Orange

Structure

Could the structure of an orange inspire an architectural

idea? The segments could be separations of the city with
the centre being the main focus? The veins could be a network of connections throughout the city.

1.

The top image is Norman Fosters Project Orange a new

multi-use building for Moscow,n the project has been influenced by the natural structure of the orange which historically is a symbol of opulence in Russia.

2.

The middle image shows the outer structure of the orange

from skin to flesh. Could this structure be used in architecture? Has it already been used in architecture?
The texture of the outer skin is almost the topography of the
orange.

References:

3.

4.

Picture 1 h t t p : / / f a n t a s y s to c k . d ev i a n t a r t . c o m / a r t / O r a n g e - S k i n -Tex ture-209128235 [Accessed on 29th September 2013]

Picture 2 http://www.e-architect.co.uk/images/jpgs/moscow/project_orange_
fosters160408_1.jpg [Accessed on 29th September 2013]
Picture 3 h t t p : / / c o t t a g e b l u e d e s i g n s . b l o g s p o t . c o . u k / 2 01 1 / 0 6 / o r ange-this-years-inspirational-pop-of.html [Accessed on 29th September
2013]
Picture 4 h t t p : / / f a n t a s y s to c k . d ev i a n t a r t . c o m / a r t / O r a n g e - S k i n -Tex ture-209128235 [Accessed on 29th September 2013]

QuaDror
Structure

QuaDror: A structural support system.

New. Simple. Versatile.
QuaDror is a new space truss geometry that unfolds manifold design initiatives and can adapt to various conditions
and configurations.

1.

2.

(1) QuaDror Creator Dror Benshetrit came up with an extensive array of uses for his structural element which can
be constructed from concrete, cardboard, metal and foam
to create different applications. Quick space division, fast
structural support with mimimal structural cost, insulation
and furniture amongst them.
Website: http://www.quadror.com/applications/#Dividing
(2) Due to their abaility to adapt to various conditions and
to adopt various materials, the QuaDror connecting joints
are easy to ship:
A 40 feet long container can contain 1296 QuaDror Kits
which allow the construction of 1296 QuaDror Homes
A 20 feet long container can contain 648 QuaDror Kits
which allow the construction of 648 QuaDror Homes
Website: http://www.quadror.com/applications/dwelling/
relief-housing/

3.

(3) Extensive structural modelling allowed the creator to investigate possible ways to integrate such a modular structural element for bridge support. Questinoning the application at such a scale over the simplicity against lightness
would be very interesting to study.
Website: http://www.quadror.com/applications/trestle/
bridge/

4.

Evolve & Meditate

Structure

Due to fear of war erra, the main roles of structures and

building are evolved far beyond its original purposes. The
depressing situations are forced buildings to be functional
very much like a machine. It is no longer been used as passive object but it become a major impact to certain causes.
The structure and architecture has been translated into a
non-aesthetical process of thinking in a way to improve the
usage of spaces and structures. The stressfull of war began
was effect the city productions and emotion which now or
later could effect the future generation.
Due to this matter, meditating is one of the process to train
the mind to provide and release the stressfullness to the
citizens. Concerning on the structures has been effect by
war, the existing building and structures could be transform
for meditation purposes.

1.

2.

The structure shown above is the initial idea of the main

building structures could be evolved from its original conditions. The structures of the building is used as the primary elements which could generates secondry spaces. The
evolution of its conditions may give a new perceptions and
feelings to the users. Re-use and recycle is the main aspect
that should be considered as in this erra due to lack of materials.
The prototype could be in various scales, it is depends on
the availablity of the on-site materials. Each of the scale
could act as different type of space such as the larger scale
could be convert into a place where kids and locals get educations whilst smaller scales could be generate as a mdetation and relaxation space.

3.
http://magazine.enlightennext.org/2010/10/21/meditation-frees-the-self-to-evolve-think-about-this/
http://lebbeuswoods.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/
war-and-architecture-three-principles/
http://mdrxa.wordpress.com/architecture/the-age-of-machine/

4.

Another String to the Bow

Structure

In relation to the theme of highlighting suitable examples of

structural prototypes, the case of point in this instance is to
focus on the subject of technology transference.
This is to be in particular reference to the Glass Suspension
Bridge located at the Science Museum in London which had
been proposed by architectural practice Wilkinson Eyre.
The Glass Bridge in question spans the length of the main
atrium of a subsidiary gallery and the impression of artificial
suspension is due to the unique structural composition.
This structural form has drawn inspiration from the strings
within a piano, whereby the Steel Bridge module has been
suspended via a series of fine wires fixed to crescent-shaped
steel plates and as such has been designed to the limit of
both structural and technical viability (Wilkinson Eyre).
The relevance of this technical contribution is in the nature
of its interdisciplinary approach. The main aspect is the
advantage of implementing previously utilised methods in
addition to liaising with practitioners from other disciplines.

1.

2.

For the Glass/Steel Bridge to be successfully suspended,

it would require for each wire to take its own equal tension.
This is to ensure that the structural integrity of any of the
other wires is not compromised. In order to guarantee that
this was the case, the Structural Engineer had proposed to
pluck each wire, to assess whether they all played the same
note and thus determine that they held the same tension.

3.
http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/projects/science-museum-challenge-of-materials-gallery.aspx?category=cultural
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/plan_
your_visit.aspx
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?im-

4.

