-By Joseph Andriola, AIA

The ubiquitous topic of sustainable design still mainly revolves around structures, such as LEED-certified buildings that increase energy-efficient operations in the long term. These discussions are vital. However, approaching each structure individually and focusing on a certification system that primarily pertains to one country is only part of a global solution.

At SB Architects, we have pushed ourselves to contemplate sustainability on a macro level. We have been challenged to devise ways to create sustainable resorts in locations where sustainability is defined not only by the efficient use of resources, but also by the project's relationship to the surrounding community, culture, economy, and natural setting.

We find that the concept of destination stewardship works. While giving the approach a name might not seem monumental, it really is. This simple but critical gesture gives the entire team a consistent filter through which to view each design and development decision from the outset. Destination stewardship involves three key concepts: macro-thinking, interconnectivity, and relevance. Approaching sustainability on a macro level establishes the framework for every decision throughout the life of the project because sustainability becomes a core value. Whether included at the brand identity level, becoming part of the developer or operator's DNA (Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and Ritz-Carlton's new Reserve brand are excellent examples), or on a geographic level in which mixed-use developments incorporate sustainability (Mayakoba on the Mexican Riviera, Snowmass in Colorado, and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, are good examples), the commitment is global and long-term.

The second concept of interconnectivity refers to how dedication to sustainability incorporates the human element in a broader commitment to preserving community, celebrating culture, and promoting economic advantage and stability. This type of thinking is modeled by smaller, boutique resorts and larger developments alike through community investment, local education and employment, or joint environmental projects. It's not macro-development, it's macro-thinking.

The third key concept, authenticity and relevance, means building environments that are worth keeping. Well-built projects don't need to be replaced, design that strikes a cord in terms of cultural and contextual relevance will be maintained, and architecture that respects and responds directly to the site will be more authentic and sustainable. This does not dictate design solutions that are imitative—modern design can respond to the site and reference indigenous architecture every bit as much as a traditional vocabulary can. However, viewing the site as a project's primary amenity naturally dictates that it tread as lightly as possible on the land, and viewing a new development as an integral part of a larger continuum will help keep it relevant in the long term.

In designing Calistoga Ranch in the California wine country we set every structure upon pier foundations to preserve stream courses, built each around existing trees and rock outcroppings, and connected them by raised walkways. This modern architecture project is not LEED-certified, but visitors can tell at a glance that it was designed to respect and protect the site. Similarly, Dorado Beach (which will be LEED-certified) is designed in a modern vocabulary but looks to indigenous architecture for its core inspiration, thus becoming contextually relevant and lasting. It also incorporates as part of its core identity the legacy for environmental stewardship established by Dorado's original developer, Laurence Rockefeller.

There is an inherent tension in the design of hotels and destination resorts. Travel is, by definition, consumptive, and people have an impact. However, travel is also about exploration, connection, and expanding the world view of the traveler, which goes a long way toward explaining the increasing desire for authentic experiences, sustainable resorts, and responsible development. Therefore, our challenge not only is to minimize the footprint of each project we design, but also to think bigger—to approach each project as stewards and invite the owners and guests of our properties to do the same.

Joseph A. Andriola, AIA, vice president and principal of SB Architects, is based in the firm's Miami office, where he guides the design process for some of the firm's largest and most significant resort and mixed-use projects, both in the United States and throughout the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.