions, both in terms of available resources and extent of skilled labour force, available infrastructure, as well as prevailing commercial forces influencing the design solutions, whilst also addressing the need to adapt to future changes, to ensure a resilient and future-proof design can be delivered.
Project Name Client Architect Location
Masai Mara Conservation Centre Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy DCS+Architects Kenya
IBA (Icolo e Bengo) Ministério dos Transportes de Angola Foster + Partners Angola
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Expansion EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Nordic Office of Architecture + PCA-STREAM France
Masai Mara Conservation Centre

Masai Mara Conservation Centre

Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy

DCS+Architects

Kenya

IBA (Icolo e Bengo)

IBA (Icolo e Bengo)

Ministério dos Transportes de Angola

Foster + Partners

Angola

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Expansion

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Expansion

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

Nordic Office of Architecture + PCA-STREAM

France

Perth Airport New Terminal

PAPL (Perth Airport Pty Ltd)

Woods Bagot + Nordic Office of Architecture

Australia

Google Antara

Google

SOMA/SMA

Mexico

Google IPT

Google

Brasil Arquitetura

Brazil

Athens International Airport

Athens International Airport

Nordic Office of Architecture + PCA-STREAM

Greece