prof derek clements-croome - sustainable architecture
TRANSCRIPT
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE :
LESSONS FROM NATURE
XVII Mexican Conference on Structural Engineering and Sustainable Development
Leon , November 5th and University of Mexico November 8th 2010
Professor Derek Clements –CroomeSchool of Construction Management & Engineering
www.derekcroome.comwww.rdg.ac.uk/ib
Lessons from NatureL’architecte du futur construira en imitant la nature parce que c’est la plus rationnelle, durable et économique des méthodes --- Gaudi
Although human ingenuity makes various inventions it will never discover inventions more beautiful, appropriate and more direct than in Nature because in her nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous.--- Leonardo da Vinci
The engineering skill that goes into a beaver dam rivals the elegant calculations that built Pyramids and the Panama Canal -- Gould and Gould ( 2007)
Characteristics of Nature runs on sunlight; uses only the energy it needs; fits form to function; recycles; rewards cooperation; banks on diversity; demands local expertise; realises the power of limits.
Benyus (2002)
Biomimetics
The abstraction of good design from Nature
Functional Biomimetics
Capture functional attributes of living organisms and
Converts them into to technological solutions
Julian F.V. Vincent
Construction Methods
Sculpting Piling up Moulding Rolling and folding Sticking together Weaving and sewing
Much of our aesthetic is derived from an organic and fluid language that you find in Nature.
It involves complex, three dimensional geometries but there is always a rigorous logic behind them.
Science and Nature
Scientists aspire to replace many of the essential features of photosynthesis---- the process by which plants use sunlight to produce oxygen and organic molecules.
Royal Society of Chemistry, Harnessing Light: Solar Energy for a Low Carbon Future,
The Artificial Leaf
Research groups are now trying to create artificial leafs by using ruthenium and manganese complexes to try and mimic natural processes.
An Artificial Leaf would split water to produce oxygen and hydrogen, use hydrogen either as a fuel or to reduce carbon dioxide to produce organic fuels.
Royal Society of Chemistry, Harnessing Light: Solar Energy for a Low Carbon Future,2008
The Physical Worlds of Plants and Animals
Gravity movement, growth
Fluid flows air, water, blood
Surface tension wetting, moving on
water surface Friction
joints, burrowing
Adhesion gecko, flies
Impact fighting, feeding
Temperature heating, cooling
Gas transfer breathing, respiration
Dr Richard Bonser , What is Biomimetics ? 2008
Biomimetics, Design and Intelligent Buildings
BOTH ORGANISMS AND BUILDINGS HAVE TO SURVIVE IN THEIR ENVIRONMENTS
ADAPTATION (Shape, Materials, Structures,…),MODULATION
SENSING, ACTUATION (Passive, Active) INTELLIGENCE (Choices, Responses) ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Biomimetics Design and Architecture
FINDING HOW BIOLOGY SOLVES THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEMS
MATERIALS/STRUCTURES → FIBRES/COMPOSITES
SENSING, ACTUATION → INTEGRATION
INTELLIGENCE (Responses) → SENSORY SYSTEM
ENERGY MANAGEMENT → METABOLISM
Based on Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
smart materials and structures (sensing, actuation)
Functionality level
Molecular
Application field
medicine, biotechnology, nanotechnology, materials science (self-assembly), surfaces
Cell / tissuematerials science, textiles, fibrous composites, engineering structures, surfaces, architecture
Organ
Organism
composites and engineering structures, smart materials and structures, architecture
Influences of Biomimetics
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Control internal environment
Adapt to changes in environment
Adaptive passive solutions – no computing power involved but no choice
Active solutions – needs computing power but can provide choice
Sensing and Actuation to
SignallingRegulation
Transduction Response
Smart / Adaptive (no choice)
Intelligent (choice)
The sensing function proper is carried out by living cells but often the hierarchical organisation of the materials and structures can amplify signals (vibration, temperature, deformation, etc.)
