Architecture Commons^™

Utilizing Biomimicry To Design Sustainable Architecture, Virginia Hammond

Architecture Undergraduate Honors Theses

Nature has an integral relationship with architecture and serves as a sustainable role model and inspiration for designers. The process of biomimicry in architecture has the potential to produce more sustainable design solutions and foster a connection between humans and nature. Existing biomimetic design projects have varying strengths and weaknesses as examples of the process. Utilizing guidelines and references from key leaders in biomimetic design consultancy (Biomimicry 3.8), selected case studies are assessed for their ability to demonstrate the benefits of this design strategy. Using these evaluations, the case studies are diagrammed and critiqued to determine how new projects could …

Biomimicry As An Urban Challenge In Shaping The Future Of Cultural Communities, Nora M. Rehan

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

The cultural identity of urban communities is the main expression of historical privacy and shapes societies’ past, present, and future. It is an entity of cultural and knowledge accumulation stemming from the community's traditions and customs, which help to consolidate the social fabric and play an important role in the lives of individuals and the planning and development processes. Urban areas with cultural and heritage values are the most important competitive advantages of urban cities that are considered as a primary nucleus for achieving sustainability on a broader scale for the neighboring regions. One of the most important of those …

Mars 2100: A Microcosm Of Ecocentric Design, Andrea Hoe

Architecture Thesis Prep

In the dystopian future of 2100, Earth becomes a dying planet and humanity is forced to continue colonizing the solar system for survival. Mars develops as a colonized planet, exploited for its natural resources and potential. The hierarchical system of power seen constantly throughout Earth’s history was inescapable, and poor conditions turned to extremes. As billionaires take control of the space race, the capitalist system reflected in past company towns was implemented, making the moral questions and lines blurred.

When the system is eventually ruptured, ecosystemic living is proposed. Living is now centered around health and mindfulness, creating a system …

Lightweight Material Prototypes Using Dense Bundled Systems To Emulate An Ambient Environment, Chris Knapp, Jonathan Nelson, Andrew Kudless, Sascha Bohnenberger

Jonathan J Nelson

This paper describes and reflects upon a computational design and digital fabrication research project that was developed and implemented over 2014-2015, with subsequent development continuing for applications at present. The aim of the research was to develop methods of modelling, analysis, and fabrication that facilitate integrative approaches to architectural design and construction. In this context, the development of material prototypes, digital simulations, and parametric frameworks were pursued in parallel in order to inform and reform successive iterations throughout the process, leading to a refined workflow for engineering, production, and speculation upon future directions of the work.

Lightweight Material Prototypes Using Dense Bundled Systems To Emulate An Ambient Environment, Chris Knapp, Jonathan Nelson, Andrew Kudless, Sascha Bohnenberger

Chris Knapp

This paper describes and reflects upon a computational design and digital fabrication research project that was developed and implemented over 2014-2015, with subsequent development continuing for applications at present. The aim of the research was to develop methods of modelling, analysis, and fabrication that facilitate integrative approaches to architectural design and construction. In this context, the development of material prototypes, digital simulations, and parametric frameworks were pursued in parallel in order to inform and reform successive iterations throughout the process, leading to a refined workflow for engineering, production, and speculation upon future directions of the work.