symbioGenesis: A Mutualistic Interaction of Nature and Architecture

symbioGENESIS

A Mutualistic Interaction of Nature and Architecture Monteverde Research Center for Biomimetic Building Technology Marco Barboza // ARCH 799 - Thesis II // Prof. Hsu-Jen Huang // Summer 2015

Symbiogenesis: A Mutualistic Interaction of Nature and Architecture Monteverde Research Center for Biomimetic Building Technology

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the Architecture Department in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Architecture at Savannah College of Art and Design Marco Barboza Savannah, GA © August 2015

Hsu-Jen Huang, Committee Chair Scott G. Dietz, Committee Member Steven J. Wagner, Committee Member

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Special thanks go to my professors Judith Reno, Scott Dietz, Hsu-Jen Huang, and Huy Ngo for the vast amounts of knowledge they have nested in me. To professors Steven Wagner and Regina Rowland, for guiding me with their extensive biological knowledge; To my colleagues Justin Kruemmel and Sionnis Pierre for sharing the same passions and contributing to my research; To all my friends and family that have helped and supported me throughout this journey of discovery. Finally, to my birth land, Costa Rica, for inspiring and teaching me the infinite wisdom lying in nature.

TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES 1 THESIS ABSTRACT

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Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION

12

Chapter 2 - THEORETICAL CONTEXT

25

Chapter 3 - CONTEXT ANALYSIS

61

Chapter 4 - SITE ANALYSIS

75

Chapter 5 - PROGRAM ANALYSIS

99

Chapter 6 - SCHEMATIC DESIGN

113

Chapter 7 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

153

Chapter 8 - THESIS CONCLUSION

191

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

197

LIST OF FIGURES Chapter 1 Fig. 1.1: http://www.wallpaperhi.com/thumbnails/detail/20120306/green%20nature%20leaves%20grass%20plants%20

water%20drops%20macro%20depth%20of%20field%202560x1600%20wallpaper_www.wallpaperhi.com_23.jpg -

Image edited by Author // pg. 13

Fig. 1.2: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Centranthus_Ruber_Plant_(Macro).jpeg // pg. 15 Fig. 1.3: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ea/La_station_art_nouveau_de_la_porte_Dauphine_(Hector_ Guimard)_(2590158427).jpg // pg. 17 Fig. 1.4: http://www.visitbelgium.com/images/ceilinghortamuseumbrussels.jpg // pg. 17 Fig. 1.5: http://runawaytrader.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0164.jpg // pg. 18 Fig. 1.6: http://m.flikie.com/ImageData/WallPapers/4e11a51e5fdb11dfa153000b2f3ed30f.jpg // pg. 19 Fig. 1.7: http://www.sustainableideas.it/2013/02/ego-vs-eco-2/ // pg. 20 Fig. 1.8: http://www.mimoa.eu/images/15353_l.jpg // pg. 21 Fig. 1.9: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Water_Crystals_on_Mercury_20Feb2010_CU1.jpg // pg. 22 Fig. 1.10: Image created by Author // pg. 23

Chapter 2 Fig. 2.1: http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/102/3/8/cellular_structure_by_tagirocks-d4vvy2f.jpg // pg. 25 Fig. 2.2: http://www.greenbiz.com/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_full/public/images/articles/featured/ vandusenvisitorcentreniclehoux.jpeg?itok=sxKNIgnp // pg. 29 Fig. 2.3: http://biomimicry.net - Image provided by Biomimicry 3.8 Institute // pg. 29 Fig. 2.4: http://biomimicry.net - Image provided by Biomimicry 3.8 Institute // pg. 30 Fig. 2.5: http://www.arch2o.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/shi-ling-bridge_09.jpg // pg. 31 Fig. 2.6: http://biomimicry.net - Image provided by Biomimicry 3.8 Institute // pg. 33 Fig. 2.7: http://biomimicrykth.blogspot.com/2012/05/biomimicry-in-architecture-and-start-of.html // pg. 34 Fig. 2.8: http://www.n-camera.net/archi/imgs/springtecture/103.jpg // pg. 35 Fig. 2.9: http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/3-bird-bone-tissue-sem-steve-gschmeissner.jpg // pg. 35 Fig. 2.10: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/48/53/e1/4853e1a4a7f95337530c8dc5feb91018.jpg // pg.35

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Fig. 2.11: http://www.canadianarchitect.com/asf/principles_of_enclosure/enclosure_typologies/images/munich_olympstad.

jpg // pg. 36

Fig. 2.12: http://wp.hallenbau.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/drucklufthalle.jpg // pg. 37 Fig. 2.13.1: http://mlab.cca.edu/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/02studioproject-500x275.jpg // pg. 39 Fig. 2.13.2: http://www.vub.ac.be/ARCH/interactive-geometry/images/SHMS-1.jpg // pg. 39 Fig. 2.14: http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p023r74v.jpg // pg. 40 Fig. 2.15: http://www.architecturetoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Paw-1.jpg // pg. 41 Fig. 2.16: Image created by Author // pg. 41 Fig. 2.17: http://www.naturalhistorymag.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/medium/media/2009/11/namib_beetle_

jpg_31143.jpg // pg. 42

Fig. 2.18: http://www.seawatergreenhouse.com/images/SGdiagram.jpg // pg. 43 Fig. 2.19: http://saharaforestproject.com/uploads/pics/The_SFP_vision_01.jpg // pg. 44 Fig. 2.20: Image created by Author // pg. 45 Fig. 2.21: http://www.architectureoflife.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/EKODesign-2011-Konferansini-Geride-

Birakirken-6.jpeg // pg. 46

Fig. 2.22: http://machinedesign.com/site-files/machinedesign.com/files/uploads/2013/04/11343_LF_Metal_Foam1.jpg //

pg. 47

Fig. 2.23: Image created by Author // pg. 50 Fig. 2.24: http://www.metafysica.nl/ontology/pelvis_1.jpg // pg. 50 Fig. 2.25: http://www.jspbiz.co.uk/blog/blog.php // pg. 52 Fig. 2.26: http://inhabitat.com/biomimicry-3-8-founder-janine-benyus-says-biomimicry-is-the-key-to-a-green-3d-printing-

revolution // pg. 53

Fig. 2.27: Image created by Author // pg. 54 Fig. 2.28: http://soft-matter.seas.harvard.edu/images/9/99/Soapfilm4.jpg // pg. 54 Fig. 2.29: http://www.lochnesswatergardens.com/pondblog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dragonfly-wing-closeup.jpg //

pg. 55

Fig. 2.30: Image created by Author // pg. 55 Fig. 2.31: http://mathworld.wolfram.com/images/eps-gif/Fractal1_1000.gif // pg. 56 Fig. 2.32: http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2010/09/fractal_10.jpg // pg. 56

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Chapter 3 Fig. 3.1: http://mommaandmax.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/mg_4019-4.jpg // pg. 62 Fig. 3.2: Image created by Author // pg. 64 Fig. 3.3: Image created by Author // pg. 65 Fig. 3.4: Image created by Author // pg. 68 Fig. 3.5: Image created by Author // pg. 69 Fig. 3.6: http://www.ecomapcostarica.com/ref/plants.shtml // pg. 70 Fig. 3.7: http://costarica.com/images/travel-guide/attractions.jpg // pg. 71 Fig. 3.8: http://www.elzota.org // pg. 72 Fig. 3.9: http://www.fincabellavista.com // pg. 72 Fig. 3.10: http://www.parklandscostarica.com/uploads/5/1/5/9/5159662/7743449_orig.jpg // pg. 71 Fig. 3.11: http://www.play-costa-rica.com/images/pic-tour/scenery/monteverde-cloud-forest-bridge.jpg // pg. 74 Fig. 3.12: http://urbanfragment.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/hanging-bridge-in-the-canopy-monteverde-costa-rica-photo-

clifton-beard-2009.jpg // pg. 74

Fig. 3.13: http://dam.vacationscostarica.com/crvacations/tours/monteverde/sky-trek-in-monteverde/images/CRV_Main_

SkyTrekin_Monteverde.jpg // pg. 74

Fig. 3.14: http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/canopy/sky-trek-monteverde/sky_trek_monteverde_3.jpg // pg. 74 Fig. 3.15: http://www.nacion.com/sucesos/represa-Pirris-altura-verano-ARCHIVO_LNCIMA20120214_0076_1.jpg // pg. 74 Fig. 3.16: http://www.crhoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/phoca_thumb_l_proyecto-eolico-7.jpg // pg. 74

Chapter 4 Fig. 4.1: Google Earth. Image edited by Author // pg. 76 Fig. 4.2: http://www.monteverdetours.com/assets/templates/html5/slideshow/images/monteverdeImage01.jpg // pg. 78 Fig. 4.3: Image created by Author // pg. 79 Fig. 4.4: Image created by Author // pg. 79 Fig. 4.5: Image created by Author // pg. 79 Fig. 4.6: Image created by Author // pg. 80 Fig. 4.7: Image created by Author // pg. 80 Fig. 4.8: Image created by Author // pg. 79 Fig. 4.9: Image created by Author // pg. 79

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Fig. 4.10: Image created by Author // pg. 80 Fig. 4.11: Image created by Author // pg. 80 Fig. 4.12: Image created by Author // pg. 79 Fig. 4.13: http://www.costaricantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Monteverde-Cloud-Forest.jpg // pg. 81 Fig. 4.14: Image created by Author // pg. 82 Fig. 4.15: Google Earth. Image edited by Author // pg. 83 Fig. 4.16: http://lifeiswanderful.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_1259.jpg // pg. 84 Fig. 4.17: http://www.travelcostaricaonline.com/image-files/monteverde-costa-rica-1.jpg // pg. 84 Fig. 4.18: http://www.gummibunny.com/images/UGAcostarica.jpg // pg. 84 Fig. 4.19: http://uga.edu/gm/ee/images/support_photos/adams-costarica-21001-038.jpg // pg. 85 Fig. 4.20: http://www.externalaffairs.uga.edu/images/sized/costa_rica/uploads/general/JoeDrawing2(1)-500x307.JPG //

pg. 85

Fig. 4.21: http://www.externalaffairs.uga.edu/costa_rica/cr_gallery/var/albums/UGA-Costa-Rica-Campus/library.

jpg?m=1286554492 // pg. 86

Fig. 4.22: http://cdn1.360cities.net/pano/isaac-martinez/00338907_UGAMonteverdeCostaRicaStudentUnionatNight.jpg/

cube/front/5.jpg // pg. 86

Fig. 4.23: http://multimedia.uga.edu/media/images/UGA_Costa_Rica_2.jpg // pg. 86 Fig. 4.24: Image created by Author // pg. 87 Fig. 4.25: Image created by Author // pg. 88 Fig. 4.26: Image created by Author // pg. 89 Fig. 4.27: http://www.bagheera.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/golden_toad_2011.jpg // pg. 89 Fig. 4.28: Image created by Author // pg. 91 Fig. 4.29: Image created by Author // pg. 94 Fig. 4.30: Google Earth. Image edited by Author // pg. 95 Fig. 4.31: Image created by Author // pg. 96 Fig. 4.32: Image created by Author // pg. 95 Fig. 4.33: Image created by Author // pg. 96 Fig. 4.34: Image created by Author // pg. 96 Fig. 4.35: Image created by Author // pg. 97

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Chapter 5 Fig. 5.1: Image created by Author // pg. 102 Fig. 5.2: http://www.utexas.edu/features/graphics/2011/architecture_tanzania/architecture_tanzania1.jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 103 Fig. 5.3: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/images/1987.jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 103 Fig. 5.4: http://rossengineers.com/wp-content/themes/rosseng/img/j0439299.jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 103 Fig. 5.5: Image created by Author // pg. 104 Fig. 5.6: http://cdn.archinect.net/images/514x/9q/9qc100pa9b7xl97w.jpg // pg. 105 Fig. 5.7: http://grimshaw-architects.com/media/cache/bb/bc/bbbca46a6365b41190ebb5f543b46c40.jpg // pg. 106 Fig. 5.8: http://www.archello.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/media_image/Ecorium08.jpg // pg. 106 Fig. 5.9: http://www.archello.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/media_image/EcoriumLevel1.jpg // pg. 106 Fig. 5.10: http://www.hok.com/about/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/RiMED640.jpg // pg. 107 Fig. 5.11: http://www.hok.com/about/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/RiMED3.jpg // pg. 108 Fig. 5.12: http://www.hok.com/about/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/RiMED4.jpg // pg. 108 Fig. 5.13: http://assets.inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/11/Ri.MED-Biomedical-Research-and-

Biotechnology-Center-BRBC-HOK-Architects-5.jpg // pg. 108

Fig. 5.14: Image created by Author // pg. 111

Chapter 6 Fig. 6.1: http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/3-close-up-of-bubbles-henrik-sorensen.jpg - Image

edited by Author // pg. 113

Fig. 6.2: http://www.e-architect.co.uk/images/jpgs/barcelona/media_ict_w210911_2.jpg // pg. 115 Fig. 6.3: http://www.evolo.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Cloud9-3.jpg // pg. 116 Fig. 6.4: https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8512/8472148500_90db822247_b.jpg // pg. 116 Fig. 6.5: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GmrrtvNW1wk/Tt9XtpTKmuI/AAAAAAAAATg/4x0l74rtG8Q/s0/33Media-ICT_ cloud9.jpg // pg. 116 Fig. 6.6: http://www.bustler.net/images/news2/world_architecture_festival_awards_2011_grand_prize_winners_06.jpg //

pg. 116

Fig. 6.7: http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7225/7240534112_c8f71ac9f5.jpg // pg. 117 Fig. 6.8: http://photoeverywhere.co.uk/britain/cornwall/eden_project_dome.jpg // pg. 118

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Fig. 6.9: http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/671/cache/eden-project- england_67153_990x742.jpg // pg. 118 Fig. 6.10: https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6027/5916035749_587b100514_b.jpg // pg. 118 Fig. 6.11: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Eden_Project_geodesic_domes_panorama.jpg // pg. 119 Fig. 6.12: http://tonkinliu.smartdesigns.sk/projects/island-of-light/ // pg. 121 Fig. 6.13: http://tonkinliu.smartdesigns.sk/projects/island-of-light/ // pg. 122 Fig. 6.14: http://tonkinliu.smartdesigns.sk/projects/island-of-light/ // pg. 122 Fig. 6.15: http://tonkinliu.smartdesigns.sk/projects/island-of-light/ // pg. 122 Fig. 6.16: http://acdn.architizer.com/thumbnails-PRODUCTION/c2/29/c2297f4fda5379b6ba474f111d1f2150.jpg // pg. 123 Fig. 6.17: http://static.natgeotraveler.nl/thumbnails/GenjArticleBundle/Article/fileUpload/detail/00/01/46/ondergronds-park-

primeur-in-new-york-146.jpg // pg. 124

Fig. 6.18: http://www.fastcoexist.com/multisite_files/coexist/lowline-main.jpg // pg. 124 Fig. 6.19: http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17z3gbb7zcin6jpg/original.jpg // pg. 124 Fig. 6.20: http://www.conscienciaampla.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/warka_2.jpg // pg. 125 Fig. 6.21: http://discoverytrip.it/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Warka-Water14.jpg // pg. 126 Fig. 6.22: http://15kpfc487cpb33j2xa3omwzvf9e.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/warka-12.jpg //

pg. 126

Fig. 6.23: http://zebrea.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/WarkaTower21.jpg // pg. 126 Fig. 6.24: http://kathyadamsclark.zenfolio.com/img/s5/v121/p104118300-3.jpg - Image edited by Author// pg. 127 Fig. 6.25: http://www.asknature.org/uploads/strategy/

e61f1d7787150df465d03fa3894c225d/6ac791b4e939d4dc4104c64b1b0a68ea.jpg - Image edited by Author //

pg. 127

Fig. 6.26: http://www.asknature.org/uploads/strategy/58655598a1dddbbfe02492060ab103c7/rainforest_

interwoventrees12.jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 128

Fig. 6.27: https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2731/4196672361_9962aa3a96_b.jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 128 Fig. 6.28: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKPOuwi9mIw/TndYwDNft1I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/_V5ry33flmk/s1600/IMG_2342.JPG -

Image edited by Author // pg. 129

Fig. 6.29: http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/4a/2c/80/a-walking-stick.jpg - Image edited by Author //

pg. 129

Fig. 6.30: https://s3.amazonaws.com/suite101.com.prod/article_images/large/2617787_com_elodeacell.jpg - Image edited

by Author // pg. 130

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Fig. 6.31: http://botany.thismia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/plant_cell_plasmolysis.jpg - Image edited by Author //

pg. 130

Fig. 6.32: http://m3.i.pbase.com/u40/jonrankin/upload/26404993.PBASEUP030BROMELIADMONTEVERDE.JPG - Image

edited by Author // pg. 131

Fig. 6.33: http://www.asknature.org/images/uploads/strategy/5c3f3f250731561714d60f47585eba0e/bromeliad.jpg - Image

edited by Author // pg. 131

Fig. 6.34: http://www.tropicflore.com/grande/29486_1676/tillandsia_punctulata.jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 132 Fig. 6.35: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Tillandsia_oaxacana1.jpg - Image edited by Author //

pg. 132

Fig. 6.36: http://www.varmaphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/cloud-forest-panama-920x613.jpg - Image edited by

Author // pg. 133

Fig. 6.37: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sO5q8cj3i5U/T2euu9M5yDI/AAAAAAAACXM/7iL3FfkpV7Y/s1600/Humboldt_current.

jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 133

Fig. 6.38: https://ibexinc.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/bullet_ant.jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 134 Fig. 6.39: https://vashtiqvega.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/56878_the-bullet-ant_

u4otpkuoohegc34cxym6cgqbe3ncurxrbvj6lwuht2ya6mzmafma_610x457.jpg?w=300&h=225 - Image edited by

Author // pg. 134

Fig. 6.40: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosendahl/3196331940 - Image edited by Author // pg. 135 Fig. 6.41: http://il7.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/1118323/thumb/1.jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 135 Fig. 6.42: http://www.filin.vn.ua/images/filin_images/amphibia/b_robusta.jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 136 Fig. 6.43: http://www.asknature.org/uploads/strategy/

a9a48000a7eadb955b2cf778dda9537d/66037b43399f10925a5ea4e2ada02033.jpg - Image edited by Author //

pg. 136

Fig. 6.44: Image created by Author // pg. 138 Fig. 6.45: Image created by Author // pg. 139 Fig. 6.46: Image created by Author // pg. 140 Fig. 6.47: Image created by Author // pg. 140 Fig. 6.48: Image created by Author // pg. 141 Fig. 6.49: Image created by Author // pg. 142 Fig. 6.50: Image created by Author // pg. 143 Fig. 6.51: Image created by Author // pg. 144 Fig. 6.52: Image created by Author // pg. 143

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Fig. 6.53: Image created by Author // pg. 146 Fig. 6.54: Image created by Author // pg. 147 Fig. 6.55: Image created by Author // pg. 148 Fig. 6.56: Image created by Author // pg. 148 Fig. 6.57: http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/12306080.jpg // pg. 149 Fig. 6.58: https://worldtradepoint.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/biome-pillows-construction.jpg?w=821&h=422 // pg. 149 Fig. 6.59: http://www.peterson-co.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/image027.jpg // pg. 149 Fig. 6.60: Image created by Author // pg. 150 Fig. 6.61: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/14/d5/c6/14d5c6c147ee4f1b44b101511dc64327.jpg // pg. 150 Fig. 6.62: http://www.aaschool.ac.uk//images/mainPics/visitingschool/297/width640/1410450242.jpg // pg. 150 Fig. 6.63: http://feel-planet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Eden_Project2.jpg // pg. 150 Fig. 6.64: Image created by Author // pg. 151 Fig. 6.65: Image created by Author // pg. 152

Chapter 7 Fig. 7.1: http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/closeup-of-pores-on-tube-mouth-of-bolete-mushroom- tylopilus-felleus-ed-reschke.jpg // pg. 153 Fig. 7.2: Image created by Author // pg. 156 Fig. 7.3: Image created by Author // pg. 157 Fig. 7.4: Image created by Author // pg. 160 Fig. 7.5: http://www.asknature.org/uploads/strategy/f097cff84f4731c409ac223e2a88e125/

d3e1f2126d44d1fad5d481a9a2578c2e.jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 162

Fig. 7.6: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/14/d5/c6/14d5c6c147ee4f1b44b101511dc64327.jpg - Image

edited by Author // pg. 162

Fig. 7.7: https://tomaszjaniak.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/169_lisc_l.jpg - Image edited by Author // pg. 162 Fig. 7.8: http://4hdwallpapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Soap-Bubble-Close-Up.jpg - Image edited by Author //

pg. 162

Fig. 7.9: https://d27v8envyltg3v.cloudfront.net/mio/30133080/14019843750359/large.jpg // pg. 162 Fig. 7.10: Image created by Author // pg. 163 Fig. 7.11: Image created by Author // pg. 165 Fig. 7.12: Image created by Author // pg. 167

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Fig. 7.13: Image created by Author // pg. 167 Fig. 7.14: Image created by Author // pg. 169 Fig. 7.15: Image created by Author // pg. 171 Fig. 7.16: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ac/5c/1a/ac5c1a5cc4c5686420d56cd4491c29b4.jpg - Image

edited by Author // pg. 173

Fig. 7.17: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WcYoqiwezjw/SYSn8MI-siI/AAAAAAAAAEE/6Rl5ldHSgtQ/s400/0807edit_11.jpg //

pg. 173

Fig. 7.18: https://www.guardian.com/cs/groups/guardianasiapacific/documents/web_content/stg_033599.jpg // pg. 173 Fig. 7.19: http://kerekinfo.kz/uploads/images/topic/2013/07/17/88b854ddc6_1000.jpg // pg. 173 Fig. 7.20: https://kierahintze.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/constructed-reef1.jpg // pg. 173 Fig. 7.21: Image created by Author // pg. 174 Fig. 7.22: Image created by Author // pg. 175 Fig. 7.23: Image created by Author // pg. 176 Fig. 7.24: Image created by Author // pg. 176 Fig. 7.25: Image created by Author // pg. 177 Fig. 7.26: Image created by Author // pg. 177 Fig. 7.27: Image created by Author // pg. 178 Fig. 7.28: Image created by Author // pg. 178 Fig. 7.29: Image created by Author // pg. 179 Fig. 7.30: Image created by Author // pg. 180 Fig. 7.31: Image created by Author // pg. 181 Fig. 7.32: Image created by Author // pg. 181 Fig. 7.33: Image created by Author // pg. 182 Fig. 7.34: Image created by Author // pg. 183 Fig. 7.35: Image created by Author // pg. 185 Fig. 7.36: Image created by Author // pg. 187 Fig. 7.37: Image created by Author // pg. 189 Fig. 7.38: Image created by Author // pg. 190

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Chapter 8 Fig. 8.1: Image created by Author // pg. 191 Fig. 8.2: Image created by Author // pg. 193 Fig. 8.3: http://sun-surfer.com/photos/2012/07/Costa-Rica-Monte-Verde-Cloud-Forrest.jpg // pg. 195

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THESIS ABSTRACT Symbiogenesis: A Mutualistic Interaction of Nature and Architecture Monteverde Research Center for Biomimetic Building Technology

Marco Barboza © August 2015

The intent of this thesis is to propose a research

facility dedicated to the study of Biomimicry, taking advantage

of design and analysis, biomimetics, morphogenesis, and

of Costa Rica as one of the most biodiverse territories in the

bio-mathematics, this thesis seeks to re-establish the

world; while at the same time employing biological principles,

Human-Nature connection, and reduce human impact on the

design strategies, systems, and functional, performative

environment at a physical, spatial, and systematic level, thus

qualities regarding structure, energy, and environment, similar

creating an architecture that enhances the environment and

to those found in Nature and its organisms.

creates a more harmonious ecotone. What can be learned

from biology and the natural realm?

The argument arises from the realization that human

beings have lost the essential connection with Nature and

their surroundings, resulting in building systems, architectural

to promote education and innovation through the collaboration

technologies, methods, and models of development not

of professionals from numerous fields – ranging from biology

suitable for the planet to sustain. Thus, altering the natural

to engineering – focusing on the common goal of developing

rhythms and order that govern its inhabitants.

new architectural technologies and materials that will aid in the

conception of new design methodologies and holistic models

This exploration reaches out to technology as

one of the main design drivers due that it is a tool with the potential and capability of delivering solutions to complex

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problems. Through the exploration of computational strategies

Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the project seeks

for a more sustainable world.

BIOLOGY // BIOMIMICRY // COLLABORATION // ENVIRONMENT // GENERATIVE DESIGN // MATHEMATICS // NATURE // SUSTAINABILITY // TECHNOLOGY // SYSTEMS THEORY

12

Fig. 1.1

INTRODUCTION 13

1

14

“

I don’t understand why when we destroy something created by man we call it vandalism, but when we destroy something created by nature we call it progress.

- Ed Begley Jr.

”

1. Michael Pawlyn, Biomimicry in Architecture (London, UK: Riba Publishing, 2011).

Fig. 1.2

15

1.1 - WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES, PROBLEMS, AND ISSUES?

“When Julius Caesar arrived in North Africa, what

greeted him was a wooded landscape of cedar and cypress trees. The Roman writer, Pliny, marveled at the abundance of fruits in the forests and the variety of animals. Caesar’s armies set about clearing the land to establish farms, and for the next 200 years North Africa supplied the Roman Empire with half a million tons of grain a year, but, over the years, deforestation, salinization and over-exploitation of the land took its toll.

Productivity dropped and the climate changed. It was a highly extractive model of land use, which in many ways became the dominant paradigm for the next two millennia.” 1

Even though mankind has managed to gather vast

amounts of knowledge and developed technologies to an unimaginable limit, nature still fills our heart and mind with a sense of awe and admiration. For millennia, humanity has looked to nature in order to find inspiration in its ever-lasting quest for enlightenment; from structural arches echoing coastal rock formations to velcro emulating burdock burrs (seed-hairs). It appears nature has always seemed to be one step or two ahead of man. The undeniable truth is, it has been ahead for billions of years through an arduous process of trial-and-error that demonstrated from time to time the magic of its simplicity and elegance (Fig. 1.2). The simple yet intricate systems, structures and processes by which nature rules itself by hold great mysteries which human beings fail to

16

There has been a number of efforts in the past in

order to restore this Human-Nature connection or relationship.

One of those was the Art Nouveau movement, from 1890 to 1910. Art and architecture were inspired by natural forms, structures, and systems. The ‘unruly’ aspects of the natural world heightened a sense of beauty categorized by the name of ‘organic’ architecture. Organic meaning inspiration in nature through the literal sense of form through the use of Fig. 1.3 - Subway entrance in Paris by Hector Guimard.

new construction design, materials, and technologies recently available at the time. For distinguished architects, Hector Guimard (Fig. 1.3), Antoni Gaudi, and Victor Horta (Fig. 1.4), their work is evidence of such effort. Even the celebrated American architect, author of “Falling Water”, Frank Lloyd Wright (Fig. 1.5), also shared some wisdom collected during the latter part of his life:

”So here I stand before you preaching organic architecture: Fig. 1.4 - Interior by Victor Horta. understand, mainly because their fast-paced industrial lives have inhibited their ability to listen, observe, and experience.

Nature’s perfect complexity has incessantly daunted man; in frustration, he tries to control nature by enforcing order on it under his own terms. As a result, he has distanced, alienated himself from the earth and its ecosystem. Even though his own survival is merely dependent on its very existence. Because

declaring organic architecture to be the modern ideal and the teaching so much needed if we are to see the whole of life, and to now serve the whole of life, holding no traditions essential to the great tradition. Nor cherishing any preconceived form fixing upon us either past, present or future, but instead exalting the simple laws of common sense or of super-sense if you prefer determining form by way of the nature of materials...”2 - Frank Lloyd Wright, written in 1954.

man tried to dominate and control nature, he has found an obstacle to understand and appreciate it.

17

At some point in history, man relied on his

technological advancement and turned his back on nature; thus ceasing to be humanity’s great mentor and source of inspiration. But, no matter how advanced man becomes, he continues to face many challenges. For example, the energy crisis. In order to solve complex problems, man should respect and learn from nature. Only then, will man be part of the whole natural system.

Technology nowadays is more developed than ever

before and man is able to approach problems in countless ways. He is also able to examine the environment surrounding him to whole new scopes ranging from the macro scale all the way to the micro and molecular scales. An entire new world of opportunities and experience has opened up for him.

Nature has proved countless times to solve problems in the most unthinkable of ways. Man needs to respect, understand, learn, and engage with nature in a balanced approach. At the end of the day, who is man to doubt, when after 3.8 billion years of evolution, nature has learned: What works. What is

Fig. 1.5 - Johnson Wax building by Frank Lloyd Wright.

appropriate. What lasts.3

This thesis attempts to demonstrate the need

for architecture to look back at nature, where it will find the answers to numerous complex issues regarding techniques for energy and water harvesting, thermal control, structural and material efficiency, building systems, and technologies that make a direct impact on the environment.

2. Frank Lloyd Wright and Donald D. Walker, The Natural House (New York: Horizon Press, 1954), 3.

3. Janine M. Benyus, Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature (New York: Morrow, 1997), 0.

18

“

The evolution of human mentality has put us all in vitro now, behind the glass wall of our own ingenuity.

- John Fowles

4. Benyus, 1-2.

Fig. 1.6

19

”

“We must draw our standards from the natural world. We must honor with the humility of the wise the bounds of that natural world and mystery which lies beyond them, admitting that there is something in the order of being which evidently exceeds all our competence.” – Vaclav Havel, President of the Czech Republic

1.2 - WHY ADDRESS SUCH

EGO

CHALLENGES, PROBLEMS, AND ISSUES?

“Chaos and complexity tell us that a system that is

far from stable is a system that is ripe for change.” Today man has looked back and witnessed the detrimental path he has left on his way to global dominance and economic grandeur.

He has taken a look at himself and at the various other species that he is bringing down along with him. Wherever man creates, he destroys everything in his path, forgetting that he needs to live harmoniously with nature and its other inhabitants. He is a guest, not a tenant (Fig. 1.7). His ‘Homo industrialis’ approach to management of resources and systems has translated to his built environment, where cities nowadays have become places for machines and industrial optimization as opposed to places for people.4 He has been building extensions of himself. They are reflections of the altered state of his natural rhythms. Cities have evolved into concrete jungles alienated from all natural experience. Man’s impulsive practices can eventually lead to his demise. Unless,

ECO

Fig. 1.7

of course, he changes the way he has been approaching his interactions with Nature, revealing a need for a paradigm shift in man’s mentality.

This thesis seeks to satisfy the need to re-establish

the Human-Nature connection and understanding the totality of living in the natural environment by re-evaluating how we go about designing our built environment. Thus, blurring the at times, literal edge between humans and everything else that surrounds them. In doing so, man will find his balance with the

20

world he lives in.

1.3 - HOW CAN ARCHITECTURE FACILITATE TO ADDRESS SUCH CHALLENGES, PROBLEMS, AND ISSUES?

Architecture will be able to facilitate a new phase of

adaptation in which humanity adapts to the Earth instead of the other way around. Through Biomimicry [from the Greek bios, life, and mimesis, imitation]: innovation by making use of the subtle systems and solutions in nature having evolved within millions of years5; architecture can begin to establish harmony between man and his surroundings by means of an increase in resource efficiency, forms, systems, and processes that can now be applied thanks to technology.

The recent developments in Biomimicry, computational design innovations, the increasingly cheap ability to measure energy and material flows, and breakthroughs in green building techniques are key elements today that conceive the possibility of buildings which are vastly sustainable. Thus, the architecture will contribute as a mediator in the conversation between man and his natural surroundings by utilizing technology to work with nature rather than against it (Fig. 1.8).

The concepts of Emergence, and bio-mathematics

are vehicles that will aid in the understanding of such complex systems. It is an explanation of how natural systems have Fig. 1.8

21

evolved and maintained themselves. Everything seems

to produce an effect on something else, a connection; a linkage between its surroundings; a relation to the Whole.

The economist Jeffrey Goldstein gives it this definition, “The arising of novel and coherent structures, patterns and properties during the process of self-organization in complex systems”. An example of an emergent natural process can be witnessed in the inherent symmetrical and radial qualities of water crystals (Fig. 1.9), formed due to an existence of optimal conditions in temperature and humidity. The potential of the

Fig. 1.9 - Emergent structures in snowflakes.

mathematics of Emergence that underlie the complex systems of nature for the production of complex architectural forms and effects, in advanced manufacturing of ‘smart’ materials and processes, and in the innovative designs of active structures and responsive environments, will aid in the conception of a building that reacts to the environment with the sensitivity of a natural organism; a building that acts a little more like it is a part of Nature rather than a complete separate organism from the environment that surrounds it. The building ecology is a conceptual framework for understanding architecture and the built environment as the interface between the dynamically symbiotic elements of buildings, their occupants, and the larger environment; a living building of community.

5. Ibid.

22

1.4 - ARCHITECTURAL STATEMENT OF DESIGN INTENT

Through the implementation of an arsenal of

biomimetic sustainable strategies and building adaptations, the reduction in human impact on the environment at a physical, spatial, and systematic level can be achieved in order to create an architecture that enhances the environment, reestablishes the human-nature connection, and creates a more harmonious ecotone (Fig. 1.10).

Mentee

Mentor

Fig. 1.10 - Cycle of Mutualism

23

Outcome

“

It has become clear that a new type of architecture and landscape must emerge that is ecologically sound, socially just and designed for both utility and beauty, if we are to successfully deal with the challenges ahead of us.

Success requires a level of integration and holistic thinking still uncommon in the design world.

- David R. Macaulay

”

24

Fig. 2.1

THEORETICAL CONTEXT 25

2

26

2.1 - HISTORICAL, SOCIAL, & PHYSICAL

pro life? How do we make a transition from the comfort zone

CONTEXT

in which we as a society have deliberately bunkered ourselves

in?

Society and the environment suffered a paradigm

shift when the Industrial Revolution arrived and ‘The Fossil Fuel Age’ began. The world’s entire economic model of

2.2 - HUMAN ATTRACTION FOR NATURE

production went from handcrafted and unique, to mass

produced and generic. The raw material of choice to stimulate

dedicated to supplying architectural flooring products such

the machine industry was fossil fuels. Buried deep down into

as carpet tiles, accustomed to open his speeches by asking

the earth, the pervasiveness and convenience of fossil fuels

the audience to close their eyes and imagine a place of

has allowed excessive inefficiency to develop, and achieved

exorbitant beauty and tranquility. He then asked them to raise

to efficiently wreck resourcefulness. Since then, humanity has

their hands if the place they imagined was outside. When the

achieved considerable leaps in technology, though paying a

audience opened their eyes and scanned around the room,

high cost.6

they discovered that nearly everyone in it also had their hand

The emission of long-stored carbon reserves into

raised. The majority of people instinctively picture a prairie,

the atmosphere and other geophysical bodies has become

mountains, a forest, a stream, or other examples of natural

notable through the drastic changes in the conditions of our

landscape.8

surrounding environment. Climate is fluctuating, sea levels are

rising, pollution is increasing, and our resources are depleting.

have an engrained appeal for nature yet fail to recognize it.

