• Login
    View Item 
    •   Research Bank Home
    • Study Areas
    • Architecture
    • Architecture Dissertations and Theses
    • View Item
    •   Research Bank Home
    • Study Areas
    • Architecture
    • Architecture Dissertations and Theses
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Bionic architecture

    Nazareth, Aaron

    Thumbnail
    Share
    View fulltext online
    MArch(Prof)_2018_Aaron Nazareth +.pdf (27.40Mb)
    Date
    2018
    Citation:
    Nazarath, Aaron (2018). Bionic architecture. An unpublished research project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional) Unitec Institute of Technology, New Zealand.
    Permanent link to Research Bank record:
    https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4330
    Abstract
    RESEARCH QUESTION AND PROJECT AIMS: How can architecture be created through bio-inspired design, involving adaptive kinetic modules? The aims of this project are: ● To introduce a kinetic facade system that is adaptable to the weather conditions. This will be a dynamic system that can sense the natural elements to control and improve the building's sustainability. ● To create a sustainable system with natural and renewable resources obtained from the environment. ● To create a building programme which generates organic resources through a minimal waste process. Biomimetics or Biomimicry refers to human-made processes or systems that imitate nature. These terms come from the Greek words bios, meaning life and mimesis to imitate1. The idea of biomimicry is becoming increasingly popular in the field of Architecture, as we seek sustainable solutions by emulating nature's time-tested patterns and strategies2. Living organisms are not perfect but are continually evolving to survive; this provides a useful model to guide adaptive architecture. This research proposal sought to learn from and incorporate living organisms into a building to improve sustainability in architecture and produce sustainable resources. Here is the question this proposal seeks to solve: 'How can architecture be created through bio-inspired design involving adaptive kinetic modules?' The project seeks to create flexible kinetic systems, which when placed strategically around a structure can enhance the occupants' quality of life through biophilic principles. This building design provides a means to collect natural resources like rain water and solar energy and uses these resources to cultivate microalgae as a sustainable resource. It also sets out to create a number of by-products including bio-fuel, clean water and biomass through its collected resources via a closed-loop process. The brief proposes to design a research facility with these design principles based in Auckland. The design mimics organic systems and produces an outcome that will benefit people and the environment. One of the building’s primary objectives is to facilitate the recycling of pollutants like carbon dioxide to contribute to its sustainability and eco-friendliness. With kinetic systems placed in or around the building's envelope, the structure should function as a self-sustaining object. The outcome of this project is a design which incorporates a number of processes to obtain a diverse range of organic resources. A key feature of the design is that the process is demonstrated in a visual manner throughout the building to inspire and affect its occupants and observers, with a view of teaching them what can be done with microalgae as a sustainable resource
    Keywords:
    32 Patiki Road, Avondale, New Zealand, Avondale, New Zealand, sustainable buildings, biophilic design, analogic architecture, bio-inspired resources, facade system, microalgae facade, research centres, biomimicry, closed-loop systems, zero waste
    ANZSRC Field of Research:
    120104 Architectural Science and Technology (incl. Acoustics, Lighting, Structure and Ecologically Sustainable Design)
    Degree:
    Master of Architecture (Professional)
    Supervisors:
    Murphy, Chris; Rennie, Julian
    Rights:
    This digital work is protected by copyright. It may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use: Any use you make of these documents or images must be for research or private study purposes only, and you may not make them available to any other person. You will recognise the author's and publishers rights and give due acknowledgement where appropriate.
    Metadata
    Show detailed record
    This item appears in
    • Architecture Dissertations and Theses [440]

    Library home
    Send Feedback
    Research publications
    Unitec
    Moodle
    © Unitec Institute of Technology, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142
     

     

    Usage

    Downloads, last 12 months
    217
     
     

    Usage Statistics

    For this itemFor the Research Bank

    Share

    About

    About Research BankResearch at UnitecContact us

    Help for authors  

    How to add researchOpen Access GuideVersions Toolkit

    Register for updates  

    LoginRegister

    Browse Research Bank  

    EverywhereAcademic study areasAuthorDateSubjectTitleType of researchSupervisorThis CollectionAuthorDateSubjectTitleType of researchSupervisor

    Library home
    Send Feedback
    Research publications
    Unitec
    Moodle
    © Unitec Institute of Technology, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142