21st Century Manifesto

SECOND NATURE AN ARCHITECTURE MANIFESTO ISSUE 01

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CONTENTS BIOMIMICRY / An introduction to Biomimicry / page 5 MATERIALITY / Influencing materiality / page 8 CONSTRUCTION PROCESS / How Biomimicry can aid in construction / page 19 CONCLUSION / What can we learn? / page 23 WORKS CITED / Sources and Photos / page 24

ABPL90117: TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY ARCHITECTURE DAVID GERBER - 774234 COVER PHOTO - RAFAEL ARAUJO

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1. GOLDEN RATIO IN NATURE / 2. SPIRAL STAIRCASE / 3. BIRDS NEST 4. DYNAMIC MATERIALS / 5. GIANT WATER LILY / 6. EASTGATE CENTRE

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rchitecture has always played n integral role in my life since I was young, however, it was more of a “built-form� approach. It was not until recently that I was introduced to Biomimicry, which has sparked my interest about how architects and designers can take tried and tested evolutionary methods, and implement them into their creations. I am passionate about the expression of the beauty of nature, culture, and humans in their natural environment, and architecture is a medium that allows for a form of expression that induces emotions through spaces and interactions.

The building industry is one of the most wasteful industries there is.

Sustainable technology is available,

but at the moment, a lot of it has a big upfront cost for long-term gain.

Unfortunately, we live in a society that is very short-term thinking and neglects their role in ensuring the future generations are looked after as well. Everything is comprised of short-term exchanges and transactions, the built environment included. When I undertook my undergraduate degree, I was exposed to subjects that delved into sustainable development and environmental ethics. I knew from there that that was where my architectural designs would stem from and that would be the driver of ideas, and Biomimicry will continue to play a crucial role.

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Fig 1. Golden Ratio in Nature, Rafael Araujo 4

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BIOMIMICRY

Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies.

The goal is to create products, processes, and policies - new ways of living - that are well-adapted to life on earth over the long haul. ~ www.biomimicry.org

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iomimicry is a method in design that emulates the strategies developed by natural entities, in order to survive and thrive in their given environments. Through the use of biomimicry, we are able to ascertain techniques that have been tried and tested for centuries.

At the same time, it lets us expand our horizons by designing for the future generations, rather than the short-term, here-and-now generations. Nature has learned to survive through adaptation and from reusing resources to further develop, as opposed to the use and discard mantra that humans have succumbed to. The ecosystem thrives off of replenishing itself through its inhabitants to further provide

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growth to everything around it. This is where our focus needs to be and where we need to start the discourse for future design approaches.

humans have learned from nature, especially in regards to shelters.

Our ancestors built shelters and insulation from natural elements that were readily available to them.

Architects and designers have started to show an increasing interest in

Taking this into account, it can be argued that biomimicry is not a new concept, but in fact it is a way of returning to our past. The difference being, we now have the technology to be able to innovate and replicate natural systems on a much larger scale than our ancestors.1

”

A new science that studies nature’s models and then imitates or takes inspiration from these designs and processes to solve human problems.

With the accessibility of fabrication machines, 3D printing, and 3D software tools, architects and designers have a greater possibility to test out prototypes and open up the discourse of biomimicry to a level that architectural design has yet to experience. Architects should re-embrace the concept of experimentation and innovation, and push the boundaries of what is possible.

(Benyus, 1997)

using energy and materials efficiently. So if biomimicry makes so much sense, why is it that we are only seeing it now? Truth is, the notion of biomimicry is not new at all, in fact, it has been around for a very long time. Throughout history,

SOURCES 1. ANN ROGERS, ET AL. “BEIJING OLYMPIC STADIUM 2008 AS BIOMIMICRY OF A BIRD’S NEST.” 2007.

JANE BENYUS. BIOMIMICRY: INSPIRED BY NATURE. 1997.

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MATERIALITY

HOW CAN WE IMPLEMENT BIOMIMICRY INTO MATERIALITY?