Humanity has become too comfortable with the technological

Nature is an inherent characteristic of man’s built environment;

advancement efforts done to date and economical models that

not only due to the evident fact that the built environment is

feed on an infinite growth agenda. These models are suited

placed on a nature-surrounded environment but also because

for a short-term notion of prosperity; one that our planet fails to

nature is an essential component employed to embellish it.

sustain.7

Trees, plants, shrubs, flowers, grass, water, are all elements

27

So what alternatives are out there to move

Ray Anderson, chairman of Interface, a company

It is undeniable that human beings benefit from and

that are present in our everyday lives. They serve as tools with

away from an industrially driven fossil-fuel economy that

a known high value of providing pleasure and satisfaction. The

has numbed our senses and survival instincts, to a more

value of nature to people can be observed in the willingness to

sustainable one that enhances our resource sensitivity and is

spend considerable amounts of capital in exclusive, dramatic

“

The way we steward water, energy, and land in integrated ways over the course of the 21st century will have a major bearing on the extent to which our civilization fails or succeeds.

- Michael Pawlyn

6. Pawlyn, 2.

7. Ibid., 4.

8. Ibid., 5.

9. James Harris, Fractal Architecture Organic Design Philosophy in Theory and Practice (Albuquerque, N.M.: University of New Mexico Press, 2012), 26.

10. Harris, 30.

”

views of a scenic landscape, high real estate prices in relation

are proliferating worldwide as they have proved to be of

to the proximity of coastlines, and time invested visiting

great physical, psychological and spiritual benefits to the

naturally abundant environments such as the Iguazu Falls in

human condition. Some of the benefits that arise include:

Brazil/Argentina, Yellowstone in California , the Great Coral

relaxation, restorative qualities from illness, contemplation,

Reef Barrier in Australia, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador,

self-reflection, spiritual renewal, cognitive awareness, and

and the Alps in Switzerland to name a few. As a result,

memory. It has been proven that nature has also the power to

Ecotourism has become one of the fastest growing industries

prevent depression, boredom, loneliness, anxiety, and stress

in international travel.9

within humans. Thus, increasing a person’s quality of life

significantly.10

Public parks, protected areas, and gardens

28

The popularity of natural settings is usually

this case, being the human awareness of and capability to

attributed to their aesthetic qualities. The experience of

recognize and derive the symmetry, order, and organization

natural beauty results in adaptive intellectual benefits such

of natural forms, is specifically fundamental for the generation

as curiosity, creativity, increased exploratory drive, increased

of aesthetically pleasing architectural forms (Fig. 2.2).

problem-solving capacity, as well as the effortless recognition

Therefore, when nature’s characteristics and structures are

of symmetry and harmony.11 According to Environmental

translated into an object such as architecture, because of the

Psychologists, Rachael and Stephen Kaplan, the physical and

geometry’s close relationship to the underlying organizational

mental benefits endowed by nature arise from four factors:

and structural systems of those in nature, unconscious positive

coherence, complexity, legibility, and mystery. Coherence in

associations are transmitted.12

2.3 - BIOMIMICRY

The term ‘biomimicry ’ was first employed in scientific

literature in 1962. It could also be referred to as ‘biomimetics’ or ‘bionics’. Recently, it has captured the attention of people such as biological-sciences writer Janine Benyus, Steven Vogel, Professor of Biology, and Julian Vincent, Professor of Biomimetics, who have all written their observations and Fig. 2.2 - Biophilic Architecture

opinions in the subject. Benyus describes it as “the conscious emulation of nature’s genius” and Vincent describes it as “the abstraction of good design from nature” (Fig. 2.3). For simplicity, it will be defined as the implementation of natural principles in order to provide functional design solutions for universal or man-made problems (Fig. 2.4); for example, closed-loop models for waste management. Biomimicry employs strategies based on the standards set by a diligent 3.8 billion-year old process of natural selection, meaning

Fig. 2.3 - Biomimicry Thinking

29

survival of the genetically fit, called evolution.13

Fig. 2.4 - Biomimicry Life’s Principles

It is important to make clear terms such as ‘bio-

utilization’ and ‘biophilia’ in order to avoid confusion and state their functions. Bio-utilization can be defined as the direct use of nature for beneficial purposes; for example, planting in and around buildings in order to produce evaporative cooling.

Biophilia is the hypothesis that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and nature.14

Another distinction that would be significant to make

is that between ‘biomimicry’ and ‘biomorphism’. The latter

11.

12.

13.

14.

Ibid., 32.

Ibid.

Pawlyn, 5.

Ibid.

30

Fig. 2.5

31

seeks nature as a sourcebook for exotic forms and symbolic

learning from nature as the same laws and variables govern

associations.15 This can be witnessed through famous works,

us after all. Besides the scientific approach biomimicry offers,

like the TWA terminal by Eero Saarinen, which achieves

architecture should also be spiritual, emotional, and embracive

to capture the poetry of flight through its gestural form.

of the Zeitgeist (spirit of the time), which can be compromised

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Johnson Wax building also employs

if approached from a purely scientific point of view to design.

biomorphism through its celebrated hypostyle resembling the

leaves of lilies. However, they do not serve any functional

technologies similar to those created by human beings and

purpose close to what lilies deliver in nature. Finally, Le

solve the same problems with a far greater economy of

Corbusier was one of the greatest associative symbolists at

means. We need buildings that stop being static consumers

the time where he translated natural shapes to plans and

and become net producers of useful resources. Ultimately,

other elements. The reason it is important to distinguish

the intention is to transcend the mimicking of natural forms,

between them both, biomimicry and biomorphism, is because

and understand principles behind those forms and systems

biomimicry, not biomorphism, will aid in delivering the solutions

in order to create a more holistic architecture that enhances

we desperately need. How to distinguish between the two?

and behaves more like nature. Most importantly, this begins

One needs to answer the question: Does the design employ

to re-establish a human-nature dialogue where synergistic

the function delivered by a particular natural adaptation? If not,

relationships between the two can collaborate in order to

it is biomorphic (Fig. 2.5).16

ensure long-term prosperity.17

Bottom line, if closely observed, organisms embody

The pressures of survival have directed organisms’

evolution into incredibly specific niches and developed adaptations to resource-constrained environments. Beetles that harvest fresh water from air humidity in deserts, a reptile that drinks with its feet, beetles that detect forest fires ten kilometers away, and many more. These are some of the problems society currently faces: producing clean energy, finding fresh water, and manufacturing benign materials, among others. Nature addresses them in a variety of ways.

New alternatives and horizons can be achieved by

15. Ibid. 6.

16. Ibid.

17. Ibid. 7.

32

2.4 - BIOMIMETIC PATTERNS IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Biomimicry lies in the identification of patterns in

the way problems are solved in nature through recognition, solution, and elimination of problems (Fig. 2.6). The goal is to produce an architecture that possesses attributes of biological systems, and adaptation characteristics of plants/ animals stemming from the need to adapt to certain given conditions. Some of these adaptations are: low energy usage, easy recycling, ventilation, heating and cooling, day lighting, structural efficiency, circulation, water collection, extreme durability, and versatility from few readily available starting materials, among others.18

There is a major difference on how biology and

technology, human intellect, approach problems in the physical realm. The classification of main design problems, according to the University of Bath’s CBNT (Centre for Biomimetic and Natural Technologies), is outlined by factors such as: Substance, Structure, Energy, Space, Time, and Information.

These factors give way to the idea that ‘in biology, material is expensive but shape is cheap.’ 19

The TRIZ System (Theory of Inventive Problem

Solving, from its Russian acronym) is a holistic way of thinking.

This method blurs the boundaries between disciplines, which in turn enables to see the ‘unknown knowns’ (things you didn’t know you knew) not recognized because they seem irrelevant Fig. 2.6 - Biomimicry Design Process

33

or astray to the problem at hand.20

The potential of biomimetics for man-made problem solving is made clearer. New ways of thought and observation can be derived at all scales ranging from the microscopic to the macro, which aids in framing nature as measure and model.

Looking at nature from a different point of view can also give way to new discoveries. The analytical comparison between nature and technology is also of great importance because it exposes the need of a shift to a more systematic mentality.21 Fig. 2.7 - Structural Efficiency

2.5 - BIOMIMETIC STRUCTURAL

needs to be, in this way achieving equal results with only a

EFFICIENCY

fraction of the building units (Fig. 2.7).23

Nature is proficient at creating exceptionally

There are a number of examples in nature

effective structures with a greater economy of material in

that demonstrate this structural principle such as: hollow

comparison to man-made structures. This is usually achieved

bones, plant stems, bamboo, and feather quills. There is a

through evolved adaptations in form.22 Nature employs

proliferation of material wherever there is a concentration of

techniques such as folding, vaulting, ribs, inflation, among

stresses; where there are none, there is usually a void. There

others in order to reduce the amount of material needed for

are also cases, like D’Arcy Thompson’s documentation of the

an effective response against a set of evolutionary conditions

vulture’s metacarpal, where selective pressure is utilized to

like thermoregulation, avoiding predation, mating, finding sustenance, and genetic mutations, among others. Throughout the extensive period of evolution on earth, nature has developed the ability to refine its structures through the ‘less material – more design’ paradigm, thus, keeping the ‘minimum input for maximum output’ principle integral. As a result, it is possible for nature to create equally stiff structural elements with varying degrees of efficiency through the manipulation of shape and putting the greater density of material where it

18. Julian Vincent, “Biomimetic Patterns In Architectural Design.”

Architectural Design 6, no. 79 (2009): 74-81. Accessed October 7, 2013.

Google Scholar.

19. Ibid.

20. Ibid.

21. Ibid.

22. Pawlyn, 9.

23. Ibid.

34

achieve maximum strength with minimal weight.24 The result is similar to that of a Warren truss using struts and ties that connect in between top and bottom chords.

Planar Surface Transformations

In order to increase photosynthetic surface for

maximum sun exposure, plants have had to grow bigger leaves. But growing size by increasing thickness has significant structural impediments. Therefore, plants have Fig. 2.8 - ‘Springtecture’ by Shuhei Endo

incorporated combinations of curves, ribs, and folds, in order to create much more rigid elements with extremely thin, flexible material (Fig. 2.8). In rainforests, sunlight at the floor level tends to be limited, reason why a variety of plants have adapted by employing large leaves in radial fan forms.25 Skeletons

As mentioned before, birds are wonderful examples

of clever adaptations to selective pressures. Birds, such as crows and sparrows, require strength in exchange of weight Fig. 2.9 - Bone Tissue Matrix

in order to comply with the laws of aerodynamics. Their skulls achieve minimal weight by increasing the effective thickness in which multiple surfaces are connected by a matrix of fibrous bone tissue (Fig. 2.9). Thus, combining shell action with space-frame technology in an ingenious manner.26 The economy of material is the beauty in nature and its designs – the absence of the superfluous.

Skeletons and their principles are an aspect

of nature that can lead to breakthrough innovations in Fig. 2.10 - Buttressing Tree

35

engineering. Claus Mattheck, follows a principle in biology

that he calls ‘the axiom of uniform stress’: Material is built up in locations of stress concentration until there is enough to evenly distribute the forces; on the other hand, in areas of no stress, there is no material.27 Trees

Trees are experts at utilizing optimized junction

geometries that avoid stress concentrations and adapt to changes over time. In conventional engineering, it is common for all the elements to be designed to resist the most arduous stress conditions that can take place in only a couple of locations. This leads to the entirety of the structure to be oversized and not economical. The tree will adapt over the course of its life, as the loads acting on it will forever change.

Trees can be great examples to inspire new

approaches to building foundations. In rainforests, where soils can be shallow, trees have evolved prominent buttresses (Fig. 2.10), which offer prevention to overturning.28 Webs / Tensile Structures

Fig. 2.11 - Olympic Stadium Munich by Frei Otto.

Webs and spiders are evident when it comes to the

inspiration of tensile structures. Man has turned to them in an attempt to widen the spectrum for lightweight long-span structures. The German architect and engineer, Frei Otto, pioneered cable-net buildings, such as the West German Pavilion at Expo 1967 and the Munich Olympic Stadium in Munich, Germany (Fig. 2.11). The difference between spiders and humans is that if there is a damage in the structure, the spider will happily ingest and recycle the web in order to fix the

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

Ibid., 11.

Ibid.

Ibid., 20.

Ibid., 23.

Ibid.

36

Fig. 2.12

37

damaged silk in a constant maintenance regime; humans not

employ this technique in order to acquire structural integrity:

quite so.29 The greatest lesson that can be learned from this

Cells. These micro structures make up plants and animals

extraordinary insects is the way in which they manufacture and

alike with some internal variations between them. Cells

recycle their material in a completely sustainable cycle as well

use fluid from their interior ecosystem in order to maintain

as the secret to its disproportional strength.

their exterior structural membrane under compression thus

Pneumatic Structures

achieving rigidity. However, when it comes to the human

scale, employing this type of technique presents a variety of

Pneumatic structures can be widely found in nature.

They are present in every organic life form in the planet.

structural challenges. In this case, filling up a structure with a

Some of the smallest microscopic structures known to man

readily available liquid, such as water, would make the overall

29. Ibid., 24.

30. Ibid., 27.

structure too heavy and prone to failure. Nevertheless, if the same concept is grasped and executed with a much lighter resource, such as air, the same structural properties and benefits can be achieved (Fig. 2.12).30 Due to their extremely light weight and ease of construction, inflatable structures present an enormous amount of potential for innovation within the architectural realm.

38

2.6 - BIODYNAMICS: STRUCTURES AND MODELS

The study of Biodynamics offers models for dynamic

material systems and for adaptations found in nature. It explores nature’s capacity to provide versatile models for design. Through natural dynamic systems, material behaviors and adaptation, one can extract concepts and apply them in Fig. 2.13.1

the fields of architecture and engineering.

The idea of environmentally responsive systems

for buildings has been around for a while, a 19th century idea to be specific. They exist as a collection of individual gadgets that respond to the command of a central artificially intelligent computer system through a variety of sensors. The difference between this and nature is that in nature, most sensing, decision-making and reactions are entirely local.

The global behavior observed is the product of local actions Fig. 2.13.2 - Biodynamic Structures

within individual components. All these structures, or materials, involve movement, locally and globally, to achieve advanced levels of adaptation and responsiveness. They utilize the concept of “movement without muscle”.31 It is stated that geometry and material hierarchies produce dynamics. To be more specific, biodynamics, are achieved by a system of pretensioning and the variation of turgor pressure in differentiated

31. Michael Hensel, Achim Menges, and Michael Weinstock. Emergence: Morphogenetic Design Strategies.

(Chichester: Wiley-Academy, 2004).

32. Ibid.

33. Ibid.

34. Ibid.

39

geometrical arrangements to produce a variety of different types of movements (Fig. 2.13.1 & Fig. 2.13.2).32

A variety of biodynamic structures can be found in

nature. One of them is the hydrostatic structure, where the prestressing of fibers in tension is balanced by compression in a fluid, which can be found in plants at a cellular level (Fig. 2.14). It also outlines fibrous composite structures which nature employs to carry nearly all loads. The success of such structures lies not on what they are but on the way they are put together. Nature produces a large number of patterns of load-bearing fibre systems where each one is a specific answer to a specific set of mechanical and environmental

Fig. 2.14 - Hydrostatic Plant Cells

conditions and requirements.33

its ecosystems.34 Applications of these concepts can be seen

in:

Probably one of the most valuable lessons from

biodynamics is the fact that movement and force are

•

Variable-Stiffness structures: structures or structural

generated by a unique interaction of structures, materials,

elements that could be reassembled for a change of load

energy sources and sensors. Different variables within these

or condition.

networks establish the reaction, even the direction, for each

•

specific condition. These can range from the sizes and

Portable structures: soft for mobilization, rigid for deployment, and flexible for relocation.

orientations to the pressures and magnitudes of external forces. Evolutionary adaptive qualities such as these ones

2.7 - BIOMIMETIC CYCLICAL WASTE

occur in nature at the species level, in response to a set

SYSTEMS

of inputs on the emergent organism. These evolutionary

adaptive models can be useful in defining design strategies

and educational tool for mankind when it comes to solving

that aid in the development of architecture types, populations,

environmental, manufacturing, and economic problems.

and series. New opportunities to architecturally articulate

Ecosystems are configured in a closed-loop system manner,

concepts such as thigmomorphogenesis, the change in shape,

such as the Carbon Cycle, which is driven by photosynthesis

structure, and material properties in response to changes in

and solar energy. This closed-loop system model can be

environmental conditions, and tropism, movement in response

further translated into human waste, manufacturing, and

to environment, arise in methodical observation of nature and

business models. The Cardboard to Caviar Project (Fig.