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Energy input
Highly Integrated Hardware-Software Systems
Most biological sensors can achieve sensitivities comparable to thermal noise (~ 10-21W/s) and detect energies typical of single quanta
Chemical (most animals and some plants)
Vibration (spiders, scorpions, insects, crocodiles)
Infrared (beetles, snakes)
Fluid-flow (various insects, crustaceans)
Strain (insects, arthropods)
Pressure (fish)
Touch (most animals and some plants)
Electrical (fish)
Magnetic (fish, birds)
Electromagnetic (vision, most animals)Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Biomimetics Offers Many Types of Sensors
Insects, Spiders and Crustaceans - sensory information from
• strains in the exoskeleton (campaniform sensors)
• infrared detectors (modified campaniform)
• air flow and pressure detectors (hair sensors)
• vibration detectors (slits & lyriform sensors)
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Some Applications
Hearing prosthetic devices
Low-mass, small dimensions vibration sensors accelerometers, damage detectors (AE),
seismographs
Low mass, small dimensions fluid-flow sensors aero-elastic tailoring, smart wings,….
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Intelligent Buildings for People
A multi sensory experience Must be healthy and sustainable Interact with environment (external,
internal) Light Heat Air Humidity Occupants control
What Do We Expect from an Intelligent Building?
Carry structural loads (external, internal)
Provide shelter
Interact with environment (external, internal)
Control internal environment (sensing, actuation)
Adapt to changes in environment (sensing, actuation)
Integration of functions
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Structural Loads and Shelter
Are the materials we use the best ones for the job ?
Can you build a 2km high building with existing materials?
What would be the challenges ? And the advantages?
Existing construction materials are probably not suitable
not enough strength and stiffness
too high a density
not particularly good for implementing functional integration
Animals and Plants have evolved various strategies for dealing with these problems (thermal insulation, cooling – radiating surfaces, blood flow), light interception (plants)
In addition, plants are unique in being able to convert solar power into integrated functionality
Except for colonies (ants, bees, termites, …) the individual organism is the sole occupant of his “building”
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
We would like the intelligent buildings of the future generation to open its windows like eyelids to the dawn
Aldersey-Williams
Back to the Nature in the Urban Jungle, The Times, 26.8.2010 p.16
Nature has always been architecture’s chief muse. The earliest Greek temples, made at first, from tree trunks, gradually honed into the ancient architectural orders, were an early attempt at reconciling Nature and man in architectural form.
Back to the Nature in the Urban Jungle, The Times, 26.8.2010 p.16
Form/shape biomimetics
Capture the aesthetic attributes of biological structures and introduce them into man-made artifacts
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
The Fish (Peix) at Via OlimpicaBarcelona 1989-1992 by Ghery
H. Alderney-William , Zoomorphic 2004, (Lawrence King)
Frank Gehry’s fish represent s “freedom” and structural fluidity
H. Alderney-William , Zoomorphic 2004, (Lawrence King)
Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin, USA, 1994-2001 by Santiago Calatrava is like a Bird
Auditorium Parco della Musica
Rome Italy
1994-2002 by
Renzo Piano
like a Beetle
Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre by Norman Foster like an Armadillo
Organic Architecture
Organic architecture promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world through design. Sympathetic and integrated into its site so that buildings, furnishings, and surroundings become part of a unified, interrelated composition.
Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright
Green Roofs
Dandelion House by Terunobu Fujimori 1995
Patterns in NatureThe Fibonacci numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144………frequently occur in Nature. The seeds of sunflowers and daisies have spiral patterns. Daisies have 21 clockwise and 34 anticlockwise spirals. Similar patterns occur in pine cones and pineapples. Petals number 3 for lilies, buttercups 5, delphiniums 8, marigolds 13, asters 21, daisies 34, 55 or 89 and sunflowers 55, 89 or 144
The head of a daisy shows the spiral arrangement whose numerical relations are Fibonacci numbers
21 clockwise 34 anticlockwise
Powers, A., 1999, Nature in Design, (Conran Octopus), p.34
Florets of Romanesco broccoli are “self-similar” at all scales: an example of fractal geometry.