As society expanded from villages to cities, there became a disconnect between large infrastructure and what organic materials were capable of. Innovation geared construction towards steel structures, and began the disconnect between us and nature. Prefabrication sought popularity, which ultimately meant materiality was no longer restricted to site.2

timber, and stronger glass allow us to get back to our roots. We have the opportunity to reconnect with, emulate, and imitate, nature.3 The hurdle now is not the abilities of materials, but rather

“managing the economy, efficiency, sustainability, and ecological footprint of the entire process of construction, use, and deconstruction. Hence there is a movement toward re-establishing a mutual relationship with nature.”4

There has now been a shift where human ingenuity has created an environment where materials give much more flexibility in design considerations. The marvels of reinforced concrete, engineered

SOURCES 2. ROGERS, ANN, ET AL. “BEIJING OLYMPIC STADIUM 2008 AS BIOMIMICRY OF A BIRD’S NEST.” 2007.

3. IBID / 4. IBID

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BIOMIMICRY BIRD’S NEST (Nature) Elaborately woven structure for laying eggs and raising young birds.

Insulated with found materials.

SOURCE SMALL BIRDS NEST BY EASTERSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

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ARCHITECTURE BIRD’S NEST (Herzog & de Meuron) Built: 2007 Location: Beijing, China Function: Stadium Sustainable and biometric design inspired from nature’s bird’s nests.

SOURCE DETCONS, BEIJING NATIONAL STADIUM - BEIJING NATIONAL STADIUM. 2014.

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The Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) by Herzog & de Meuron has captured the attention within the architectural community with its innovative design and use of biomimicry.5 The design of the Bird’s

The ETFE panels are much lighter than standard glass, therefore reducing the dead load needed to be supported. They are self-cleaning and durable, which means less maintenance cost and material waste.8

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Lastly, openings in the facade allows natural ventilation throughout the stadium and out through the central opening in the roof.7

There is a hope and likelihood that this building known as the “birds nest” will influence future buildings (especially stadia) to exploit biomimicry to create safer, healthier, economically and environmentally responsible structures.6

Doris Kim Sung, a biology student turned architect, has invested her time researching and innovating thermo bimetals that are reactive to the environment and create a dynamic architecture that responds to and stems from nature.9

Nest is sustainable because of its use of steel. Not only is steel extremely durable, but it is also has the benefit of being recyclable. The facade is in-filled with ETFE panels, which protect the users inside the stadium, providing acoustic insulation, all while allowing sunlight to penetrate into the interior.7 This can

Human skin is a natural organ that regulates the temperature in our body. Doris proposed that building skin should be like our actual skin.

What this means is that the facade would be responsive to nature. The bimetals that Doris has been researching does not require external energy or control, because of its

be directly compared to a real birds nest where a bird would stuff materials between the structural twigs of its nest, in turn, insulating the nest.

SOURCES 5. ROGERS, ANN, ET AL. “BEIJING OLYMPIC STADIUM 2008 AS BIOMIMICRY OF A BIRD’S NEST.” 2007.

6. IBID / 7. IBID / 8. IBID 9. SUNG, DORIS KIM. METAL THAT BREATHES. TED TALK, 2012.

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materiality. These “smart” metals are comprised of two different metals that have different heating coefficients. What this means is that once heated, the one metal expands faster than the other and curl the “skin”.10

Another project learns from how grasshoppers breathe. They have holes in the sides of their bodies (called spiracle), that brings air through their bodies to cool themselves down. This can be translated to architecture where holes in the building will allow natural ventilation. When it is cold, the thermal bi-metals close and restrict air to flow through the building, conversely, when it is hot, the bi-metals curl, allowing ventilation through the floors of the building. Nature can take its course, there will be no need for us to control anything.11

The discovery of this material brings potential for sustainable design as it has the ability to control lighting conditions and ventilation. This in turn means that the amount of air conditioning/heating needed can be drastically reduced.

SOURCES 10. SUNG, DORIS KIM. METAL THAT BREATHES. TED TALK, 2012.

11. IBID

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Through the use of Biomimicry, architects, designers, engineers, and developers, can now move away from the culture of maximizing just one goal (economic), and learn from the benefits of designing and evolving like nature.

An optimized system of a whole.

