Why is intuition sometimes unreliable in environmental design decisions?

Intuition can be unreliable in environmental design decisions, particularly because it may overlook counter-intuitive trade-offs. Environmental design often involves complex systems where the relationships between variables may not be immediately apparent. Intuitive thinking might lead a designer to favor a straightforward solution that feels right based on experience or common practices. However, this can result in failing to recognize that a seemingly beneficial choice might have hidden costs or consequences, leading to suboptimal outcomes.

For example, a design choice that is energy-efficient in one context might require more materials and thus, have a larger ecological footprint when considered from a lifecycle perspective. Additionally, intuitive decision-making can neglect the need for robust data analysis, which reveals these trade-offs and helps in making informed choices that truly benefit sustainability. By relying on a deeper analysis rather than intuition, designers can better navigate the complexities of environmental designs and make choices that align with sustainability goals.