Powers, A., 1999, Nature in Design, Conran Octopus, p.39
Patterns in Nature
If you take Fibonacci numbers as successive ratios
8/5, 13/8, 21/13, …….then the ratio values approach the golden number φ=1.618. The golden ratio is φ : 1 which is associated with aesthetics in art and architecture.
Powers, A., 1999, Nature in Design,
(Conran Octopus),
Nature’s Spirals
Nautilus Shell
Powers, A., 1999, Nature in Design, (Conran Octopus), p.30
A storm in the Bering Sea from Nimbus 5 satellite. The largest and smallest forms in Nature reveal the process growth and change.
Nature’s Spirals
The coiled leaf of the thread-leaf sundew and the chameleon's coiled tail show the practical application of good design principles in nature
Powers, A., 1999, Nature in Design, (Conran Octopus), p.31
Nature’s Spirals
An x-ray photograph of the inner chambers of a marine snail shell reveals a “logarithmic” helical spiral. This has been described as a “pyramid coiled round a vertical axis”
Powers, A., 1999, Nature in Design, (Conran Octopus), p.35
Nature’s Spirals
The crystals of cholesteryl acetate seen through high magnification display the extraordinary beauty found in the structure of matter
Powers, A., 1999, Nature in Design, (Conran Octopus), p.25
Geometry of Nature
Examples seen in Gaudi’s work Columns of Teresina School Columns of Sagrada Familia Church Crypt in Guell Estate
(see book on Gaudi by Nonell)
Animal and Human TechnologiesSpider’s webs, devices for catching food;
Spider’s web in detail hardened forms of viscous
thready masses.
Otto –Rasch 2001
Bubble and net formation in a living cell (radiolaria)
http://oceanica.cofc.edu/
We mimic Nature, but have yet to come up with anything to match its technical and aesthetic ingenuity, its ability to adapt to its environment and change over time .Nothing beats a spider's web or for example the human skin.
Back to the Nature in the Urban Jungle, The Times, 26.8.2010 p.16
Examples of Spiders Webs
Foelix 1996
Water Spider constructs underwater oxygen tent used as a hunting lair.
Hancocks, D, 1971, Animals and Architecture, (Hugh Evelyn),
p14
Spider lives in ‘diving bell’
Amoeba Sand Grain House
A single-celled amoeba an organism with no nervous system builds this intricate portable sand grain house
Hansell M, 2007,Built By Animals, Oxford University Press,p59
Birds’ nests: houses for vertebrates, built from local materials
Inside a termite city – three dimensional light construction
Oryx weaverbirds nests, South Africa
Otto –Rasch 2001
Bower birds collect and arrange by size brightly coloured objects with which to lure the females and stimulate a sexual response.
Reed Hut Weather Shetler
More highly developed building technology for woven reed hut.
Primeval House
Dual Purpose Nests
The false flap above the apparent entrance is always closed but has here been opened to reveal the true way into the nest. Such nests are sometimes used after breeding by adult birds for shelter at night.
Hancocks, D, 1971, Animals and Architecture, Hugh Evelyn, p15
The egg storage nest built by penduline tit is one example of protection against predators. The apparent entrance (shown dotted) leads only into an empty pouch.
Hexagonal Bee Cells
Give compact and lightweight construction,for storage ;the developing larvae are fed by worker bees up to 3000 times a day and after six days, having mounted five times, the pupae are sealed into their cells for a further twelve days
Wasps have developed similar structural principles to the bees. With its covering removed a nest shows the layered combs hanging on a fragile network of pillars.
Hancocks, D, 1971, Animals and Architecture, Hugh Evelyn, p15
Bees optimise use of material by use of hexagon cells.