Natural systems prove to be a useful mentoring

40

to the restaurants and shops where the boxes were first collected and the cycle is repeated all over again. This

closed-loop system model, unlike its inherently wasteful linear counterpart, creates more productivity output with a greater economy of means, as well as employment opportunities and diminished environmental impact from import logistics.35 The most important remark to be made is that all of the elements composing the system are found and kept within it thus,

Fig. 2.15 - Cardboard To Caviar Project

making it dependent of itself and ensuring the longevity of the

2.15) in Huddersfield, UK is a wonderful example of how

cycle.

a linear, wasteful model of production can be transformed

into a resourceful closed-loop system with zero waste and

system model observed in nature can take form as a zero

a higher productivity output. Basically, it demonstrates how waste cardboard packaging from local restaurants and shops, previously destined to end up at a landfill, can alternatively be shredded to produce horse bedding. The bedding can

waste system within a building or city. Human, as well as animal, ‘waste’ is to be seen as a valuable resource. Energy can be harvested from it in the form of biomass. Also, it can

later be composted by worms, which are then fed to farmed

be broken down and composted by microorganisms in order

sturgeon. Finally, the sturgeon produces the caviar sold

to be used as fertilizer for produce. The same applies to rain

TAKE MAKE

Fig. 2.16

41

An architectural translation of the closed-loop

WASTE

REDUCE

vs RECYCLE

REUSE

and grey water collection, which can be reused and recycled

new ways of water collection other than digging hundreds of

through natural filtering processes for irrigation and the

meters into the ground and extracting millennial waters from

various building water needs. As long as we strive to think in

the underground aquifers, which only degrade the land to a

a closed-loop manner regarding systems, this will ensure we

greater extent.

are taking maximum advantage of our finite natural resources

and operate more as an ecological entity within nature’s

is scarce, organisms have developed ingenious adaptations

cycles. The goal here is to make a paradigm shift between the

in order to harvest it. The Namibian fog-basking beetle, for

current linear model of “Take | Make | Waste” and adapt

example, harvests fresh water by climbing up to the top of a

a sustainable closed-loop model of “Reduce | Reuse |

sand dune during periods of high humidity, either during the

In harsh environments such as deserts where water

Recycle”. (Fig. 2.16)

2.8 - BIOMIMETIC WATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS

With the warming up of the atmosphere, a

consequence of unregulated greenhouse emissions, intensive droughts are hitting the world’s agricultural centers. Poor agricultural practices, increasing population and livestock pressures on marginal lands have accelerated desertification

Fig. 2.17 - Namibian Fog-Basking Beetle

at an alarming rate. What was once lush forests are now barren deserts. Every year 12 million hectares (that’s 23 hectares/minute) of land are lost to drought and desertification where 20 million tons of grain could have been grown. About 1.5 billion people are affected globally.36 Water sources are drying and human settlements and ecosystems are feeling the consequences. Fragile ecosystems, like cloud forests, usually pay the highest price with the extinction of key species who play major roles within the system. Such reality calls for finding

35. Pawlyn, 64.

36. “Desertification, desert, drought, arid, climate change, drylands, poverty, ecosystem, biodiversity”, UNCCD, Retrieved October 22, 2013, http://www.un.org/en/events/ desertificationday/background.shtml

42

Fig. 2.18 - Seawater Greenhouse section night or early mornings when temperatures are cooler. The

The surplus water captured inside was then distributed to the

beetle radiates body heat to the night sky in order to cool down

surrounding arid landscape. This in turn created a humid micro

its matt-black surface below the ambient temperature thus,

climate around the greenhouse which began to presence the

becoming cooler than its surroundings. This allows for water

growth of vegetation all around it.38 This project shows how in

droplets to form on the beetles water-attracting surface bumps

exploring new sources of water collection, usually overlooked,

when a moist breeze blows in off the sea. The beetle will then

we can bump into opportunities to replenish and even

tilt its body and the spherical droplets run easily into its mouth

enhance the existing ecosystem without exhausting its natural

(Fig. 2.17).37 This technique allows the Namibian fog-basking

resources.

beetle to harvest water out of thin air taking advantage of

43

condensation.

2.9 - BIOMIMETIC ENERGY HARVESTING

Innovative adaptations like this one have inspired

Modern day buildings are massive consumers of

architects and engineers to find new solutions. The Seawater

energy. Just in the United States, buildings account for 39%

Greenhouse concept (Fig. 2.18), designed by Charlie Paton,

of primary energy consumption and 72% of all electricity

was a direct result from the desire to explore new possibilities

consumed domestically. This exposes architecture as one

to harvest water from unusual sources inspired by nature.

of the major protagonists in the energy crisis. With human

The Seawater Greenhouse uses onshore breeze in order to

populations rising exponentially by the year, so will our energy

capture moisture condensation and create a cool, humid dry

demands in order to keep our society running. Therefore, we

interior environment which improved crop growth drastically.

must design our buildings in a way where the least amount

of energy is required to operate them. The problem lies in the

our future and that of our fellow species.40

fact that we live in a fossil fuel driven economy, but such fuels

are limited and will deplete in the near future. Society needs

just that. This ambitious project will try to harvest massive

to transition to a more reliable, cleaner source of energy if it

amounts of solar energy through a technique known as CSP

wants to prosper in the long term: solar energy.39

(Concentrated Solar Power). Basically, utilizes mirrors or

parabolic lenses in order to concentrate a large amount of

Nature functions and satisfies its energy needs

The Sahara Forest Project (Fig. 2.19) aims to do

purely on solar energy from the sun. Plants live off of

solar thermal energy onto a small area. In this case, a steam

photosynthesis, the process in which solar energy is converted

turbine in said area will be connected to a power generator.

into chemical energy through a series of internal chemical

Other techniques out there such as CPV (Concentrated

processes within the plant’s cells, while at the same time

Photovoltaics) have started to gain traction around the world

contributing the ecosystem’s functions with its ‘waste’ oxygen.

as well.41

Man should look at plants and try to emulate such highly

desirable behavior. The sun is also a perpetual source of

square kilometers) of land area is required to power the

energy and will keep burning for at least a few more billion

world with solar panels. This is roughly about the same

years unlike fossil fuels. For as long as we keep burning fossil

area of Spain. It might sound like a lot, but it makes more

fuels into the atmosphere, every single ecosystem in the

sense if put in perspective. Let’s also not forget that there

planet, from rainforests to tundras, will be in peril. The faster

is a garbage patch the size of Texas 268,820 square miles

we make this transition, the higher the possibility of securing

(696,241 square kilometers) floating around the Pacific Ocean.

Fig. 2.19 - Sahara Forest Project

It is estimated that 191,817 square miles (496,805

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

Pawlyn, 172.

Ibid. 174.

Ibid. 186.

Ibid.

Ibid. 188.

44

The Saharan Desert is 3,500,000 square miles (9,064,958

complex set of interacting metabolic chemical reactions.

square kilometers), or 18 times the total required area to

From the simplest unicellular organisms to the most complex

fuel the entire world. It is also a colossal uninhabited patch

plants and animals, internal processes coordinate efforts

of land with an abundant flow of sunlight, which makes it a

to keep internal conditions within tight margins to allow

strong candidate.42 However, building all this solar power

these reactions to take place. Homeostasis, the property

infrastructure would come with a high financial cost, but it

of a system in which variables are closely regulated so that

sounds pretty reasonable considering how much capital we

internal conditions can remain stable and constant, is a natural

spend on producing cellphones and cars every year.

process that maintains the body’s internal environment stability in response to changes in external conditions. Homeostatic

2.10 - BIOMIMETIC THERMAL CONTROL

processes can be witnessed at a cellular, tissue, and organ

level, as well as in the organism as a whole. All homeostatic

With the already exorbitant energy demands human

lifestyle requires these days, our buildings are powerhouses

control mechanisms possess at least three interdependent

built with complex energy-consuming heating and cooling air

components for the variable being regulated: a receptor, a

conditioning systems that just add to the problem at hand.

control center, and an effector (Fig. 2.20). The ‘receptor’ is the

Unlike humankind, nature makes use of form and design as

sensing component that monitors and responds to changes

well as precise, synchronized responsive mechanisms in order

in the external environment. When the receptor senses a

to regulate thermal loads.

stimulus, it communicates to a ‘control center’, which is in

charge of setting the range at which a variable is maintained.

All living organisms depend on maintaining a

ENVIRONMENT

RECEPTOR

HOMEOSTASIS EFFECTOR Fig. 2.20

45

CONTROL CENTER

The control center then determines an appropriate response to such stimulus. It then sends signals to an ‘effector’, such as muscles, organs, or other structures that receive these signals and take action accordingly. Once the signal reaches the effector, it then triggers a response to correct the deviation by depressing it with negative feedback. Negative feedback mechanisms, such as temperature control, consist of reducing the output or activity of any organ or system, back to its normal functioning range. The hypothalamus, a gland located in the brain which monitors body temperature, is capable of determining even the slightest variation of normal body temperature. A response to such variation can be observed in the stimulation of glands that activate a transpiration mechanism in order to reduce the temperature.

It can also signal muscles to shiver in order to increase body temperature.43 These observations of inner body functions can serve as a metaphor and inspiration for how we go about regulating temperature inside our interior spaces.

Fig. 2.21 - Termite Mound Thermal Control

In nature, various organisms build structures out of

organic materials while regulating temperatures without the need of energy-consuming heating and cooling air conditioning systems. Termites in Zimbabwe build colossal mounds inside of which they farm a fungus, which is their primary food source. The fungus must be kept at exactly 87 degrees Fahrenheit, while the temperatures outside range from 35 degrees Fahrenheit at night to 104 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The termites achieve this remarkable feature by

42. “Total Surface Area Required to Fuel the World With Solar.”, Retrieved October 24, 2013, http://landartgenerator.org/blagi/ archives/127.

43. Elaine Nicpon Marieb. Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology.

8th ed. (San Francisco: Pearson/ Benjamin Cummings), 2006.

46

constantly opening and closing a series of heating and cooling vents throughout the mound over the course of the day (Fig. 2.21). With a system of carefully adjusted convection currents, air is sucked in at the lower part of the mound, down into enclosures with muddy walls, and up through a channel to the peak of the termite mound. The industrious termites constantly dig new vents and plug up old ones in order to regulate the temperature.44 Fig. 2.22 - Cellular Metal Foam Microstructure

47

2.11 - BIOMIMETIC MATERIAL

amount needed. Therefore, this approach leads to monolithic

MANUFACTURING

shapes and members with excessive density and weight. A

much cleaner, energy efficient, smarter way to manufacture

The way human society manufactures materials can

be described, like Janine Benyus likes to refer to, as a ‘Heat,

building materials needs to be adopted.

Beat, Treat’ method of production. In order to achieve high

strength materials, we have adopted environmentally harmful

intricate interior structure of biological materials is an

methods of chemical mixing along with extreme temperature

evolutionary response. Cellular materials are common at many

and pressure exertion that end up creating large amounts of

scales in the natural world, such as in the structure of tiny sea

toxic waste.45 Nature takes a different approach, one that uses

creatures, in wood, and in bones. They all possess an internal

only five percent of energy and ninety-five percent structural

structure of ‘cells’, voids, or spaces filled with air or fluids, each

information that has already been coded by nature’s DNA.

of which has edges and faces of liquid or solid material (Fig.

It also produces everything with only energy from the sun

2.22).46

and room temperature unlike human technology which uses

seventy percent energy to manufacture the product and thirty

polymers are useful for films and surfaces with multiple layers.

percent is used for solving structural information problems

Manufactured by mimicking and adapting the self-organizing

that could have been solved in the manufacturing process.

behavior and complex functions of natural polymers, very

Human materials are also manufactured in bulk, not taking

strong transparent or translucent films can be produced with a

into account the amount of prime material extracted versus the

water-repellent and self-cleaning surface for facade systems.

Natural materials develop under load, and the

Materials such as complex and cellulose-based

“Self-organizing materials, such as liquid crystals,

are found. Emergent structures are present everywhere in

natural polymers, and copolymers have found their

nature, from brain neurons to bird flocks. The concept evolves

applications in biotechnology, sensor development, and

from the direct observation of unusual behaviors in nature.

smart medical surfaces, and more recently in maritime,

Behaviors such as the perfectly synchronized movements

automotive, and aerospace applications, but they have the

of schools of fish, ant colonies, insect clouds, even people

potential to produce new structures and systems for advanced

circulating through the city, are examples of emergent

architectural engineering[…] There has been a new interest

patterns. They move and act as if controlled by a greater

lately within the material sciences industry in incorporating

consciousness; but at the same time, they are unaware of it.

ceramics as a structural material. Ceramics are very light, but

What defines the end result or behavior however, is the initial

their compressive strength matches, or even exceeds, that

state or rules through which the components are placed. The

of metals. They are hard and durable, resistant to abrasion,

emergent behaviors and patterns arise from the actions that

and noncorroding as they are chemically inert. Ceramics are

are controlled by the rules. This is an order that we should

good insulators (both electric and thermal) and can resist high

not expect to see easily, also referred to as complexity from

temperatures[…] Cellular ceramics are porous and can now be

simplicity or order from chaos.48

manufactured in various morphologies and topologies, ranging

from honeycombs and foams to structures woven from fibers,

automation of processes in living systems. These systems are

rods, and hollow spheres.”47

composed of a lot of parts or components. What gives them

Emergence could also be considered as the natural

2.12 - EMERGENCE: SPONTANEOUS STRUCTURES AND PATTERNS IN NATURE

Emergence is an integral rule or law present in

nature and its complex systems. It can be defined as the existence of individual interdependent systems or parts that converge and interact to stimulate the function of a greater, invisible whole, which spontaneously create complex structures depending on the given conditions in which they

44. Pawlyn, 105.

45. Ibid. 82.

46. Michael Weinstock, “SelfOrganization and Material Constructions”, In Fabricating Architecture Selected Readings in Digital Design and Manufacturing, edited by Robert Corser, 140151 (New York, NY: Princeton Architectural Press, 2010).

47. Ibid.

48. Peter A. Corning, “The ReEmergence of Emergence.”, Synergy, Cybernetics, and the Bioeconomics of Evolution Holistic Darwinism 7, no. 6 (2002): 18-30.

48

An [ecosystem] is a biological

49. Ibid.

50. Ibid.

community of a variety of interacting organisms and their physical environment. The organisms vary greatly in their functions and designs.

Though each is important individually, they fit together in a blended fashion that enables them to support one another and the ecosystem as a whole.

their unique characteristics is the programming of rules that inform the next moves in a strategic manner. One component’s

“There is no independence in nature. The whole of

action is able to trigger thousands of other actions in

nature is a unified system of interdependent variables; each a

supplemental components, just like the human nervous

cause and a reaction. Existing only as a concentrated whole”.49

system.

The concept of emergence owes its relevance to

the fact that it is a crucial piece in understanding the puzzle of

[Rules] + [Actions] = [Behaviors] OR

[Principles/Equations] + [Patterns] = [Shapes/Geometry]

49

nature and its complex systems. The notion that humanity is separated as intelligent beings from the rest of the animal and plant kingdoms, and the geophysical elements in the universe

BIOSPHERE ECOSYSTEM COMMUNITY POPULATION ORGANISM

2.13 - FORM AND FUNCTION IN NATURE

D’Arcy Thompson, considered one of the pioneers

in bio-mathematics and allometry, observed that differential growth rates of the parts of a living organism’s body affected the relationship of body size to shape, anatomy, physiology, and finally behavior (Fig. 2.24). Specific variables, such as temperature, latitude, resource availability, among others,

Fig. 2.23 - Ecological Levels of Organization

affect the genome which determines the formal and behavioral

is an erroneous misconception as the entire human race

outcome. Depending on where an organism is located and

depends on them for survival. Take one away and the entire

in what type of habitat it prospers, certain body attributes

system will collapse (Fig. 2.23).

are developed: wings, fins, fur, etc. Teeth, in this case,

determine what kind of animal it is: What will it look like?

The law of cause and effect can also be found within

the principles of emergence; the natural law that states that for

Carnivore or herbivore? What will be its behavioral patterns?

every action, there is an equal opposite reaction.50 Humanity

This can also be observed in the factors that determine the

needs to understand that life is not a human experience but a

variables of a bird’s shape, the beak’s shape, the length of

total one. Success, as defined by nature, depends on how well

the neck, the shape of the wing, etc. The type of flight the

we relate to everything around us. The world is a community.

bird will perform is affected in relation to its wing size and

The universe is a community. Thus, architecture must embrace such natural concept.

Another aspect that can be learned from Emergence

is the potential to articulate the concept physically through mathematics. Mathematics is the abstraction of our physical world. It is the language of nature. Everything that surrounds us can be represented through numbers. If you graph these numbers, or abstract representations of reality, then patterns will begin to emerge.

Fig. 2.24 - Allometric Transformations by D’Arcy Thompson

50

body shape. This is witnessed in the short-wing typology of maneuvering birds versus the larger wing typology of soaring

interaction or transition.53 •

birds. Form is the expression of embedded forces. It is the result of an interaction of interactions, or system driven by

rhythms.

•

system. Therefore, form follows function. In nature, form is not accidental but consequential; created with a specific purpose

Le Corbusier strongly believed that these natural

Positive Space: Wholeness in the space between its components.

•

to ensure efficient survival.51

Alternating Repetition: Distinct sequence and alternate

Good Shape: Derived by recursive aggregation of elemental geometric shapes; usually curvilinear.

•

Local Symmetries: Natural generative forces controlled

forces generated forms based on fitness of purpose

by the principles of minimum energy and least action.

according to laws of economy. He considered this belief a

Existence of a local layered organization; sub-symmetries

universal principle that gave way to the flawless qualities of

within sub-symmetries within symmetries.

harmony, order, and balance that are so present in nature.

