Mutualism: Ecosystem Dynamics and Architectural Theory

Part One J.U. Biodiversity Research and Discovery Cent Part One: Mutualism: Ecosystem Dynamics and Architectural Theory Part Two: Fox River Vally Biodiversity Research and Discovery Center Loren Johnson, M.Arch.

Judson University

FGM ARCHITECTS SEEKING THE QUESTION

THEORY DEVELOPMENT

DESIGN TESTING

PRACTICE

1 YEAR

9 MONTHS

9 MONTHS

1 YEAR

ARCC King Medal for Research Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence AIA Henry Adams Certificate

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GRADUATE THESIS: PROCESS

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how would a post-carbon architecture look/function?

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what does post-carbon architecture look like? how should architecture keep from polluting? how can we fix the problems we’ve created? how can architecture celebrate life? how can architecture sustain biodiversity? how can architecture keep occupants healthy? how can architecture relate more to its place? what is the nature of relationship between architecture and life?

loren johnson_thesis presentation_08.02.14

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loren johnson_thesis presentation_08.02.14

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loren johnson_thesis presentation_08.02.14

loren johnson_thesis presentation_08.02.14

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“all creativity involves the making of fictions, “hybrid and ambiguous thought structures used to attain a purpose indirectly” _Hans Vailhinger “The Philosophy of As-If”

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manufactured materials

hand-picked materials primarily outdoor habitation

personal interaction with nature

“externalized” interaction with nature

“profession-based” society

hunter-gatherer society

Ecology <1492-1789 AD

primarily indoor habitation

Humanity

Ecology

Externality Humanity 1800-2013 AD

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SPECIES INTERACTION THEORY

Species X

Species Y

Interaction Type

ARCHITECTURAL SURROGATE THEORY*

Species X

Species Y

Interaction Type *In seeking to understand the interaction between our architecture and ecology, we can place architecture in surrogacy of the human species and translate the traditional interaction types. loren johnson_thesis presentation_08.02.14

ORGANIZATION SCALES Bullit Center, Seattle Miller Hull Architects Great Blue Heron

material component assembly

A

alpha

A

organism species population

building

B

beta

B

community

street neighborhood city/town

Y

gam-

Y

ecosystem biome biosphere

loren johnson_thesis presentation_08.02.14

Traditional Theory

cattle

Arch. Surrogate Theory

ozark forest

cattle egret

Species X

Species Y

Interaction Type

building

System/Species X

Species Y

Interaction Type

XY 0+ Commensalism net positive

receives: neutral

receives: food source

receives: neutral

thorncrown chapel e. fay jones

receives: material source

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Arch. Surrogate Theory

Traditional Theory

anemone

vegetation

clownfish

Species X

System/Species X

Species Y

Interaction Type

building Species Y

Interaction Type

XY ++ Mutualism gross positive

receives: security parasite removal

receives: security food source

receives: habitat

sieeb, mario cucinella architects

receives: clean air

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Mutualism - Metabiosis Precedents

Bird City Eveline Visser

A

B

A

Brick Biotope Fabrikaat

B

A

B

A

Hotel for Bees AtelierD

B

A

B

A

Dr. Carol Williams

B

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FINAL DESIGN PROJECT: PRODUCT

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Y

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Y

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Y

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B

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B

B

june 21 set

set dec 21

set

rise

Optimal Orientation Analysis

Summer Prevailing Winds

Wind Canyon Effect

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Organizational Site Transect

Anthropologic Organized Rational Disjointed Humandominated

Ecologic Disorganized Irrational Cohesive Naturedominated

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Observation: Fallen trees and debris create aquatic breeding grounds in streams, rivers, and lakes.

Concept: Could a bridge replicate this process?

Biofacilitation Bridge _Of great importance in designing for native ecosystems is the idea of mimicking or initializing positive responses to stimuli. One of the techniques used in this project is the idea of a land bridge that initializes an aquatic ecosystemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response to shelter. For instance, when trees fall into these environments, there is an immediate boost of biodiversity and biomass in the form of predator/prey relationships, shelter for rearing young, and a resting place.

A

B

A

B

Terrestrial Zone Bridge Surface Flux Zone Water Level Aquatic Prey Zone Creek Bed Screw Piles

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Site Modelling

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Nature-Learning Environments How Do We Learn From, In, About... Nature?

Immersion?

Immersion - Abscence of architecture - Portable instruments - Compromised by lack of structure and control

Graduated Area - Diverse opportunity - Mixed seating options - Proximity to structure, but without its limitations

Observation - Ordered Seating - Scientific Equipment - Compromised by lack of context.

Observation?

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Form Development Existing Habitat and Building Configuration

East-West Orientation _ Optimal solar orientation, maximizes north and south exposure

Two-story Volume _Due to programmatic requirements and site constraints.

Pushes the constraints of netzero energy.

Land Bridge Addition

New Project Placement

Thermal Corridor _Allows for maximum winter solar gain into a controlled space.

Break and Bend _Provides for wildlife passage through center of building mass, allows for human observation of wildlife traffic as well as immersion of the human being in a natural setting.

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Form Development

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First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

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First Floor Plan

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A

B

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A

B

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A

B

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A

B

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Solar Gain Diagrams

Wall Section Offices_2nd Floor

Labs_1st Floor

Summer Solstice_72o

Building 2 Thermal Corridor_2nd Floor

January/December 21st, Noon

Winter Solstice_27o

February/November 21st, Noon

March/October 21st, Noon

April/September 21st, Noon

May/August 21st, Noon

A June/July 21st, Noon

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Biodiversity Case Study _La Rue Pine Hills Ecological Area

Habitat Creation

A

B loren johnson_thesis presentation_08.02.14

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thank you loren johnson_thesis presentation_08.02.14