Bees also optimise their routes too to save energy.
Can we learn from this for improving traffic management?
Dr N Raine University of London ( Royal Holloway), The Times, October 25th 2010, page 18
Wasps’ Nest: Miniature City Built of Self-made Paper
The beginning of sociality. Female Mischocyttarus Wasps build their cells together so ensuring that the eggs within are never unguarded.
Attenborough, D, 2005,Life in the Undergrowth, BBC Books p.235
American Potter Wasp finishes off her neat mud pot by adding an elegant out-turned rim, the mud of which, is still dark and wet
Attenborough, D, 2005,Life in the Undergrowth, BBC Books p.234
Survival of Animal and Plants Depends on Sensing to Capture Information from their Physical and Chemical Environments Defence Against Predators Capture of Prey Adaptation Navigation Communication
Biological Sensing extracts“ meaning” from noisy environments
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Sense OrgansCrab eyes either enlarge or be reduced.
Having eyes mounted on stalks helps to increase field of view and range.
Light is limited or absent in the deep sea.
Reduction or loss of eyes is common in some deep sea decapods
Giant Red Hermit Crab with large eye stalks . Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of ReadingPhoto by Project Oceanica
Insects, Spiders and Crustacean-sensory information from
strains in the exoskeleton (campaniform sensors)
infrared detectors (modified campaniform)
air flow and pressure detectors (hairs) vibration detectors (slits & lyriform
sensors)Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Adult Male Gryllodes Sigillatus Cricket
Example: Sensory filiform hairs of crickets: detection of predators (air flow)
The filiform sensing hairs are located on the cerci (from a few tens in young, up to 1000+ in adults)
cerci
Filiform hair length varies between 100 and 1500 μm
Diameter typically 4-10 μmJeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
MEMS fabricated hair array, produced by MESA at the University of Twente
Fig. 1a Mechanosensor hair array on cercus
Adult male cricket Acheta domesticus
Jeronimidis et at, Customised Intelligent Life-inspired Arrays, The University of Reading
Microelectromechanical (MEMS) System
Longhair sensors for airflow and acoustic measurements also photonics e.g. crickets, gecko
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Biomimetic Hair Sensor Arrays - MEMS
(MESA, University of Twente2004)
Sensors connected in parallel
Single layer SU-8 Hairs (470 mm)
Capacitive MEMS Systems
High sensitivity Generator or modulator type (Low power consumption) •Measures displacement •Relative complex read out electronics •Ability for 2 dimensional sensing (directionality)
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Cerci organs (about 2mm long) carry about 2000 hair-type sense organs each act as:
air-flow sensorschemical sensorsacceleration sensorsdeformation sensorscontact sensors
WOOD CRICKET (15 mm long)
Integrated Sensing
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Seidel 2004
Dangles et al., 2004
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Sensory Filiform Hairs of Crickets
SEM of cricket cerci at 257x mag
Prey Localisation in Desert Scorpions – Vibration-based Triangulation
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Velcro: George de Mestral, 1948 Seed pods
Galiumaparine(Stickywilly)
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Hooks on a piece of Velcro brand fastener
Loops on a piece of Velcro brand fastener
Tiny hooks on a Burdock (Arctium lappa)
hooks (left) and loops (right).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velcro
Shark-Skin Effect: Drag Reduction
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Frogs Inspire New Super Sticky TapeThe sticky toe pads of tree frogs , lizards and crickets have inspired Indian researchers to create a super glue and an adhesive tape that is both strong and reusable over 25 times.
Dr Animangsu Ghatak, at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and colleagues have made an adhesive tape by running air or oil filled micro channels through a soft, elastic material, making it stickier than conventional glues.
Reuter, Frogs inspire new super sticky tape, 17.10.2007
Synthetic Gecko is Composed of Millions of Mushroom-shaped Hairs
one metre square of a new super-sticky material inspired by gecko feet could suspend the weight of an average family car
Geckos, Glue and Sticky tape
Scanning electron microscope image of a 1cm2 section of the Gecko-sticky tape.