•

Peep Interlock & Ambiguity: Interrelating connections.

As a consequence, he also believed that by utilizing these

A subsystem can belong to either of two perceptually

forces in architecture, man would be able to achieve a

overlapping systems.

grander connection with the universals and order that govern

•

existence.52

Contrast: Positioning of opposites provides mutual reinforcement.54

•

2.14 - PROPERTIES OF NATURAL ORDER

Gradients: Strengthen precedent and antecedent condition.

There are a number of prevalent traits and patterns

•

Roughness: Perceptual irregularity.

found in natural systems and forms. These properties can be

•

Echoes: Characteristic angles and proportions resonate

seen from the micro to the macro scale in organisms and their

throughout the whole.55

integral structures. If attention is paid, these characteristics are

51

easily spotted:

2.15 - NATURE IN NUMBERS

•

Levels of Scale: Clear hierarchy at multiple levels of

scale.

witnessed all around. It lies in the pinecones, sunflowers,

•

Strong Centers: Radially generated.

cauliflowers, turtles, shells, fireflies; literally everywhere.

•

Boundaries: Spatial proximity form boundaries. Zones of

Nature has a language and it is that of numbers. Everything in

When one looks to nature, mathematics can be

it is beautifully proportioned, arranged, and measured through mathematical principles that create systems; systems of proportion; systems of growth; systems of movement.

These proportional systems are controlled by a set of rules or laws, which usually manifest in the form of equations and principles. These rules then create iterative actions, which can also be identified as patterns. The patterns, following the Law of Entropy and cause-and-effect, later create reactions or results, which can manifest themselves as shapes and geometry. Thus, connecting the worlds of abstract numbers and theories with the physical and tangible. “Math is about patterns … patterns are what life is about.” – K. Devlin.

One of the most prominent mathematical concepts present in nature is the Fibonacci sequence. By definition, the first two numbers in the Fibonacci sequence are 0 and 1, and each subsequent number is the sum of the previous two: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144….

This sequence can be used to derive proportional systems

Fig. 2.25 - Fibonacci Phyllotaxis in Nature

such as the Golden Ratio. Its presence in nature can usually be found in spirals, more specifically logarithmic spirals, conforming the shape and geometry of organisms in nature.

They can be found in flowers, pinecones, artichokes, shells, and pineapples, among others (Fig. 2.25). The number of spirals in these objects usually sum up to a number belonging to the Fibonacci sequence.

But, conditions will not always favor Fibonacci

numbers and ‘imperfections’ might arise. These imperfections

51.

52.

53.

54.

55.

Harris, 56.

Ibid.

Ibid. 64.

Ibid. 65.

Ibid. 66.

52

can take the form of Lucas numbers. The Fibonacci and Lucas numbers are closely related and both are intimately related to the Golden Ratio as well. Similar to the Fibonacci numbers, each Lucas number is defined to be the sum of its two immediate previous terms:

2, 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 18, 29, 47, 76, 123…

The first two Lucas numbers are 2 and 1 as opposed to the first two Fibonacci numbers 0 and 1. Though closely related Fig. 2.26 - Sunflower Seed Spiral

in definition, Lucas and Fibonacci numbers exhibit distinct properties however. Like all Fibonacci-like integer sequences, the ratio between two consecutive Lucas numbers converges to the Golden Ratio.

The Golden Ratio can be explained when the

ratio of two quantities is the same as the ratio of their sum to their maximum. It is present in shells and the number can be depicted as: 1.618. An angle can be derived from it that is proved to control the distribution and rotation of elements in nature such as the growth of leaves in a branch or the sunflower seed spiral (Fig. 2.26). That angle is 137.5° and just like the Fibonacci sequence, it is present all over nature. The angle 100° would be the equivalent for the Lucas numbers.

These mathematical principles are a tool to derive proportional systems and identify patterns for design and architecture 56. William Meeks, and A. Ros, The Global Theory of Minimal Surfaces in Flat Spaces: Lectures given at the 2nd Session of the Centro Internazionale Matematico Estivo (C.I.M.E.) Held in Martina Franca, Italy, June 7-14, 1999. (Berlin: Springer, 2002).

53

with instructions from nature. Due that mathematics are the abstraction of the physical world; they serve as a vehicle in the articulation of all previous concepts into an architectural solution.

2.16 - MINIMAL SURFACES & SOAP FILMS

The connections between bio-mathematics and

architecture are unequivocal. There is a contagious fascination in architectural theory nowadays with employing mathematical models as inspiration for architecture, more now with the use of new digital technologies. It is not so much about understanding the complete architecture of the underlying mathematical formulae, but the key lies in possessing the imagination to translate these concepts effectively into

Fig. 2.27 - Minimal Surface

architectural models.

A compelling characteristic of soap bubble structures

is that they always strive to minimize their surface areas. That is why a free floating soap bubble will always be spherical in form, because the bubble minimizes its surface area while aiming to maximize its volume with the amount of material membrane at hand. A minimal surface can be defined as a surface characterized by having a total mean curvature equal to zero in every point. Simply put, for all points on the surface, if the surface is curving with a certain amount in one direction, at the same point the surface will also have to curve with minus the same amount in the normal direction (Fig. 2.27). A minimal construct’s surface area is minimized given a set of specific constraints. For example, the constraints could be the shape of its rig/supporting edge or the volume of air trapped inside the soap film. The soap film is unable to change the initial constraints, but it can change its surface shape and curvature (Fig. 2.28).56

Fig. 2.28 - Soap Film

There is great architectural and sustainable potential

in learning from the concept of minimum surface area and maximum volume. By employing a minimal surface approach we can expect to reduce the amount of material utilized to create our spaces, thus reducing the amount of energy used to manufacture such materials. Also, it presents an opportunity to mitigate man’s spatial impact on the environment by taking only the necessary volume of space for the built construct out of the environment.

54

Voronoi

are equidistant to the nearest two, or more, source points In nature, the Voronoi diagram or tessellation,

(Fig. 2.30). This strategy can aid plant cells in determining the

named after Russian-Ukrainian mathematician Georgy

most efficient arrangement in order to keep as much contact

Voronoy, can be found in the arrangement of plant cells and

as possible with adjacent neighboring cells and facilitate the

microstructure organization of insects (Fig. 2.29), among

exchange of nutrients throughout the leaves. In architectural

others. Its practical application lies in taking pairs of points

terms, this technique can be employed in the arrangement of

that are close together and drawing a line that is equidistant

program components to ensure maximum interaction among

between them and perpendicular to the line connecting them.

its users and function systems. Also, the triangulation of

In other words, all points on the lines or edges in the diagram

structural elements in three dimensional space can create more compact buildings and distribute load forces more efficiently while saving up on material.

2.17 - FRACTAL GEOMETRY

Fractal geometry surged from the quest for

a possible key to understanding the natural world. The fundamental processes underlying a category of fractals, known as iterated function systems, are startlingly simple Fig. 2.29 - Voronoi Structure in Dragonfly WIng

yet produce a vast number of complex and effective forms in nature. The iterated repetition of these simple rules of formation gives birth to an immeasurable array of complex structures and behaviors (Fig. 2.31). These systems of rules govern themselves by the adage that ‘simplicity equals complexity’.57

The fractal forms found in nature (Fig. 2.32) exhibit

essential qualities that make them unique and of high human interest. These qualities are interwoven, reinforcing, and Fig. 2.30 - Voronoi Diagram

55

supporting of each other, some of which are:

•

Self-Similarity

•

Holism

•

Structure

•

Generative Quality

•

Dimension

•

Organizational Depth

•

Recursive / Nested Quality

•

Geometric Diagram Fig. 2.31 - Fractal Geometries

2.18 - BEHAVIORS OF NATURAL SYSTEMS

The recognition of basic theories and models

that describe the behavior and evolution of living systems allows for a comprehensive approach towards a biomimetic architecture. This set of principles will all strive to work and interact with each other in order to create a place of contemplation, education, knowledge, experience, and scientific research.

•

Fig. 2.32 - Fractal Recursion in Nature

Complexity: The complexity of living matter results from the presence of emergent properties, not reducible to the properties of the underlying components. As an example, consciousness or memory cannot be understood by looking at individual neurons; nor is the behavior of an ant colony the result of a group of individual ants.58

•

Evolution: The generative process of biological complexity, operating at multiple scales. It accounts for all sorts of changes and adaptations in different situations,

57. Harris, 14.

58. Christa Sommerer, and Laurent Mignonneau, Living Systems (Barcelona: Actar, 2011), 10.

56

•

•

•

from the emergence of new viruses to human language. It

present patterns of connection that are neither purely

can be either fast or very slow.59

regular nor random.65

Interaction: Process through which individuals and

Emergence: Appearance of novel properties, such as life

groups act, identify, communicate and react in relation to

or consciousness, often resulting from a sudden change

each other and to the environment.60

in the communication pattern among existing entities.66

Iteration: Procedure for generating structures or series

•

Autonomous System: A system able to sustain itself

by means of sequential repetition of a set of simple

and adapt to a given environment and its changes. This

operations, which can lead to unpredictable behavior.61

can be achieved through adaptive strategies to perform

Cooperation: Process of working or acting together,

given functions, cooperation with other systems or even

which can be accomplished by both intentional and

language development.67

non-intentional agents. In its more complicated forms, it

•

•

•

Fractal: Geometric structure characterized by the

can involve something as complex as a bee community,

presence of self-similarity: parts of the system appear to

the inner workings of a human being or even the social

look like the whole. The term was coined by Mandelbrot

patterns of a whole country.62

in 1975 and was derived from the Latin ‘fractus’ meaning

Self-Organization: Process whereby a structure appears

‘broken’ or ‘fractured’.68

in a system without a central authority or external

•

•

57

element. This global pattern appears from the local

2.19 - COMPUTATIONAL SYSTEMS AND

interaction of the elements that make up the system, thus

NATURE

the organization is achieved in a way that is parallel and

distributed, that is without a coordinator.63

the behavior we witness in nature are in some way similarly

Open Systems: Systems continuously interacting with

responsible for the behavior of simple programs. By studying

their environment through an exchange of information,

the nature of simple programs, we can obtain insight into

energy and/or matter.64

the behavior of systems in nature and understand what

Network: Interconnected set of nodes representing

mechanism in nature causes the complex forms in vegetation,

living organisms, individuals or agents. Linked nodes are

animals, and phenomena. Nature’s rules of growth can

those that keep any kind of relationship, interaction, or

be viewed as a program and the resulting behavior as a

exchange. Social, biological, and technological networks

computation. The fundamental categories of repetition,

The fundamental mechanisms responsible for

nesting, and randomness with localized structures appear to

possibilities take over the design decisions and are applied

represent the dominant behavior in many natural systems.69

without critical reflection. Therefore, a strong conceptual framework for the design is needed to develop coherent

2.20 - COMPUTATIONAL GENERATIVE

architectural designs. A great potential lies in the combination

DESIGN

of intuitive ideas and vague formal explorations in combination

with mathematically defined relationships and rule-based

With the increasing integration of digital

computational design and science research, new design

interdependencies. Mathematics can play a role in both parts,

processes that integrate self-organizational processes of

as overall conceptual inspiration for the generation of ideas

biology and other life sciences have appeared throughout the

and as a tool for the geometrical relationships of elements.”71

last few years. These processes are frequently based on the use of an algorithm, which is a sequence of instructions for completing a task or computation. Algorithms are utilized in the design process by providing a framework for articulating and defining both the input data and procedures. Computational systems aid us in computing complex processes in a fraction of a second, which otherwise would take us a long time to decode.70

Through the advancement of digital design

methodologies in architecture, not only new tools have become available, but a new understanding of the design process is emerging as well. With it, new definitions and an understanding of form and matter are coming. “The current transformation process has the potential to unite the use of computational techniques in architecture which are applied for discrete parts of the design and construction process at present… The constantly evolving new computational design possibilities come along with the difficulty that software

59. Sommerer and Mignonneau, 10.

60. Ibid., 18.

61. Ibid., 20.

62. Ibid., 26.

63. Ibid., 30.

64. Ibid., 32.

65. Ibid., 34.

66. Ibid., 36.

67. Ibid., 38.

68. Ibid., 40.

69. Harris, 240-244.

70. Ibid., 249.

71. Michele Emmer. “Minimal Surfaces and Architecture: New Forms” Nexus Network Journal.

Accessed August 2013, Volume 15, Issue 2. 227-239.

58

2.21 - SYNTHESIS

resources.

Human presence and intervention on the

environment causes alterations in ecosystem balance

practices? The extraction of water from underground sources

leading to the extinction of endemic species populations and

and aquifers at such rate has been turning water saline as

physical change in landscapes. Unsustainable development

they become recharged with seawater and draining lands

models and practices, pollution, natural resource depletion,

from a vital resource that is essential to their survival. This has

deforestation, and habitat destruction, are some of the

also created a considerable drawdown of the water tables as

problems human society brings upon the environment.

well as a reduction in rainfall and increase in temperatures

worldwide. These biomimetic strategies also pose great

Life on Earth is interconnected and interdependent.

There are a series of principles and strategies within natural

potential to help restore the fertility of our soils; vital to feed our

systems, structures, and processes that represent the

ever increasing population.

overarching patterns found amongst species surviving and

thriving on Earth. Nature integrates and optimizes these

our built environment? Energy expenditures to cool / heat

strategies to create conditions conducive to life. If we zoom

buildings are massive and contribute to climatic change which

in on nature, it can teach us a variety of strategies that can

directly affects fragile ecosystems, such as cloud forests.

be employed in order to adopt a paradigm shift in the way

This creates the opportunity to conceive buildings that are

we go about utilizing our natural resources, manufacturing

extended organisms where function and structure meld and

our building blocks, designing our infrastructure, cities,

are controlled by the overriding demands of homeostasis.

and ultimately designing our buildings. The answers to our problems have always been there, we just need to pay attention to them.

Why do we need more efficient biomimetic structures

and materials? With the creation of more efficient, frugal, smart, and elegantly designed structures and materials we will be able to counteract the current inefficient architectural building techniques and systems that employ environmentally harmful processes and deplete the world’s finite natural

59

Why do we need biomimetic water harvesting

Why do we need biomimetic thermal control in

ECOTONE: /‘eko,tōn/ A transition area between two biological communities or biomes. It may be narrow or wide, and it may be local (the zone between a field and forest) or regional (the transition between forest and grassland ecosystems).

60

CONTEXT ANALYSIS 61

Fig. 3.1

3

62

INTRODUCTION

The project requires a place with natural

abundance and biodiversity. If the goal is to develop new technologies and methods from natural models, there needs to be a rich presence of raw material (nature) readily available.

So what is biodiversity? Biodiversity

(or biological diversity) is a term employed in reference to the totality and variety of life on Earth. Biodiversity includes genetic diversity within species, the variety among species, and the range of ecosystems within which life or organisms exist and interact.

63

BIOMES in Costa Rica Polar Ice Taiga / Coniferous Forest Tundra Temperate Forest Tropical Rainforest Temperate Grassland Savannah / Tropical Grassland Desert Chaparral / Mediterranean Mountains Oceanic

Fig. 3.2 - Costa Rican Biomes

64

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

Americas

Central America Fig. 3.3

65

0.03% o f

t h e

w o r l d ’ s

L A N D M A S S [ 1 9 , 7 3 0 m i . 2]

Costa Rica

66

70% of the world’s

BIODIVERSITY

Australia

is found within these countries 3.1 - BIODIVERSITY

Costa Rica is a small territory of 19,730 sq. mi.

[51,100 sq. km.] located in Central America. Due to its Colombia

neotropical climate and wide variety of habitats, it houses a vast number of flora and fauna; nowhere else in the world are so many types of habitats or ‘biomes’ squeezed into such a small area. Tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, Atlantic and Pacific coastline, cloud forests, and Mangrove forests are some of the ecosystems found within the country. Costa Rica

67

Indonesia

is home to more than 500,000 species, which represents a 4%

of the estimated species estimated to exist worldwide.72 The

countries that contain the majority of the world’s species (Fig.

country is located in between the North and South American

3.4). It is estimated that 70% of the world’s total biodiversity is

continents; characteristic that is attributed to the biodiversity

found in just twelve of these countries: Australia, Brazil, China,

of wildlife residing in it. Together with Panama, it forms a

Colombia, Costa Rica, the Democratic Republic of Congo,

type of land ‘bridge’ that allows for the intermixing of species

Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico and Peru.75

from both hemispheres.73 Therefore, doubling the number of

These are habitually found in the Southern Hemisphere where

concentrated species per 10,000 sq. km. to an impressive 615;

the density of species is the greatest. Tropical regions account

the highest density of biodiversity worldwide. 74

for the support of two-thirds of the estimated 250,000 plant

Costa Rica forms part of a selected number of

Brazil

Ecuador

China

4% Democratic Republic of Congo

Mexico

Costa Rica

Peru

India

Madagascar

Fig. 3.4 - Worldwide Biodiversity

species and overall, are thought to contain about 50-90% of the species in the planet. 76

72. “Biodiversity in Costa Rica”, Inbio, http://www2.inbio.ac.cr 73. Stiles, Gary Slater and Alexander F. Skutch, A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 1989).

74. Obando, V. “Biodiversidad en Costa Rica”. INBio-Sinac. INBio-Sinac.

75. UNEP/Global Environment Outlook 3 (2003). http://www.unep.org/geo/geo3. asp 76. World Resources Institute, Earth Trends. http://www.wri.org/our-work/ project/earthtrends-environmentalinformation

68

COSTA RICA LIFE ZONES Elevation

Forest Type

Tree Features

Canopy Height

Epiphytes or Vines

Shrub Layer

Ground Layer

Other Features

1000m

Tropical Dry Forest

Compound leaves, stout trunks, flattopped crowns.