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BIOMIMICRY GIANT AMAZON WATER LILY (Victoria amazonica) Native to the Brazil, found along the shallow waters of the Amazon River basin. The leaves of the Victoria amazonica are capable of reaching sizes of 2.5m in diameter, and can hold up to 46kg. Their grid-like structure creates a rigid support and also traps air bubbles within them, allowing these huge leaves to float.

SOURCE KEW SCIENCE, VICTORIA AMAZONICA (POEPP.) KLOTZSCH.

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ARCHITECTURE PALAZZETTO DELLO SPORT (designed by Pier Luigi Nervi) Built: 1957 Location: Rome, Italy Function: Indoor Arena Reinforced concrete dome inspired by giant water lilies.

SOURCE PATRICK KUNKEL. SPOTLIGHT: PIER LUIGI NERVI. ARCH DAILY, 2017.

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“There is a clear need for the design and operation of urban infrastructure to be substantially different to address the needs of 21st Century society. Biomimicry offers a transformational approach to meeting the needs of society through emulating natural form, function, process and systems.”12

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM BIOMIMICRY? The Palazzetto dello Sport designed by Pier Luigi Nervi, an acclaimed master of concrete took inspiration from giant water lilies found in the Amazon. Nervi was known for his ability to create designs that were extremely cost-effective. Contrary to popular belief, sustainable design can be cost-effective.13 The discourse around sustainable development and global warming naysayers is that the technology we currently have is not sufficient enough to be plausible, and is too expensive, for little-to-no results.

Nervi’s designs demonstrate that this is not the case, and he proves that architects are able to combine creativity and biomimicry in order to be more efficient with resources and be sustainable both during the construction phase and a functioning, completed building.

Another incredible feat of biomimicry and ingenuity is the Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, created by Mick Pearce.14 The building design was inspired by the success of termites mounds. Pearce managed to create a building that was able to be internally comfortable without the use of air-conditioning, even though it is located in a tropical environment.15 Termites build mounds and farm fungus (their primary food source) inside. The fungus needs to be kept at exactly 30.5C, while the external temperature ranges from 1.6C to 40C during the day.16 The termites have created a system whereby they open and close a series of vents throughout the day, which are located throughSOURCES 12. KENNY JILLIAN, ET AL. “USING BIOMIMICRY TO INFORM URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN THAT ADDRESSES 21ST CENTURY NEEDS. 2012.

13. KARISSA ROSENFIELD, “INTERVIEW: MICHAEL PAWLYN ON BIOMIMICRY.”ARCHDAILY, THE ECONOMIST, 2011.

14. ABIGAIL DOAN. “BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE: GREEN BUILDING IN ZIMBABWE MODELED AFTER TERMITE MOUNDS.” INHABITAT, 2012. / 15. IBID / 16. IBID

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out the mound, and thus, are able to regulate the temperature inside the mound.17 The Eastgate Centre works in a similar fashion. This large concrete structure has a ventilated system that draws in cold or warm air into the building depending on whichever is hotter, either the concrete or the air.18 This convectional system pulls the air into the building’s floors and offices and then exists through chimneys on top of the building. Through this technique, it means that there is constant circulation of fresh air within the building and open spaces, as well as using 10% less energy than conventional buildings.19 As cost tends to be the primary concern in every party associated with the development of buildings, this building is not only sustainable, but is extremely economic. The owners of the building have saved $3.5 million solely on the fact that an air-conditioning system does not have to be used.

This in turn also means that tenants in the building pay 20% lower as well.20

duction; it can be created on a smaller scale as well. One example is the company named bioMason. bioMason is a company that has developed bricks that are grown from bacteria microorganisms and natural materials.21 In a sense, it is high-strength biological cement, similar to that of coral, and does not have negative impacts on the environment. As quoted from bioMason, “global cement production in 2008 amounted to 2.8 billion tons, with equivalent quantities of CO2 released into the atmosphere… 5% of global carbon dioxide emissions are linked to the cement industry.”22

“Critical issues including climate change, population growth and resource scarcity as well as an increasing society expectation for sustainable, resilient, efficient infrastructure systems mean that traditional, centralized systems of the past are no longer the most adequate option.”23

It is also important to note that not all biomimicry is large-scale pro-

SOURCES 17. ABIGAIL DOAN. “BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE: GREEN BUILDING IN ZIMBABWE MODELED AFTER TERMITE MOUNDS.” INHABITAT, 2012. / 18. IBID / 19. IBID / 20. IBID 21. BIOMASON. “TECHNOLOGY.” BUILT WITH NATURE. 2017.