Spiderman toy hanging from a glass plate, attached using the tape with a contact areaof approximately 0.5cm2.
Bunching of the hairs is a problem that reduces the adhesive properties of the tape.
Pooley, B. Biomimetics: Borrowing from Biology Thenakedscientists.com
Leaf folding in Mimosa pudica
(1-3 secondes)
Shape ChangeStimulus:
mechanical contact
vibration
light
temperature
humidity
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Digital-Botanic ArchitectureDollens explores the use of software such as Xfrog to grow building elements using the software’s botanic algorithms. He designs hypothetical structures and building-skins that are realized in digital models, physical stereolithographic models, graphics and animations. For example his 2004 Spiral Bridge (influenced by a seedpod’s spiraling flight and by the biological lattice of the sponge, Euplectella).
Digital Botanic ArchitectureThe idea is not to make buildings look like botanic organisms. It is to interlace Nature and architecture enabling the design of hybridized, biological structures. The overall aim is to create new architectural typologies incorporating natural attributes ordered in performance, materials, mechanics, communications, and form.
Dollens 2009
,
Dollens, 2005,Design Biomimetics: An Inquiry and Proposal for Architecture and Industrial Design
Spiral Bridge based on the sponge Euplectella and the leaves of Tipiana tipu. 2004 by Dennis Dollens and Ignasi Pérez Arnal.
The Podhotel copies leaves and pods from a flower stalk, the leaves being transformed into solar and shading panels and the pods being prefabricated rooms.
Dennis Dollens Grows Architecture: Podhotels and Spiral Bridges,06.05.07 www.treehugger.com
Arizona Pod Hotel
Nettle leaf and (right) graphic extrapolations manipulated into tiling blocks; note veining, circulation texture, and patterns.
Dollens, 2005,Design Biomimetics: An Inquiry and Proposal for Architecture and Industrial Design
Bio-inspired Shape
Roof-supporting “trees” – Stuttgart Airport
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
The key to functional integration in biology is the use of fibre architectures for designing structures, incorporating sensors and providing actuation
Almond shell studied as a monocoque paneling system with experimentally layered and structurally linked panels allowing air movement.
Dollens, 2005,Design Biomimetics: An Inquiry and Proposal for Architecture and Industrial Design
Rhino/3D Studio MAX drawings: D. Dollens.
Further parametric development of a leaf form (folded as a continuoussurface), create a monocoque facade component generated by ParaCloud. chainmail-like components are load-bearingpanels that also have environmental functions like filtering and house sensor-embeddedmonitoring. panel designs have pockets whereplant, algae, or other biological agents may be
grown in living facades.
Bio Tower by Dollens
Seabed Plumbing SchemeGlobal warming can be halted by plumbing a gigantic array of pipes into the depths of the oceans
The plankton growth would take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and encourage cloud formation so, cool the world and save it from global warming.
Smith L., Scientists propose 'plumbing' method to solve crisis of global warming, The Times Online, 26.09.07
Seabed Plumbing Scheme
Plankton Absorb Carbon
Smith L., Scientists propose 'plumbing' method to solve crisis of global warming, The Times Online, 26.09.07
Excavation of the chambers and highways made by the leafcutter ant (Atta laevigata) in Argentina after the nest had been flooded with 6.7 metric tonnes of cement mixed in 9,000 litres of water.
Hansell M, 2007,Built By Animals, (Oxford University Press),
Leafcutter Ants’ Nest
Cross section of an American termite nest. The nest is ventilated by air cooled by the ground water. Melet 1999
Termites
TERMITES
The dramatic forms of giant white ant hills are a familiar sight over large areas of Northern Australia, occasionally reaching mammoth proportions they lend a surrealistic quality to the landscape.