20-30m

Occasional

Dense and thorny

Sparse/bare

Rubiaceae common in understory

Tropical Moist Forest

Wide crowns, light-colored bark.

40-50m

Abundant

Palms

Bare, some ferns

Many lianas, long drip tips on leaves

Tropical Wet Forest

Buttressed trunks, light-colored bark.

45-55m

Relatively rare

Palms and giant herbs

Sparse, some ferns

Most species-rich life zone in Costa Rica

Tropical Premontane Moist Forest

Umbrella crowns, flaky / rough bark

25m

Rare

Woody, spiny plants

Sparse

Many trees crooked

Tropical Premontane Wet Forest

Bark brown or gray, fissured, leaves on twig ends.

30-40m

Present, many vines

Dense and thorny

Bare, some ferns

Most trees covered by moss

Tropical Premontane Rain Forest

Round to conical crown, thin bark

30-40m

Abundant

Dense

Completely covered in ferns

Moss and epiphytes everywhere

Tropical Lower Montane Moist Forest

Rough bark, gnarled 30-35m branches

Uncommon

Dense, large-leaved plants

Open, grassy

Most of the trees are oaks

2000m

3000m

4000m

4500m

Tropical Lower Mon- Thick flaky bark tane Wet Forest

20-25m

Orchids, bromeliads

Dense, few palms

Ferns, vines, rotting leaves

Large coiled lianas common

Tropical Lower Mon- Thick bark, compact tane Rain Forest crown

25-30m

Orchids, bromeliads

Dense

Ferns, sedges, moss

Large-leaved vines

Tropical Montane Wet Forest

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Bamboo

Unknown

Restricted to the southwest slopes of Volcano Irazu, little data

Tropical Montane Rain Forest

Short with rough bark

25-30m

Orchids, bromeliads

Bamboo

Open

Woody vines with fleshy leaves

Tropical Subalpine Rain Paramo

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mostly tree-like flowers

Mosses dominate

Bogs are present

Fig. 3.5 EcoMap Costa Rica. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2014, from http://www. ecomapcostarica.com/ref/plants.shtml

69

Fig. 3.6

Holdridge Zones

National Parks / Protected Areas

Main Roads & Highways

Peaks & Volcanoes

Hydrography

70

clear-cutting on their land and create tree plantations instead,78 making it one of the first countries to pioneer payment for ecosystem services to conserve forests and maintain freshwater resources.

Other efforts of conservation can be witnessed

in the creation of a number of educational institutions and conservational organizations that foment the public’s awareness in the importance of the environment. InBio Fig. 3.7 - Rio Celeste

Parque, El Zota: Field Station (Fig. 3.8), Finca BellaVista: A

3.2 - WILDLIFE CONSERVATION &

Sustainable Treehouse Community (Fig. 3.9), and EARTH

PROTECTION

University, are some of these facilities, to name a few.

The country takes great pride in its natural

exuberance, commitment to conservation, and the sustainable development of its economy. Over 27% percent of the country’s territory has been designated a protected status of national parks, wildlife refuges, forest preserves, among others (Fig. 3.7).77 The government executes a 5% tax on gasoline to generate revenue in order to pay landowners to desist from

Fig. 3.10

71

3.3 - ECO-TOURISM

The Costa Rican economy has been benefited to a

great extent thanks to its biodiversity. The practice of Ecotourism brings about $1.92 billion dollars in revenue for the country every year.79 The eco-tourism industry here thoroughly promotes the protection and preservation of natural resources

77. Karen Holl, Gretchen Daily, Paul Ehrlich. “Knowledge and Perceptions in Costa Rica Regarding Environment, Population, and Biodiversity Issues”.

Conservation Biology 9 (6): (December 1995). 1548–1558. www.jstor.org.

Retrieved 5 November 2013.

78. John Burnett, “Costa Rica Aims to Be a Carbon-Neutral Nation”, National Public Radio, Retrieved 5 November 2013, www.npr.org.

79. Wesley Rose, “Costa Rica: Unequaled Tradition Of Political, Social and Economic Stability”. Inside Costa Rica.

Fig. 3.8 - El Zota Biological Station

Fig. 3.9 - Finca Bellavista Treehouse Community

72

rather than consuming them. Millions come every year to visit

with the amount that it captures or offsets by, for example, by

its exuberant national parks and natural reserves (Fig. 3.11 &

planting trees.

3.12). Due to this, Costa Rica has been able to position itself

among one of the leaders and pioneers in this industry.

Dobles, stated that his plans to achieve this ambitious goal

included using budgeting, laws, and incentives, as well as

In past decades, growth of tourism in Central

The Environment and Energy Minister, Roberto

America was stagnant due to armed conflicts and civil wars

measures to promote biofuels, hybrid vehicles, and clean

taking place among some countries in the region. As peace

energy. A new ‘C-Neutral’ system was proposed where tourists

developed throughout the neighboring countries, Costa Rica

and businesses will be charged a voluntary ‘tax’ to offset their

witnessed a significant increase in tourism which only rose

carbon emissions, with one ton of carbon valued at $10. The

during the next two decades.80 In 1988, the number of visitors

money collected from the system will then be invested to fund

rose to 329,000, to 1.03 million in 1999, all the way to an

conservation, reforestation, and research in protected areas.

impressive record of 2.34 million tourists in 2012 (Fig. 3.13 &

Thus, Costa Rica is taking a lead role globally in regards to

3.14).81

reducing our carbon footprint, as about 80% of the country’s

This success can also be correlated to Costa Rica’s

geographical proximity to the United States, as 20% of the

energy is already generated from renewable sources, such as wind and water (Fig. 3.15 & 3.16).

world’s tourism is comprised of American travelers. American visitors make up 49% of Costa Rica’s total tourism rates, while 9% is comprised of visitors from Canada and Mexico.82

3.4 - COSTA RICA STRIVES TO BECOME CARBON NEUTRAL BY 2020

Recently, at a 2013 United Nations climate

conference talk held in Monaco, of 154 nations, Costa Rica was one of five other countries, Iceland, Monaco, New Zealand, and Norway, which committed to achieve carbon neutrality. Carbon neutrality seeks to balance the amount of carbon dioxide a country releases by burning fossil fuels

73

80. Weaver, D.B. (1996) [1998].

Ecotourism in the Less Developed World. London: Cab International. 52.

81. Departamento de Estadísticas ICT (2009). “Anuário Estadístico 2008” (PDF) (in Spanish). Instituto Costarricense de Turismo. Retrieved 2013-07-19.

82. Dasenbrock, Julie (2002-02-01).

“The Pros and Cons of Ecotourism in Costa Rica”. TED Case Study Template.

Retrieved 2013-11-12.

Fig. 3.11 - Monteverde Sky Walk Suspension Bridges

Fig. 3.12 - Monteverde Sky Walk Suspension Bridges

Fig. 3.13 - Arenal Sky Tram

Fig. 3.14 - Monteverde Sky Trek Zipline

Fig. 3.15 - Pirris Dam

Fig. 3.16 - Proyecto Eolico Valle Central de Santa Ana

74

SITE ANALYSIS

75

10˚18’37” N 84˚48’55” W

Fig. 4.1

4

76

SITE JUSTIFICATION WHY Monteverde? Monteverde qualifies as a vulnerable ecosystem (cloudforest) which has been affected by our current unsustainable practices, leading to ecosystem imbalances. Human intervention in the landscape has lead to the extinction of endemic species such as the Golden Toad, and keeps witnessing a great deal of physical change due to the construction of hotels in the area and deforestation for cattle. It is also a unique and rare ecosystem that nurtures life, which can be studied for signs of biomimetic adaptations and conditions that could help mankind achieve such ecological equilibrium within its built environment.

Fig. 4.2

77

78

Fig. 4.3

Fig. 4.8

Fig. 4.12 - Project Site

SITE 79

Fig. 4.4

Fig. 4.5

Fig. 4.9

Fig. 4.6

Fig. 4.10

Fig. 4.7

Fig. 4.11

This patch of land in Monteverde was once covered in lush cloudforest but due to the high demand for lumber and cattle at the time, it was deforested. A site ravaged by human activity becomes an opportunity to restore it. It is also bordered by rainforests, creating a clear edge and an invitation to its inhabitants could be extended. The site is located in a main road, close to the UGA Costa Rica campus and it also poses the opportunity to draw tourists and the community into learning more about biomimetic practices due to easy visibility.

80

Fig. 4.13

MONTEVERDE

81

Location: 140 miles (225 km) northwest of the capital city of

numerous other reserves. This attracts in turn a considerable

San José (generally, this takes about 3.5 hours by car and 5

numbers of tourists and naturalist enthusiasts.

hours by bus).

was mainly populated by Creole people who worked at the

Monteverde, Costa Rica is a small town in

In the early decades of the 20th century, the area

Puntarenas, Costa Rica, located in the Cordillera de Tilarán.

nearby Guacimal gold mines. Decades later, the town was

It is considered a major ecotourism destination in Costa Rica.

then founded by a group of Quakers, originally from Alabama,

The area is host to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and

United States, who defied the Korean War American draft

SAN JOSE

SANTA ELENA

MONTEVERDE

Fig. 4.14 back in the 1950s. They settled due to its cool climate and

of insect species, 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles,

dedicated themselves to dairy farming. That land was later set

more than 3,200 species of plants including 500 species of

apart for conservation.

orchids and 700 species of trees, living within its bounds. It’s

one of the few remaining habitats that support all six species

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was

established in 1972 and initially covered some 810 acres (328

of the cat family – jaguars, ocelots, pumas, oncillas, margays,

ha) of forested land. Nowadays, its protective reach extends

and jaguarundis – as well as the endangered three-wattled

over 35,089 acres (14,200 ha) and encompasses eight life

bellbird and resplendent quetzal. Over 8 miles (13 km) of

zones atop the Continental Divide. Monteverde is home to 100

trails are available for visitors to explore on their own or with a

species of mammals, 400 species of birds, tens of thousands

guide.

82

Monteverde Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Santa Elena i

m 8 .

ALTITUDE = 4460 ft

i

m

0

0

Fig. 4.15

83

.6

1.8mi

mi 7 .

1

1mi

Site

UGA Costa Rica Campus

Road 620

Main Road 606

San Luis

Fig. 4.16 - Santa Elena

Fig. 4.17 - Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Fig. 4.18 - UGA Costa Rica Campus

84

UGA CR CAMPUS

Fig. 4.19 - UGA Costa Rica Classroom

UGA Costa Rica is used as a site for research, study

abroad, symposia, and ecotourism. Located at the foot of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, is primarily a site for the University of Georgia’s study abroad programs, though dozens of other American universities utilize the campus for study abroad as well. Currently UGA Costa Rica offers 23 annual programs held during the fall, spring, Maymester, and summer terms as designated by the University of Georgia. The scope of Fig. 4.20 - UGA Students

85

each program differs greatly as UGA Costa Rica works with

over 50 UGA faculty members in 28 academic disciplines.

Launched in January 2008, the Carbon Offset Program

is a unique component of UGA Costa Rica’s study abroad experience. In addition to offsetting carbon emissions related to the participant’s international travel and the efforts to restore critical lost habitats where tropical rain forests once stood, UGA Costa Rica’s Carbon Offset Program seeks to establish longterm research forests where scientists from the University of Georgia and elsewhere can study the effects of climate change;

Fig. 4.21 - UGA Costa Rica Library

forest, soils, and wildlife ecology; sustainable silviculture and soils management techniques; and even sociological issues.

The UGA Costa Rica campus sits at the head

of the San Luis Valley adjacent to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Though 155 acres in size, only about 10% of the property contains built structures of any kind, leaving the majority of the campus situated in a web of federally protected but privately owned natural forests.

Altogether

the

campus

comprises

36,000

Fig. 4.22 - UGA Costa Rica Common Area

square feet (3,300 m2) of built space, which was designed almost exclusively by the University of Georgia’s College of Environment & Design. The complex houses a student union space, natural science wet laboratory,

classrooms,

a student recreation center, residential facilities, cabinas, student bungalows, resident faculty house, among others.

Fig. 4.23 - Student studying insect

86

POPULATION = 6750

Santa Elena

Site

Monteverde

N

500’

1500’

Fig. 4.24 - Figure Ground

87

Institutional Commercial Hospitality Residential

Fig. 4.25 - Land Use / Zoning

88

Biodiversity Monteverde is home to:

3%

of world’s known species of Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Insects, Plants

Without a niche to dwell in, shade and a variety of plants and animals as food sources, many organisms struggle to survive in deforested areas and man-impacted landscapes.

Fig. 4.26 - Biodiversity Diagram

Extinct Endemic Species: GOLDEN TOAD

Fig. 4.27 - Golden Toad

89

100 MAMMALS: Howler and Capuchin monkeys, Puma, Ocelot, Deer, Tapir, Sloths, Marsupials, Muskrats, Edentates, Squirrels, Paca, Agouti, Porcupine, Ground Hog, Wild Pig

400 BIRDS: Hummingbirds, Quetzals

3,200 PLANTS / TREES: Epiphytes, Orchids

+10,000 INSECTS/ARTHROPODS: Butterflies, Ants, Centipedes, Spiders, Moths

1,200 REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS: Snakes, Tree Frogs, Toads, Salamanders

90

LOCAL FAUNA

Fig. 4.28 - Fauna Sketches

Bat

Bullet Ant

Salamander

Iguana

91

Sunflower

Scorpion

Tree Frog

Raven

92

Emergent Layer The tallest trees of the rainforest can be as tall as skyscrapers. They poke through the canopy to form the Emergent Layer. The sun is so bright and the wind so strong here that only trees with thick leaves and strong trunks can survive in this layer.

Canopy Layer This layer stretches out like an umbrella of leaves and branches over the forest below. This is the thickest layer and much of the rain is stopped by the thick foliage. Most trees in the forest grow to this height. There are plants that grow in the canopy layer whose roots don’t reach the ground. These are called air plants.

Understory Not much sun reaches the understory, so small plants climb the tree trunks reaching for more light. Animals such as jaguars, tree frogs, and insects find homes in the nooks and crannies of tree trunks.

Forest Floor It is very dim on the rainforest floor. Even on the sunniest days, very little sunlight makes its way through thick vegetation and tree branches soaring above the rainforest floor.

Subsurface The subsurface provides the necessary nutrients for the rainforest to thrive. It absorbs moisture and provides the “infrastructure“ for the ecosystem to function.

93

Fig. 4.29

Cloud Forest Structure

94

CLIMATE Site Area 375,750 sq. ft.

Jun 21

66˚

294˚

Mar 21/ 271˚ Sep 21

Dec 21

90˚

114˚

246˚

Fig. 4.30

Fig. 4.32 Resting roughly at 4,600 ft above sea level, Monteverde is misty, humid, and windy, with a mean annual temperature of 18 °C (64 °F) (Nadkarni 2000: 17). Annual rainfall averages

Dry Season: December to March

16

14

14

12

12

13 11

10

FOG DAYS

8 6

4

4 2

1

0

1

2

0 Jan

Feb

Mar

Total = 102 days

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

It is foggy 28.3% of the year

95

17

10

around 3,000 millimetres (118 in). Humidity oscillates between 74% and 97%.

17

18

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

WIND

Fig. 4.31

MAX.

36

44

68

46

58

46

46

36

58

51

46

12

AVG. (mph)

15

15

13

11

8

7

8

8

6

6

8

45

61%

62%

65%

79%

83%

79%

81%

86%

86%

80%

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

104 100 96 92 88 84 80 76

TEMPERATURE (°F)

72 68 64 60 56 52 48 44 40 36 32

64% JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

NOV

DEC

Fig. 4.34

RAIN DAYS

PRECIPITATION (mm / in)

Fig. 4.33

OCT

71% R.H.

Total = 198 days

Total = 3000 mm. // 118 in.

It rains 54.2% of the year

96

Optimum Tilt of Solar Panels by Month * in degrees from vertical

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

64˚

72˚

80˚

88˚

96˚

104˚

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

96˚

88˚

80˚

72˚

64˚

56˚

Fig. 4.35

97

Mar 21/ Sep 21

On December 21st, the sun will rise 87° east of due south and

Dec 21

set 87° west of due south.

Jun 21 On March 21st/ September 21st, the sun will rise 91° east of due south and set 91° west of due south.

On June 21st, the sun will rise 95° east of due south and set

95˚ 91˚ 87˚

95° west of due south.

Sunrise: 5:30 AM. Sunset: 5:30 PM. Daylength oscillates between 11 hrs 30 min to 12 hrs throughout the year.

98

PROGRAM ANALYSIS 99

5

100

PROGRAM GOALS The purpose of this building is to create an architecture that foments an environment of exploration, education, collaboration, and innovation for the development of

Architects & Engineers

new biomimetic building technologies. The concept of interdisciplinary collaboration dwells at the heart of this project and is what has the capability of ensuring its success.

The center will house research and educational components as well as some hospitality units for researchers in residence and students.

