biophilia documentation

BIOPHILIA DOCUMENTATION

Ameeshi Goenka PDP 302

Overview-

During the period of this charrette, we were meant to understand the concept of ‘Biophilic

Design’. The aim was to follow the design process behind conceptualization of ideas and to

continuously question our own design decisions at every step of the way. Our main tools were

ideating, sketching, technical drawings, renderings, 3D modelling (digital and physical) and

continuous feedback sessions.

We had a client, “Enthrallium”, who had given us a design brief for a foyer area or a balcony

space. The entire class was divided into groups of four and we had to come up with a concept

for a space collectively or individually in the group with some common link holding the group

together.

Explorations-

Our group collectively decided to work with the balcony area and follow the design brief given

to us unless we can convince the client otherwise. We thought we’d let biomorphic forms,

inspiration from nature and presence of water be the underlying connecting theme.

Initial Ideation

Every member of the group looked at the space in a different manner. I worked on the

layout of the space but according to the feedback given, we had to break out of that and

focus on individual elements within the space. We were told to take inspiration from

nature.

Feather

It is light (to support flight), colorful (pigments present which react with the sun) and

has a waxy coating (to protect it from the rain).

My idea was to do an in-depth study of a feather as a material and its function to a bird.

I wanted to figure out if I could apply the same function in my space and have a design

emerge from it.

After a little more study of the feathers, I started sketching out my ideas. I then finalized

on a shelter for a yoga space in the garden terrace which can be opened and closed, is

airy, partially covering from the rain and provides shade.

Scales

The scales on a fish’s body follow similar principle as a bird’s feather. My concept of the

shelter was similar to the feather shelter but was not satisfactory even for myself.

Tavertine

I did a study of the water movements through the tavertine formations in Turkey. I

was only coming up different fountain ideas or to replicate a hot spring artificially

which simply wasn’t good enough.

Water molecule

Since I had a block and could not decide which aspect of water to focus on, I started

researching on the molecular structure of water. Saw several documentaries and did

a deep research on the experiments done to test the molecular structure of water.

Visualization-

I visualised the water molecular structure formed when we pass on positive emotions such as

thank you, as a form that can be used as a wall unit and a floor standing unit. The wall unit was

more modular and free standing so carried that idea forward.

Design Concept ‘Bio-Wall’ -

A human element of partition that believes in natural symbiosis.

It may be a wall partition but it is also a connecting element. It might be used as a separator or

a divider but it only brings us a step closer to nature.

BioWall is a system of water channelling from the ground level to the top of the frame, being

distributed to every connection of every unit and goes back to the underlying water pipe. In the

process of travelling through the units and the structure, it waters every planter on its way and

thus forms a cycle.

Bio-wall is a semi private wall partition structure that can be installed anywhere that has a

decent water source(interior or exterior) . It is a modular set up in the sense that the units

closest to the frame (the main water distributer) is fixed to the frame and the ground for

structural support, water inlet and water outlet. The detachable units can be stacked one

on top of the other or two frames can be fixed parallel and the units connected with

diagonal joints.

The various applications of this structure are determined by the number of units used and on

which levels. Some applications include cooling system if installed as a balcony grill or on a

terrace, counter, seating, a frame for sunset, semi private space and

many more.

Inspiration -

It might be used as a separator or a divider but it only brings us a step closer to nature. When I

first saw these images I realised that vertical gardens was all about adding greenery to a space

and the water pipe or the wooden stand for planters added the authenticity to the greenery

factor. My inspiration from this was to make a structure such that it complements the idea of

vertical garden in it. The structure should not be overlooked while doing its function as it should

also serve as a design element.

Process -

The first sketch is the basic construction of a hexagonal snow flake shape with exact scaled

down dimensions and angles as it was used for the mock up model. This sketch has been

altered several times and taken many forms throughout the process of conceptualisation and

modelling.

The mock up model was made to figure out the connection points, the connecting angles and

the stacking of the units. Connecting two units diagonally was finalised as it allows for easier

water flow, looks like a complex structure but the parts are readily available in the market. The

complications of the connecting points was later refined.

Work in Progress towards the final model –

Figuring out patterns-

After drafting the initial sketch on Autocad, I had to come up with a logic that would form a

pattern for me. My tools were mainly scaling, mirroring, rotating and just playing around with

the form to complete a structural display.

Individual Unit of the Modular Wall Partition in detail-

The proposed size of each unit is such that it is neither too big to handle nor too small to fiddle.

The tube thickness of 1.5” allows the water to move freely through the planters. The planters in

the design are just enough as more of them would have made it chaotic and any lesser would

make the structure look naked.

Final Technical Drawings-

Representing the proposed frame size for a garden space.

The extreme side units and the top and bottom units are fixed while the more central ones can

be removed. Front view and side view images are displayed below.

The various applications-

Counter top

Seating

Frame

Its application other than a partition is determined by the number of units stacked together and

on the different levels that they are done on. There may be just a single frame partition unit or

a double frame partition.

Counter Top

Seating

Work in progress of a frame for the final model-

This is one frame with the several units joined is meant to show how the units are to be stacked

on top of another. It later shows the position of the planters, the joints and the direction of

water flow. The idea behind its best application is to have two such frames, fixed parallel to

each other and the units of one frame join the other with diagonal connections.

The Final Model and Exhibition

At Srishti School of Art, Design and Techonology, N5 campus, Room no. 306.

Thank you