Hancocks, D, 1971, Animals and Architecture, (Hugh Evelyn), p12
Attenborough, D, 2005,Life in the undergrowth, BBC Books p.222
A queen termite lies in the royal chamber with her consort, the only fertile male in the colony, lying alongside. She is surrounded by workers who collect her eggs and ingest secretions from her body.
Hancocks, D, 1971, Animals and Architecture, Hugh Evelyn, p13
Termite nests display a wide variety of shapes and sizes. These structures belong to two different species, and have been built side by side in the African jungle
Blind worker termite adds its little mud pellet to the colony's great construction
Attenborough, D, 2005,Life in the Undergrowth, BBC Books p.231
Magnetic or Compass termitaries near Darwin , Australia..
Attenborough, D, 2005,Life in the undergrowth, BBC Books p.228
Compass termites in Australia Evolved
orientation of termitary for preferred maximum temperature level of about 320C
Von Frisch 1975
Termitary of Macro-termes subhyalinus at Lake Manyara, National Park Tanzania
Von Frisch 1975
Nest of a termite species (Apicotermes gurgulifex) that uses its own excrement to fashion a harmonious structure. The nest, about 20cm high, lives below ground and is surrounded by an air space. The surface is pierced by ventilation slits, each slit being surrounded by a raised ring.
Von Frisch 1975
Various termitaries with temperature conditions
Longitudinal section through the nest of Macroternes bellicosus from Ivory Coast. Air is circulated by buoyancy
Bio-inspired Function
Architecture inspired by termite nestsJeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
The Ultima Tower - a Human Termite Nest by Eugene Tsui
Eastgate Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
Designed to be ventilated and cooled by entirely natural means in 1996
Architect Mick Pearce. Arups
Eastgate Office Building in Harare Zimbabwe inspired by termites nest
TERMES RESEARCHPROJECT at Loughborough University led by Rupert Soar.
MRI scans taken inside mounds. Also see BBC DVD 2005 on Life in the Undergrowth byDavid Attenborough
Benyus in Kellert et al 2008
Biomimetics: Early Examples
Giant Water lilies – Kew Gardens-inspires the rib vaults at Crystal Palace Crystal Palace 1851
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
The Lotus Effect is the self-cleaning property found with lotus plants' leaves.
Nanotechnologists are developing methods to make paints, roof tiles, fabrics and other surfaces that can stay dry and clean themselves in the same way as the lotus leaf. Usually achieved by treating the surface with a fluorochemical or silicone treatment
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_effect
The Lotus Effect
Self-Cleaning Surfaces
)
Microscopic structure and surface chemistry mean surfaces never get wet. Surface roughness and surface tension are basis of system
Coloured water on the Lotusleaf (Nelumbo Nucifera)
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Fractal topology of extruded leaf wax
Physical principle = Surface tension affected by wax
Droplet collects particles and clean leaf
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
The Lotus Effect Water forms droplets on the tips of the epidermal protrusions and collects pollutants, dirt and small insects as it rolls off the leaf.
Pooley, B. Biomimetics: Borrowing from Biology Thenakedscientists.com
Scientists at Bonn University have invented a self-cleaning paint based on the leaves of the lotus plant, which seem clean the minute after a rain shower, their waxy hairs hold the raindrops, absorb dirt, then roll off when they reach critical mass.
Back to the Nature in the Urban Jungle, The Times, 26.8.2010 p.16
BioluminescenceBioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. Its name is a hybrid word, originating from the Greek bios for "living" and the Latin lumen "light". Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring form of chemiluminescence where energy is released by a chemical reaction in the form of light emission
Bioluminescent Trees
BIOLUMINESCENT TREES
Fireflies, anglerfish, other
creatures and some mushrooms glow due to bioluminescense
Alberto Estévez’s Bioluminescent Tree
Experiments in bio-illumination with implications for architecture, industrial and environmental design.