22. IBID 23. KENNY JILLIAN, ET AL. “USING BIOMIMICRY TO INFORM URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN THAT ADDRESSES 21ST CENTURY NEEDS. 2012.

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rchitecture needs to move towards a more biocentric point of view and not only focus on the human aspect of design and space.

Biomimicry is able to reach us lessons on how to implement tactics such as passive cooling/heating in a design, and teaches us the benefits of long-term value rather than the short-term, quick profit, structures that have been churned out in the recent decades.

It is slowly becoming evident that the human race should be more efficient with resources, which inevitably helps economically (a major hurdle when it comes to sustainable development creation).

Architects do, in some cases, tend to forget that there is a difference between “natural” designs and the portrayal of “nature”. A prime example is MAD Architects mountain towers. There is a difference between imitating nature and the mantra of biomimicry, which seeks to integrate nature and architecture together.

Biomimicry is about adaptation, just as our ancestors adapted to their surroundings, we too have the ability to design with technology to bring us back to our roots. Nature has provided us with lessons about how to use the “skin” and “bones” of buildings, it is up to us as designers to use it to our fullest capabilities.

Biomimicry should be second nature to architecture.

Architecture is a way to create a space that conveys emotions, interactions, and comfort, but we as architects need not forget about our important role in the broader ecosystem.

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WORKS CITED

SOURCES: Benyus, Jane. Biomimicry: Inspired by Nature. Biomimicry.net. 1997. 10 December 2006. < http://www.biomimicry.net/ intro.html bioMason. “Technology.” Built with nature, biomason.com/technology/. 2017.

DetCons. Beijing National Stadium - Beijing National Stadium. 2014, estructuras24.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/bei jing-national-stadium.html.

Doan, Abigail. “BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURE: Green Building in Zimbabwe Modeled After Termite Mounds.” Inhabi tat, 29 Nov. 2012, inhabitat.com/building-modelled-on-termites-eastgate-centre-in-zimbabwe/.

Kenny, Jillian, Cheryl Desha, Arun Kumar, and Charlie Hargroves. “Using biomimicry to inform urban infrastructure de sign that addresses 21st century needs.” In 1st International Conference on Urban Sustainability and Resilience: Conference Proceedings. UCL London, 2012.

Rogers, Ann, et al. “Beijing Olympic Stadium 2008 as Biomimicry of a Bird’s Nest.” 2007, webadmin.mcgill.ca/architec ture/files/architecture/BiomimicrySSEFessay2007.pdf.

Rosenfield, Karissa. “Interview: Michael Pawlyn on Biomimicry.”ArchDaily, The Economist, 17 Nov. 2011, www.archdaily. com/185128/interview-michael-pawlyn-on-biomimicry.

Sung, Doris Kim. Doris Kim Sung: Metal that breathes | TED Talk, 2012, www.ted.com/talks/doris_kim_sung_metal_that_ breathes#t-317410.

PHOTOS: Kew Science. “Victoria amazonica (Poepp.) Klotzsch.” Victoria amazonica (Poepp.) Klotzsch | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:605776-1#uses.

Kunkel, Patrick. Spotlight: Pier Luigi Nervi. Arch Daily, 21 June 2017, www.archdaily.com/644580/spotlight-pier-luigi-ner vi-2.

Rojas, Piedad. “This Architect Fuses Art and Science by Hand Illustrating the Golden Ratio.” Translated by Amanda Pi menta, ArchDaily, 2016, www.archdaily.com/802427/this-architect-fuses-art-and-science-by-hand-illustrating-thegolden-ratio.

Small Birds Nest By EASTERSTOCKPHOTOS.COM Stock, royalty free, images from www.pexels.com

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