The facility will provide spaces for the research and development of building technologies in the areas of:

SUBSYSTEMS [USERS]

• BUILDING STRUCTURES • MATERIAL PHYSICS & ENGINEERING • ENERGY & LIGHTING

Students

• AIR QUALITY CONTROL • PROTOTYPE FABRICATION • INTEGRATED SYSTEMS Fig. 5.1

101

PROGRAM SYSTEM HIERARCHY Technicians

Biologists

RESEARCH SYSTEM [PROGRAM] SUPERSYSTEM [BUILDING]

HOSPITALITY

MONTEVERDE RESEARCH CENTER FOR BIOMIMETIC BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

EDUCATIONAL

Entrepreneurs Tourists 102

USER PROFILES

Fig. 5.2

103

Fig. 5.3

Fig. 5.4

College Students

Biologists

Engineers & Architects

With the proximity of the UGA (University of Georgia) Costa Rica campus, the facility can be an opportunity for foreign or local students to immerse themselves in the biomimetic environment. Students can even contribute new ideas through design studio programs while receiving feedback from professionals currently in the field.

Monteverde has always been a ‘mecca’ for eager biologists looking to experience the rich flora and fauna the cloud forest region has to offer. The facility will serve as a support for the Monteverde Biological Station.

Here, biological scientists and researchers will be able to collaborate with architects and engineers in order to develop new biomimetic building technologies and educate students, tourists, and the community about what nature’s genius is able to offer us.

These professionals play a key role in the new paradigm shift.

Making it tangible, applicable, and functional is their niche in the facility’s ‘ecosystem’.

Structural, mechanical, material, environmental, engineers and architects will all collaborate with biologists and among themselves in order to give birth to the new advances in biomimetic building technology.

Biologists Technicians Architects / Engineers

Discover

Learn

the rainforest in search of new specimens

species with functional adaptations

organism dynamics and adaptations

Observe

Discover

Learn

Educate

Collaborate

specimens and their adaptations

technical adaptations by detailed analysis

the physical principles of adaptations

other disciplines on new discoveries

in design to ensure proper application

Discover

Learn

Educate

Collaborate

Apply

collegues and other disciplines on new technologies

to develop proper understanding of methods

new biomimetic methodologies developed

Students

Entrepreneurs

biological applicable biomimetic methods principles and systems

Collaborate

other disciplines on in design to ensure learned observations principles are present

Discover

Learn

Educate

Collaborate

Apply

biological principles and new possibilities

biomimetic methods and approaches

collegues and other disciplines

to spread biomimetic technologies in the building industry

new biomimetic models of production and manufacturing

Observe

Discover

Learn

Educate

Apply

peers, friends and communities on biomimicry

learned biomimetic principles and methods to work

Educate

Apply

family, friends and communities on biomimicry

learned principles and methods to future projects

new biomimetic methods and technologies

Observe

Eco-Tourists

Educate

Explore

new biomimetic methods and technologies

new possibilities and principles and ways of looking at methods inspired by sustainability nature

Discover

Learn

new ways of looking principles and at nature methods inspired by nature

Fig. 5.5

104

ECORIUM PROJECT CASE STUDY

Fig. 5.6

105

Architects: Grimshaw Architects Engineer: Samoo Architects & Engineers Location: Seocheon-gun, South Korea Area: 356,177 sq. ft.

Building Type: Museum / Educational Construction: 2013

The Ecorium is an environmental visitor attraction at the National Ecology Center. It showcases the world’s diverse ecosystems as immersive teaching exhibits and was planned with the ultimate goal of educating the population about ecology and sustainability. The visitors are guided through five biomes, experiencing the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest, cloud forest, dry tropics, cool temperate, and Antarctic regions.

Fig. 5.7

The project also showcases various susainable strategies.

For example, the alignment and orientation of the numerous greenhouses were simulated to create an ideal environment depending on the climate zone the greenhouse would represent. The sloped curtain-wall enclosing each climate zone will gather rain-water for cooling & watering plants.

These and other techniques employed are set to have reduced energy consumption by approximately 10%.83 83. Ecorium. Grimshaw. Retrieved January 21, 2014, from http://www. http://grimshaw-architects.com/project/ ecorium/

Fig. 5.8

Fig. 5.9

106

RI. MED BRBC

(BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH & BIOTECHNOLOGY CENTER) CASE STUDY

Fig. 5.10

107

Architects: HOK Engineers: Buro Happold Location: Palermo, Sicily, Italy Area: 334,000 sq. ft.

Building Type: Museum / Educational Construction: est. 2016

The Ri. Med Biomedical Research and Biotechnology Center is set to be a global hub for biomedical research and development. The design promotes communication by organizing the research facility as a small, compact village integrated into the landscape. At the heart of the village, a pedestrian street connects all of the buildings and offers spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north and the mountains to the south.

The flexible laboratory space is divided into four wings on three floors. A modular design allows each laboratory neighborhood to be easily subdivided. Floor-to-ceiling glass between laboratory and documentation areas maximizes visibility between teams and provides ample natural light.

A mix of formal and informal workspaces encourages collaboration. At the heart of the laboratory space is a central conference center with an auditorium.

A central commons building provides additional conference facilities, a small faculty club café and other amenities. A patient trial clinic and incubator labs are located nearby for easy patient access.87

Fig. 5.11

Fig. 5.12

This research center is expected to employ more than 600 scientists and other staff. Future plans for an additional hospital and medical school have also been made. The research center is an example which promotes dialogue and collaboration between various disciplines in order to achieve a common goal.

84. Furuto, Alison. “New Global Hub for Biomedical Research / HOK” 30 Nov 2012. ArchDaily. Retrieved 21 January, 2014, from http://www.archdaily. com/?p=300385

Fig. 5.13

108

QUANTITATIVE PROGRAM Preliminary Program

Research Laboratories

Thermal Test Lab

Energy Systems Integration Lab

Biodynamic Structures Lab

Materials Lab Technological Platforms Prototype Building & Testing Bioterium Greenhouse

Size

Use

4

2,200 sq ft

B-2

1 1 1 1

B F-1 U U

Education Classrooms Collaboration Design Studios Lecture Hall Conference Room Exhibition Gallery Lounge

400 sq ft 1,600 sq ft 400 sq ft 1,600 sq ft Total: 6,200 sq ft

3 4 1 2 1 5

B B A-3 B A-3 B

Administration Offices Lobby / Reception

1,600 sq ft 1,600 sq ft 580 sq ft 520 sq ft 1,500 sq ft 200 sq ft Total: 6,000 sq ft

2 1

B A-3

Hospitality Living Quarters Cafeteria (Indoor / Outdoor)

800 sq ft 1,200 sq ft Total: 2,000 sq ft

10 1

5,000 sq ft 1,600 sq ft Total: 6,600 sq ft

R-1 A-2

2 2

400 sq ft 400 sq ft 3,200 sq ft 3,600 sq ft Total: 7,600 sq ft

S-1

Services / Support Mechanical Restrooms Circulation (13%) Storage

109

Quantity

Preliminary Occupancy 4 4 4 4 2 8 1 4 15 20 20 6 20 2

IBC Code Research

Total Exits Required = (173 Occupants x 0.2 = 34.6”/36” door) = 2 Maximum Travel Distance = 250’ w/ building sprinklers Allowable Building Height = 65’ (building height based on max. wind pressure in accordance to the Association of Carribean States Building Code for Wind Loads)

4 20 20 15 TOTAL LOAD: 173

TOTAL GROSS: 28,400 sq ft 110

Lecture Hall

Administrative Offices

Prototype & Fabrication Lab

Bioterium

Reception / Lobby

Exhibition Galleries

Reception / Lobby

ADJACENCY MATRIX

1

2

2

4

4

1

3

4

4

3

4

4

4

4

Exhibition Galleries Lecture Hall Administrative Offices

1

Prototype & Fabrication Lab Bioterium Greenhouse Research & Development Design Studios Conference Rooms Technological Platforms Dining Kitchen Lounge Dormitories Restrooms Technical / Mech Vertical Access / Egress 1 2 3 4 Fig. 5.14

111

Most Important

Least Important

Greenhouse

Research & Development

Design Studios

Conference Rooms

Technological Platforms

Dining

Kitchen

Lounge

Dormitories

Restrooms

Technical / Mech

Vertical Access / Egress

4 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 1

4 4 2 2 4 2 4 4 4 2 2 1

4 4 3 3 4 1 3 2 4 1 1 1

3 1 2 1 2 4 4 1 4 2 4 2

1 1 1 3 1 4 4 4 4 3 1 1

1 1 1 4 2 4 4 3 4 4 2 3

1 1 4 2 3 4 4 4 4 3 4

1 1 1 2 4 3 4 2 1 2

2 4 2 4 1 3 1 3 2

4 2 3 3 4 1 4 1

4 4 3 4 2 1 3

1 3 3 1 2 1

3 4 3 1 1

2 2 4 3

1 2 1

1 4

2

112

Fig. 6.1

SCHEMATIC DESIGN 113

6

114

MEDIA-TIC BUILDING CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.2

115

Architects: Enric Ruiz-Geli, Cloud 9 Location: Barcelona, Spain Area: 150,695 sq. ft.

Building Type: Control Center / Office Construction: 2010

Designed to be a communications hub and meeting point for businesses and institutions in the world of information and communication technologies (ICTs). It is creating a new model of intellectual space that will promote collaboration and synergies between the University, Technology and Business, with the aim of encouraging the development of an innovative culture and fresh talent.The building seeks to be a vehicle for the dissemination of new technologies, while being designed as a socially open civic space.

Fig. 6.3

It is cube-shaped and covered in a plastic coating of inflatable bubbles, as a way of regulating light and temperature, primarily preventing 114 tons of CO2 a year from escaping from the building, and offering a 20% saving on climate control. The ETFE skin is activated using pneumatic mechanisms thanks to “luxometer” sensors that automatically and independently activate the chamber inflation and deflation devices according to how much solar energy the panels are receiving.

Fig. 6.4

Fig. 6.5

Fig. 6.6

116

THE EDEN PROJECT CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.7

117

Architects: Nicholas Grimshaw Engineer: Anthony Hunt & Associates Location: St. Blazey, Cornwall, UK Area: ~ 5.5 acres Building Type: Museum / Educational Construction: 2000

The Eden Project was conceived in response to the need of further educating the local population about the dependence of life as we know it with the environment; that thin crust of dirt and air around the globe that nurtures the growth and survival of all living organisms in this planet. The site is a wide old china-clay pit about 1,000 feet deep, with very unstable terrain in certain places. The project is shaped as a connected chain of varying-diameter bubbles that form two colossal geodesic dome structures or ‘biomes’. Each one of these biomes encloses specific microclimatic conditions and vegetation.85 The first, ‘Rainforest Biome’, covers about 3.9 acres and stretches 180 feet high, 328 feet wide and 656 feet long. It is dedicated to humid tropical plants, such as banana trees, cocoa, rubber, nuts and species. Therefore it is kept under a tropical temperature and moisture level. The ‘Mediterranean Biome’, covers about 1.6 acres and stretches 115 feet high, 213 feet wide and 443 feet long. It is the home to warm temperate and arid plants such as olives and grape vines.86

Fig. 6.8

Fig. 6.9

The covered ‘biomes’ were constructed from tubular steel with hexagonal and pentagonal external cladding panels made from a high-strength polymer called Ethylene Tetraflouroethylene (ETFE). These were sealed around their perimeter and inflated in order to create a large ‘cushions’.

In this way, the ‘cushions’ act as a thermal blanket for the structure. The structure is an entirely self-supported geodesic dome, with no internal supports.

In order to achieve the lightest structure possible, the architects studied examples in nature closely, such as carbon molecules to single-celled organisms to pollen grains, which drove them to the conclusion that a spherical structure comprised of hexagons and pentagons was the optimal. Focus was directed toward maximizing the hexagon sizes so that the

Fig. 6.10

118

amount of natural light penetration could be increased. Glass was discarded as an option as it posed serious constraints due to unit sizes and weight. The use of ETFE translated to a 1% of the weight of glass (a factor – 100 saving) and much larger ‘cushions’ could be created in comparison to the biggest sheets of safety glass available.3 This design breakthrough catalyzed other efficiency gains throughout the design. Larger hexagons meant less steel, which meant more light admitted, which reduced the amount of heating that would have to be done in the colder months of the year.

This implementation of biomimicry resulted in a design that utilized only a fraction of the resources used in an otherwise conventional approach and cost a third only a third in comparison to a glasshouse’s average rate. Considered a success such that the weight of the Rainforest Biome superstructure is less than that of the air contained inside of it.

Fig. 6.11

119

85. Pawlyn, M. (2011). How can we build more efficient structures?.

Biomimicry in architecture (pp. 18-19).

London, UK: Riba Publishing.

86. Eden Project. (n.d.). Top eco visitor attraction. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://www.edenproject.com/

120

ISLAND OF LIGHT CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.12

121

Architects: Tonkin Liu Engineer: Arup Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan Area: 785,765 sq. ft.

Building Type: Port & Cruise Service Center Construction: 2010 Competition Submission

The design is based on clear and rational principles of providing comfortable conditions for the building users in a low-energy fashion. Rather than trying to condition all the spaces, those requiring more stable conditions are contained in the base so that the benefits of thermal mass can be exploited, similarly to the way animals exploit the steady temperatures of the ground. Seawater is used as a locally available source for cooling during the warmer times of the year through the use of high-efficiency heat exchangers.

The characteristic canopy of tree structures is created using the shell lace system of perforated steel sheet. The forestlike structure is draped with a covering of ETFE pillows that provide shelter from the wind, sun, and rain. It also facilitates natural ventilation through the use of rooftop wind-catchers and vents coupled with low-level vents in order to take advantage of the wind and stack-effect forces within the building. Additionally, the canopy controls the admission of light into the building as well as the harvest of rainwater to provide for the building’s water needs. The design employs a series of biomimetic techniques and strategies that seeks to optimize its interaction with the environment.87

Fig. 6.13

Fig. 6.14

87. Pawlyn, M. (2011). Synthesis.

Biomimicry in architecture (pp. 110-111).

London, UK: Riba Publishing.

Fig. 6.15

122

THE LOWLINE CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.16

123

Architects: RAAD Studio Engineer: James Ramsey Location: Manhattan, New York City, NY Area: 1,650,000 sq. ft.

Building Type: Public Park / Solar System Construction: est. 2018

The Lowline is an ongoing project promoting the use of new innovative solar technology to illuminate a historic trolley terminal on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The project proposes an underground park and a cultural attraction in one of the world’s most dense and exciting urban environments.

It will be located in the former Williamsburg Bridge Trolley Terminal below Delancey Street.

The proposed solar technology, designed by James Ramsey of Raad Studio, involves the creation of a “remote skylight.”

Sunlight passes through a glass shield above the parabolic collector, and then reflected and gathered at one focal point, where it is directed underground through a series of fiberoptic cables. Then, sunlight is transmitted onto a reflective surface on the distributor dish underground, which transmits the collected sunlight into the space underneath. This technology would transmit the necessary wavelengths of light to support photosynthesis, enabling plants and trees to grow. During periods of sunlight, electricity would not be necessary to light the space. In September 2012, the Lowline team built a full scale prototype of the technology. This attracted thousands of visitors, where it ultimately served as a proof of the concept.88

Fig. 6.17

Fig. 6.18

This new sustainable technology offers a great opportunity to enhance the environment and to fill our built spaces with organic life.

88. The Lowline. (n.d.). Top eco visitor attraction. Retrieved February 2, 2014, from http://www.thelowline.org/

Fig. 6.19

124

WARKAWATER TOWERS CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.20

125

Architects: Arturo Vittori Engineer: N/A Location: Ethiopia Area: N/A Building Type: Water Collection System Construction: est. 2015

The WarkaWater Towers are a revoluntionary new way to collect clean drinking water in Ethiopia and other parts that dwell under the arid African climate, where water collection is often a dangerous and incredibly time-consuming procedure.

They were inspired by the local Warka tree, a large fig tree native to Ethiopia that is commonly used as a community gathering space. The towers take advantage of condensation, utilizing the environment’s humidity. They were designed in order to ensure long-term environmental, financial and social sustainability, and to provide a more reliable, efficient and sustainable method of water harvesting for local women and their families. Each of the towers cost approximately $550 and can be built in under a week with a four person team and locally available materials.

The 30 foot, 88 pound structures are made out of juncus stalks or bamboo woven together to form the tower’s vaselike frame. Inside, a plastic mesh material made of nylon and polypropylene fibers act as micro tunnels for daily condensation. As droplets form, they flow along the mesh pattern into the basin at the base of the towers. By harvesting atmospheric water vapor in this way, it’s estimated that at least 25 gallons of potable water can be sustainably and hygienically collected by the towers every day.89

Fig. 6.21

Fig. 6.22

This project proves an incredible opportunity to exploit and obtain useful resources from readily available sources, such as humidity in the air, in a sustainable manner.

89. Inhabitat. Jewell, N. Brilliant warkawater towers collect drinking water from thin air in ethiopia. Retrieved February 2, 2014, from http://inhabitat. com/nature-inspired-warkawatertowers-use-condensation-to-collectdrinking-water-in-ethiopia/

Fig. 6.23

126

MEXICAN HAIRY PORCUPINE

Coendou mexicanus BIO CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.24

Function: Maintain physical integrity and prevent structural failure from buckling.

Strategy: Spines are made of a dense outer shell surrounding an elastic, honeycomb-like core.

Mechanism: An outer shell of almost fully dense material supported by a low density, cellular core. In nature, all are loaded in some combination of axial compression and bending: failure is typically by buckling.

Biomimicking of natural cylindrical shell structures may offer the potential to increase the mechanical efficiency of engineering structures.

Fig. 6.25

127

TROPICAL TREES BIO CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.26

Function: Maintain physical integrity and prevent structural failure from compression.