Dollens, 2005,Design Biomimetics: An Inquiry and Proposal for Architecture and Industrial Design
Gilder .J, Clements-Croome .D .J, 2010, Bio inspired Intelligent Design for the Future of Buildings
Gilder’s proposed photovoltaic cell over the membrane absorbing sunrays from all directions inprired by Moths Eye
Microscopic view of a schematic membrane with impregnations on its outer surface created for increasing
its exposed surface area.
A virtual analysis of the model for this project showing the encapsulated routings of the heating and cooling network within the base material of the structure.
Gilder .J, Clements-Croome .D .J, 2010, Bio inspired Intelligent Design for the Future of Buildings
Lessons from Nature?
• Lateral Thinking and Creativity
• Inspiration not imitation
• Simple Physics – Smart Engineering Implementation
• Functional Integration – Adaptive Design
Nature can Influence Design
Facet of Nature Architectural Feature
Human femur bone Base of Eiffel Tower
Amazon water lily Vaulting of Crystal Palace
Skeletons of radiolarians Geodesic domes
Byssus threads of mussels Adhesive filaments
Box fish Daimler –Chrysler car
Logarithmic spiral in seashells; cochlea; skin pores Ventilation fans by PAX Scientific
continued
Nature can Influence Design
Facet of Nature Architectural feature
Peacocks; humming birds; butterflies Structural colour (Vukusic 2004)
Maple samara winged seed
Sea sponge filaments (Venus’s flower basket)
Pillar like structures of Moths eye
Cuttlefish
Photosynthesis
Shark skin
Samara House by Frank Lloyd Wright
Light guide
Anti-reflective surface( MARAG film for and solar cells and displays)
Skin cells change colour
Dye sensitised solar cells
Low drag swimming suits
Various Useful Crossovers from Nature
BIOLOGICAL
INSPRIATION
BUILDING
NEEDS
REQUIRED
CHARACTERISTICS
RELATED SMART MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
INHERENT SMARTY
MATERIALS
ACTIVE ENGINEERING
SYSTEMS
SKIN
Control of Solar radiation through enveloping material
Spectral absorptivity / transmissivity of the skin
Photochromics Amalgramation of two or more of these technologies for a multilateral energy exchange system. Eg photovoltaic cells mounted over Photocromic film
HAIR ON THE
HEAD
The relative position of the screens with respect to the skin
Use on green follage exterior facades and roofs integrated with facade material E.g. creepers grow on mebranes
Louvres and panelling systems with embedded sensors and actuator mechanisms
SWEATING
Control of Interior heat generation Evaporative cooling Earthen and vernacular
architecture materials like moist clay and dung
Invitation of sweating mechanism through walls with capillary mechanism by the use of: Phase change materials Thermoelectrics
BODY FAT
Control of heat loss from core areas (human operational area)
Thermal Conductivity of enveloping material
Phase-change materials used as energy reservoirs.
Thermotropics, Plezoelectrics as sensors for closing mechanism
BLOOD
VESSELS
Energy Delivery HVAC Electrical Plumbing etc
Minimum waste of energy in conversation and also in delivery
Embedded branching analogies delivered from nature such as the branching of a tree and other such tubular systems embedded with in the structural framework E.g. Fibre optics
Engineering piping and ducting within the structural framework of a building by deriving the principles of branching in nature
BLOOMIN
G OF
FLOWERS
Optimisation of
Lighting
Occupancy and lighting requirement sensing
Engineering of smart material technologies for responsive active system,: Photovoltaics Photoelectrics Pyroelectrics
MOTHS
EYE
Absorption of Solar radiation through enveloping material
Highly absorptive material in order to maximum incident radiation from the sun to generate electricity
Photovoltaics Photochromics Electrochromics
Amalagramation of two or more of these technologies for a multilateral energy exchange system. E.g. Photovoltaic cells mounted over a Photochromic film
SPIDERS
WEB
The ability to absorb/drain/direct, moisture from the air (indoor/outdoor) and harvest water
Silky tail-shaped protein fibres which change structure in response to water
Nano-fibres provide a roughly knobby texture
Replicate the architecture of the web to channelize water
TERMITES
Natural ventilation Evaporative cooling though porous membranes
Earthen vernacular architecture material like most clay and dung
Limitation of sweating mechanism through walls with capillary mechanism by the use of: Phase-change materials Thermoelectrics Nano tubes with closing
mechanism
SHARK
SKIN
Low resistance to Winds thus increasing the life of the building and reducing structural stresses
Low Friction Drag Nano technology paints with “dermal denticals” similar to that found on the skin of a shark
INSECTS Optimisation of lighting
Size, location, colour and efficacy
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Electroluminescent Chemoluminescent
paints
Product engineering with Photovoltaic materials generating electric energy for electroluminescent materials would theoretically make zero energy street lighting and ambient lighting possible.
