The future is largely unknown. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the present generations to use the available resources in a way that meets their needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Because of its nature, the construction industry is a huge consumer of natural resources, which are limited and irreplaceable.
About 50 % of all materials extracted from the earth’s crust are transformed into construction materials and products and in return constitute some 50 % of all waste generated prior to recycling, reusing, or final disposal. So, it is crucial to stop the depletion of the natural capital of the earth by creating innovative solutions that achieve the objectives of present and future generations.
As the entity that designs buildings and specifies materials, architects have to accept their leadership and social responsibilities in this regard. Because of the importance of using natural resources efficiently, this paper aims to explore the architect’s social responsibility towards building sustainable architecture. This aim will be achieved through accomplishing a number of objectives. Firstly, reviewing the concepts of meeting generations’ needs, sustainability, sustainable architecture, sustainable design, the traditional role of the architect, and the architect’s social responsibility. This objective will be accomplished through a literature review. Finally, summarising learned lessons and recommendations for government authorities, architects, and construction professionals.
In a conclusion, what is expected of architects in the coming century is, wherever they work, they are to understand and digest the nature of the climate, history, and culture, that is to say, obtain inspiration from the essence of place and render contribution to create relevant architecture and city. The images and forms of technology are often deceptive. Although ‘intelligent buildings’ have been anticipated for some twenty years, the prohibitive costs of many of the technologies involved have limited their realization.
The possibilities of technology could transform buildings into automatic, self-regulating systems which could produce a subtly changing and modifying environment at apparently little energy cost. However, sustainable design is more than a technological add-on. The social, political, and economic structures which underlie the making of buildings will have to be reformed to enable designers to use their skills to provide naturally sound environments in the broadest sense.
VIRAJ PADHIYAR – AR-17-050
DHRUMIL SHETH – AR-17-081
Architectural Trends & Theories 
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