Strategy: Trees gain support by growing together in an upward spiral.

Mechanism: Thin trunks join into bundles, supporting each other and forming an upward winding spiral.

Fig. 6.27

128

WALKING STICK Leptynia hispanica BIO CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.28

Function: Structural efficiency

Strategy: Nature achieves high flexural and torsional stiffness in support structures, with minimum material use, by using hollow cylinders as struts and beams.

Mechanism: Hollow cylindrical tubes. Nature uses them in diverse places, bamboo stems; vertebrate long bones; insect, spider, and crustacean appendages; the wing veins of insects; and the feather shafts of birds. Hydrostatic systems and hollow cylindrical beams.

Fig. 6.29

129

PLANT CELLS

Ocotea monteverdensis BIO CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.30

Function: Structural; Resist gravitational loading

Strategy: The broad leaf of a tree resists gravitational loading through its internal anisotropic structure: liquid-filled cells along the bottom resist compression, and, along the top, long cells with lengthwise fibers resist tension.

Mechanism: Uses thick-walled, liquid-filled cells along its bottom, which resist compression well, and long cells with lengthwise fibers along the top, which act as ropy tension resistors. Internal structure--anisotropy at various levels-matters at least as much as overall cross section in efficiently dealing with gravity. (Vogel 2003:375-376) Fig. 6.31

130

BROMELIADS Bromeliaceae BIO CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.32

Function: Water storage

Strategy: Leaves capture water and nutrients in a storage tank via hydrophobic leaf surfaces.

Mechanism: Leaves are coated in small surface cells raised like bumps.“Bumpy” cells have tiny hairs that catch water as it drops. The hairs are several millimeters higher than the outer surface of the leaf and thus, hold the water above the leaf itself. Below the tiny hairs are small, hydrophobic wax crystals.

This causes it to roll off until they can collect on the hairs. The shape of the leaves bends in a convex shape such that water rolling across the wax crystals either drips off the outside of the plant or is funneled down to a pool in its center.

Fig. 6.33

131

TINA Tillandsia punctulata BIO CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.34

Function: Water harvesting

Strategy: Leaves of rosette-forming plants capture fog by having a narrow form.

Mechanism: Some first-principles from physics predict that narrow leaves, together with other ancillary traits (large number and high flexibility of leaves, caudices, and/or epiphytism) which constitute the ‘‘narrow-leaf syndrome’’ should increase fog interception efficiency. Interception efficiency is maximized by large numbers of narrow leaves.

Fig. 6.35

132

CLOUD FOREST

Biome BIO CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.36

Function: Water harvesting

Strategy: Trees of cloud forests contribute to water yield by precipitating water from clouds onto needles, a process known as ‘fog drip.’

Mechanism: Water condensing on the needles and dripping to the ground can increase precipitation enormously. Trees can sometimes scavenge more moisture from the clouds than the clouds yield directly as rainfall.

Fig. 6.37

133

BULLET ANTS

Paraponera clavata BIO CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.38

Function: Cooling and ventilation

Strategy: Air scoops on the sides of ants cool them through evaporation.

Mechanism: When these ants backs enter the sunny, hot lawn, little airscoops on its side automatically switch on. A mist of cooling water vapor puffs upward from them. This keeps the ant’s temperature down.

Fig. 6.39

134

LEAFCUTTER ANTS Atta vollenweideri BIO CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.40

Function: Natural ventilation

Strategy: Nests self-ventilate thanks to two different types of turrets taking advantage of wind.

Mechanism:

Fig. 6.41

135

Surface wind, drawing air from the central tunnels of the nest mound, is thought to be the main driving force for nest ventilation. According to predominant airflow direction, two functionally distinct tunnel groups were identified: outflow tunnels in the upper, central region, and inflow tunnels in the lower, peripheral region of the nest mound. Outflow of air through the central tunnels is followed by a delayed inflow through the peripheral tunnels. Openings are designed on top of the nest with turrets which may reinforce wind-induced nest ventilation.” (Kleineidam et al. 2001:301)

RING-TAILED SALAMANDER Bolitoglossa robusta BIO CASE STUDY

Fig. 6.42

Function: Energy harvesting

Strategy: Algae encapsulated in cells of spotted salamander may provide photosynthetic products (oxygen and carbohydrates) by internal symbiosis.

Mechanism: Algae are located inside cells all over the salamander’s body. Because vertebrate cells have what is known as an adaptive immune system, which destroys biological material not considered ‘self’, the salamander cells have either turned their internal immune system off, or the algae have somehow bypassed it.” (Petherick 2010:1)

Fig. 6.43

136

DESIGN DRIVERS These are design drivers or concepts that are present in nature and can be translated into architectural design language or ordering principles. Some more present than others, but at one point, they were all part of the design thinking process.

137

Community

Interwoven

Fractal

Phyllotaxis

Interaction

Responsive

Landscape Sensitive

Adaptive

Gradient Fig. 6.44

138

MITIGATING MAN’S IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT 1

MINIMAL SURFACE & VOLUME Architectural volume encloses space. It carves away space which is also part of the existing ecosystem and reclaims it.

Space that serves a purpose for its surroundings in providing a place to dwell in. By minimizing the surface area and optimizing the volume of the built construct, to take away only the necessary, this spatial impact is therefore reduced.

Also, along with a minimal surface area, comes a reduction in material resource usage as well.

3

POINT OF CONTACT

EXTRACTIVE VS. DISTRIBUTIVE

Our current way of building occupies an excessive amount of land area that serves as a niche for many organisms. Raising a building up from the ground minimizes the amount of land impacted by the architecture as well as the invasion of the existing ecological system and whatever is dependent of it.

When architecture is built, the local biological system’s energy flow is disturbed. Solar energy, in order to fuel photosynthesis, is blocked; wind patterns are modified; migratory and feeding routes are interrupted; organisms are deprived of water sources; the list can go on indefinitely. But what architecture can do in order to avoid falling in a parasitic behavior is employ an arsenal of sustainable strategies aiming to cooperate and give back what it has taken away.

1

Fig. 6.45

139

2

2

Fig. 6.46

3

Fig. 6.47

140

PROCESS SKETCHES These sketches portray the main train of thought that took place throughout the design process. Ecological thinking, along with form and materiality worked together in order to arrive to a cohesive design solution.

Fig. 6.48

141

Fig. 6.49

142

CELLULAR MORPHOGENESIS Morphogenesis or “beginning of the shape” is the biological process by which an organism develops its form and shape. Highly dependent on cellular growth patterns, either by differentiation or integration. It arises from the interaction of cells within the tissues. Through a process known as cell sorting, cells are able to sort themselves into clusters that maximize contact between cells of the same type.90 This technique is applied in the conception of the design’s floor plans as the goal is to optimize interaction between the program’s components and foment collaboration between the disciplines. This cellular close-packed and voronoi spatial arrangement also saves up space and distance, therefore saving energy within the system.

Fig. 6.52

Fig. 6.50 - Program Distribution Sketch

90. Gilbert, Scott F. (2000).

“Morphogenesis and Cell Adhesion”.

Developmental biology (6th ed.).

Sunderland, Mass: Sinauer Associates.

CLOSE PACKING

PROGRAM PLACEMENT

Fig. 6.52

143

SCHEMATIC SITE PLAN

Fig. 6.51

VORONOI PLAN

CELLULAR GROWTH

144

145

Fig. 6.53 - Perspective

146

Fig. 6.54 - Rain Runoff

147

Fig. 6.55

EAST ELEVATION

Fig. 6.56

SOUTH ELEVATION 148

CONCEPTS & MATERIALITY

Fig. 6.57 - Minimal Surface Structure

Fig. 6.58 - ETFE Panels

Fig. 6.59 - Metal Mesh Pathways 149

Fig. 6.61 - Bone Tissue Matrix

Fig. 6.62 - Bone-inspired Floor Concept

Fig. 6.60 - Schematic Epiphytic Unit

Fig. 6.63 - Hanging Platform 150

Primary Structure

Structural Tensile Cables

Elevated Pathways

Hanging Platform System

Fig. 6.64 - Schematic Exploded Axonometric

151

Fig. 6.65

152

Fig. 7.1

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT 153

7

154

155

Nature as Mentor.

Fig. 7.2 - Research Gardens

156

Nature as Measure.

Fig. 7.3 - Approach from Santa Elena

157

158

159

Nature as Model.

Fig. 7.4 - Main Entrance

160

BIOMIMETIC DESIGN DRIVERS

161

BROMELIADS (EPIPHYTES) Fig. 7.5

Funnel form and hydrophobic leaves aid in storing rain and condensation in center storage tank.

BONE TISSUE Fig. 7.6

Economizes material by only densifying it where the major loads and forces are acting. Areas lacking pressure are left as voids.

PLANT CELLS Fig. 7.7

Grow and organize in a voronoi sequence, use sunlight as their primary fuel, and possess an inflatable hydrostatic behavior.

SOAP FILMS & CRYSTALS Fig. 7.8

Close pack together saving space and distance in order to economize energy and material.

CLOUDFOREST ECOSYSTEM Fig. 7.9

Complex interconnected networks where each individual’s function benefits the greater whole.

162

SITE PLAN

Fig. 7.10

163

164

SOUTH ELEVATION

165

Fig. 7.11

166

EAST ELEVATION

Fig. 7.13

167

Fig. 7.12

WEST ELEVATION

168

FLOOR PLAN LEGEND 1st Level

EDUCATIONAL CLUSTER

2nd Sub-Level 3rd Sub-Level 1) Reception 2) Prototype & Fabrication Lab 3) Office 4) Storage 5) Exhibition 6) Lecture Hall 7) Dining 8) Kitchen 9) Design Studio 10) Research & Development 11) Bioterium 12) Tech Platforms 13) Greenhouse 14) Conference Room 15) Lounge 16) Dormitories 17) Restroom 18) Mech

0

169

20

60

120

RESEARCH CLUSTER

A-1

Fig. 7.14

170

L1 S2 S3

A-1

171

REACTIVE INSULATION

SOLAR COLLECTION & DISTRIBUTION

Plant cells retain water depending on the surrounding environmental conditions. The warmer the environment, the more water they hold on to in order to avoid dehydration.

This was used as a metaphor as water would be too heavy to insulate the building. Instead, another valuable and free resource was employed: Air. Reactive inflatable pressurized panels respond to the exterior conditions by filling up with air which in turn acts as light and non-toxic insulation; a means to maintain homeostasis without energy-consuming HVAC systems.

Just like plant cells satisfy their energy needs through photosynthesis, free solar energy is collected through BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) along the building canopy. This energy is then used to fuel the various systems throughout the building. A fiber optic technology system installed in the canopy channels natural sunlight down and projects it into the landscape below in order to provide it with the essential resource.

RAIN COLLECTION & DISTRIBUTION Like Monteverde’s endemic epiphytes in the forest canopy, the roof structure is shaped to “funnel” rain water down to storage cisterns; the water is then distributed to the various spaces. Sprinklers under the floor system also utilize this water to spray the landscape underneath, thus providing it with the necessary moisture levels to allow life to flourish on the structure while creating “research pockets” where organisms can dwell for future research.

Fig. 7.15

NATURAL VENTILATION

FOG / DEW COLLECTION

Organisms utilize homeostasis, or the ability to self regulate internal temperatures, in order to achieve thermal balance and economize on valuable energy. Mechanisms such as transpiration are used to allow excess heat to leave their bodies. An environmentally responsive floor system acts as “pores” allowing the necessary ventilation from below in order to regulate interior temperatures without energy-consuming HVAC systems. The facility contains several voids in order to let air through the spaces. The canopy also creates a semioutdoor space with natural ventilation.

In the natural world, water is a valuable resource. Organisms evolve and adapt in order to acquire it. Bromeliads (epiphytes) are able to harvest water from mist in the cloud forest. This presents another opportunity to harvest water from an unusual source instead of extracting from aquifers and other sources that can cause ecosystem imbalances. The facility makes use of fog harvesting meshes around its envelope and in between its floor system in order to catch condensation from the changing temperatures between nightfall and daybreak.

172

PERFORATED METAL PLATE Manufactured using 100% renewable energy, a high percentage of recycled content and recyclable properties.

Fig. 7.16

1

CELLULOSE-BASED ETFE PANELS High melting temperature, excellent chemical, electrical and high energy radiation resistance properties with acceptable environmental degradation.

Fig. 7.17

2

HYDROPHOBIC GLASS LOUVERS

Fig. 7.18

3

Surface-treated glass that self-cleans by activation of UV rays.

A surface coating is applied to glass that by the photocatalytic effect continuously breaks down organic dirt to negate the need to clean the pane. Activated by UV rays, the TiO² based coating also has a hydrophobic effect, causing water to sheet rather than spot so that a clearer surface remains when the surface becomes wet.

FOG HARVESTING FABRIC Fig. 7.19

4

Balance between hydrophilic materials that attract water droplets, and hydrophobic materials that then send them down into a collection container. Fog harvesters have captured one liter of water (roughly a quart) per one square meter of mesh, per day.

D-SHAPE 3D PRINT New building technology which enables full-size sandstone buildings to be made without human intervention, using a stereolithography 3-D printing process that requires only sand and a special organic binder to operate.

Fig. 7.20

5

173

EPIPHYTIC UNIT SECTION REACTIVE INFLATABLE ETFE PANELS

2

3

4 1

5

REACTIVE POROUS FLOOR

Fig. 7.21

174

REACTIVE POROUS FLOOR SYSTEM

Perforated Metal Plate

Teflon Fabric + Fog Harvesting Fabric = Porous Mechanism

Utility Piping

D-Shape Hexagonal Close Packed Frame

Perforated Metal Plate

Fig. 7.22

175

OPEN FLOOR PORES

Profile

Top

Perspective

CLOSED FLOOR PORES

Fig. 7.23

GRASSHOPPER DEFINITION

Fig. 7.24

176

REACTIVE INFLATABLE ETFE PANELS Fig. 7.25

Fig. 7.26

GRASSHOPPER DEFINITION

177

INFLATED ETFE PANELS

(unresponsive to external radiant pressures)

(responsive to external radiant pressures)

Thermal Analysis Profile

Thermal Analysis Top

DEFLATED ETFE PANELS

Fig. 7.27

Fig. 7.28

178

HIGH-LEVEL STRUCTURAL HIERARCHY

Fig. 7.29 - Cellular Multi-Level Structural Member

179

Multiple layers of structure from macro, the overall structure, to micro, the individual structural members, aid in economizing material by increasing density only where it is needed.

Therefore, increasing the structural hierarchy levels such as those found in nature’s structures.

GRASSHOPPER DEFINITION

Fig. 7.30

180

Fig. 7.31 - Research & Development

Fig. 7.32 - Prototype & Digital Fabrication Lab 181

BIPV Panels

ETFE Panel Skin

3D Printed Structure

Frosted & Clear Glass Envelope + Fog Meshes

Floor Plates + Circulation

Fig. 7.33 - Exploded Axonometric 182

Fig. 7.34

183

SYMBIOGENESIS FINAL GRASSHOPPER DEFINITION

184

Fig. 7.35

FINAL PRESENTATION BOARDS 185

186

Fig. 7.36

187

THAT’S A WRAP! 188

SITE MODEL

189

Fig. 7.38

Fig. 7.37

190

Fig. 8.1 - Final Boards

THESIS CONCLUSION 191

8

192

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Biologically Aware At least one component within the life principle is present in the design; Moving towards a greener approach.

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Fig. 8.3

195

symbioGENESIS A Mutualistic Interaction of Nature and Architecture Monteverde Research Center for Biomimetic Building Technology

This thesis began with the existential observation

and interacts with it as one of its organisms. The building integrates itself into the natural cycles and seeks to enhance the environment in order to further foment its subsistence. The exploration of Biomimicry opened my eyes to a whole new

that man, as a species, is not of much contribution to the

world of innovative possibilities by refining my sensibility to the

planet’s overall ecosystem unlike the rest of the species

vast catalog of countless adaptations and techniques offered

which he inhabits it with. Our humble progress dating back to

by nature such as homeostasis.

around 10,000 B.C. have dramatically changed throughout the

millennia and it shows no signs of halting. Human progress

of looking at sustainability in my mind. For me, sustainability

can be measured by its technological advances. When

does not only mean that a material is less toxic for the

technology progresses, humanity takes a leap forward into

environment or possesses less embodied energy. True

the future, or so we think. Lately, during the past centuries,

sustainability is an ecological way of thinking. It is a systematic

technological innovations have caused more damage

way of thinking about cause and effect. It is the realization of

than good in all aspects, social, economic, political, and

interconnectedness between human activity and environment.

environmental. The environment has witnessed the impact

The realization that we are one. It is thinking about how our

of such ‘progress’ through global climate change, resource

actions and creations are going to impact the world around

depletion, and extinction at an accelerated rate. Humanity has

us. But more importantly, it is asking the question of how our

taken an antagonistic position in the environment’s future lead

practices benefit the environment and can even enhance it as

by technology. But technological advancement and economic

we connect to nature once again.

Finally, this exploration formed an entire new way

prosperity does not have to equal unregulated extraction of resources and ecosystem destruction.

It is time to realize that technology, and building

technology specifically, can be a major player in the much needed paradigm shift. My design attempts to unite both technology and nature through architecture. Through the mimicking of natural forms, processes, and systems, I created an architecture that speaks of coexistence with nature

196

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Marco Barboza // ARCH 799 - Thesis II // Prof. Hsu-Jen Huang // Summer 2015