GROWTH
MECHANIS
MS WITHIN
PLANTS
Optimisation of Temperature and Air Quality
Temperature, Humidity and Air Quality sensing. Also occupancy sensing
Systems devised from the engineering of Thermoelectrics Pyroelectrics Biosensor Chemical sensors Optical MEMS.
SPIDER AND
SCORPIONS
Monitoring of Structural Systems
Stress and deformation monitoring Crack monitoringVibration monitoring and control
Fibre-optics Piezoelectrics
Systems devised from the applications of: Electrorheologicals
(ERs) MAgneto rheologicals Shape memory alloys
SELF HEALING
/REPAIR
Health monitoring of facades
Structural and surface integration check and healing
Fibre-optics Piezoelectrics Self healing materials
(Self healing in polymers and fibre-rein forced polymer composites)
Systems devised from the engineering of Shape memory alloys
LOTUS LEAF Surface finishes Self cleaning Heat and
Radiation reflection
Durability
The lotus leaf inspired Nanotechnology in: Self cleaning paints &
finishes Self-cleaning films &
membranes Conductive paints Luminescent paints
PATTERNS IN
NATURE
From following function
Growth-inspired adaptive design algorithm
Shape Memory Alloys Geometric studies of criterion based on minimisation and equalisation of surface stresses
Conclusions
Bio-architectural engineering shows:
Economy of energy and materials as in Nature
Aesthetics Sensor Systems Integrated Solutions
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Conclusions: Biological Sensors
High sensitivity Small dimensions, small mass (arrays) Highly integrated hardware-software Vast pool of paradigms for inspiration SIMPLE PHYSICS SMART IMPLEMENTATION
Jeronimidis, G, 2007, The University of Reading
Design biomimetics is a bridge that can connect building design professions on a route to linking designed, environmental, and, eventually, non-toxic materials. Design biomimetics can lead to technological means for visualization, digital fabrication, and, eventually, bioengineering and intelligent systems.
Dennis Dollens Grows Architecture: Podhotels and Spiral Bridges,06.05.07www.treehugger.co
More importantly, design biomimetics can emphasize ways of thinking and designing that bring architecture and industrial design into a process of environmental and biological focus on more responsive, safer buildings
Dennis Dollens Grows Architecture: Podhotels and Spiral Bridges,06.05.07 www.treehugger.com
Lessons from Bees
Form a decision making group of individuals with shared interests
Minimise the leader’s influence Seek diverse solutions Update knowledge through debate Use quorums to gain cohesion,
accuracy and speed
Seeley in Honeybee Democracy 2010 Princeton UP
Lessons from Nature
Although human ingenuity makes various inventions it will never discover inventions more beautiful, appropriate and more direct than in Nature because in her nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous.
Leonardo Da Vinci
WHAT WE CALL THE BEGINNING IS OFTEN THE END
AND TO MAKE AN END IS TO MAKE A BEGINNING
THE END IS WHERE WE START FROM
T.S.ELIOT-- FOUR QUARTETS-- LITTLE GIDDING