Fire as a mean of preservation

Structure

Fire is commonly considers as a potential threat and cause

of destruction especially when regarding any structure.
However, there is a one case on which this prejudice does
not apply. Paradoxically, in this case the fire has its contra
dictionary influence. It provides the structure with a protection.
Timber could be protected from the influence of climate by
various means which is for instance layer of paint or oil.
Fire can deliver a similar layer as well by letting its flames to
burn just the surface of the timber.
This idea of using hazardous and destructive element in
a beneficial and productive manner leaves a question: Is
there any other element, process or influence; generally
considered un-useful, unproductive, or even destructive;
which could be used in such a way to benefit of our society?

1.

The exposure of the timber laths to the effect of fire must

be carefully controlled and stopped at the right moment to
avoid any severe defect of their structural integrity. This process is illustrated by the images 2 and 3 (Szita, 2011).

2.

This technique enables wooden surfaces to be treated

without any artificial agent. Furthermore it gives the wood
unique esthetic qualities. On the other hand, it could structurally weaken the element. Therefore it is more suitable for
instance for faade cladding, illustrated by the image 4, and
not for structure bearing elements (Szita, 2011).

3.
Szita, J. (2011). Second to None. Dwell: At Home in the
Modern World, September [Online], Available at: http://
www.dwell.com/green/article/second-none

4.

Carbon Fibre GM Timber

Structure

As the field of Architecture moves towards more elaborate

and structurally complex designs; the demand for stronger
and more lightweight structural systems increases.
Investigations are already taking place into the incorporation
of carbon-fibre elements into timber structural beams
through the retrofitting of the fibre in mesh form, and the
possibility of genetically modifying the timber gene to
make it stronger and grow more constantly, so as to avoid
naturally occurring weak points in the structure. Therefore,
I propose an advanced timber system that uses geneticallymodified trees that incorporate carbon fibre principles into
their natural structure to make them stronger and able to
carry heavier loads without beam sizes increasing.
As timber is a carbon-based cell system, I believe that it
may be possible to generate trees that have carbon fibre
interwoven seamlessly into their natural structure. Although
this idea may sound like unnecessarily tampering with
organic systems and, in turn, evolution. I believe that by
generating stronger timber systems for buildings, the
demand for steel will decrease and less pollution produced
from this wasteful industry.

1.

2.

So far in the 21st Century, there has been emphasis on the

idea of smart buildings and intelligent design, which focus
on technologically enhanced design. In this vein, with this
proposal, I am encouraging intelligently generated structure
to reduce waste and over-design within construction and
structural engineering.
The images on this page attempt to explore the idea visually:
figure 2 shows an interwoven carbon-fibre structure and
highlights the versatility of the product; figure 3 demonstrates
the naturally fibrous arrangement of timber; and figure 3
images the timber cell structure and the opportunities for
incorporating carbon fibre into the cell system.

3.

For more information on external research that fed into this

proposal, please see:
Strengthening Bridge Beams Using Carbon Fibre in the Journal
of Structural Engineering - http://ascelibrary.org/doi/
abs/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2005)131%3A1(173).
Scions Research into Timber Genetic Modification - http://
www.scionresearch.com/research/forest-science/treeimprovement/molecular-breeding/genetic-modification.

4.

Ardu-Active
Structure

This particular development of the alloplastic system

[image 1], explores how the physical environment can alter
its shape depending on the movement of the users body.
There is a direct relationship between materials, form and
interactive systems of control [1].
What benefit does this have to society and designers
today? Interactive, performance based structures are becomming more important in a growing technological world,
where people are becomming more isolated from their surroundings. When one is able to connect on a physical level,
a greater understanding is reached, and less fear is exhibited about such advanced technology that is untouchable.

1.

2.

The arduino kits are allow us to create our on computers

that sense and control our physical world [images 2 and 4]
and have the ability to be translated into architectural
mechanisms for flexible, interactive spaces as this group
is beginning to explore in their interactive art and dance
piece.
Arduino develops interactive objects, taking inputs from
switches and sensors. They can control a variety of lights,
motors, pumps and so on [image 3].

3.
[image 1] http://www.robotecture.com/showcase/alloplastic-architecture-usc/
[Image 2] http://arduinoarts.com
[Image 3] http://www.robotecture.com/showcase/alloplastic-architecture-usc/
[Image 4] http://technologywillsaveus.org/classes/

4.

Weathering Rock
Structure

1. Weathering Rock is shaped by natural force, such as water and wind. The unique form is the best sample of structure. By studying the structure and shape of the weathering
rock, we can learnt how to design a structure which can
create an harmony with the surrounding. For example, designing a building structure that wont block the air flow of
the surrounding and enhance the indoor natural ventilation.

1.

By studying different kind of weathering rock we can learnt

different ways of designing an structure which respond to
the environment.

2.

3.
Images Sources:
1. National Geographic (n.d.) Arixona Rock Formation. Available at:http://science.nationalgeographic.com/wallpaper/science/photos/weathering-erosion-gallery/arizona-rock/
(Accessed: 29 September 2013)
2. Nortel Voicemail Forwarding (2012) Weathering Financial Erosion. We Bend Over
Backwards. Available at: http://nortelvoicemail.com/2012/07/30/weathering-financialerosion-we-bend-over-backwards/ (Accessed: 29 September 2013)
3. Water Encyclopedia (n.d.) Garrels, Robert. Available at: http://www.waterencyclopedia.
com/En-Ge/Garrels-Robert.html (Accessed: 29 September 2013)
4. Wikipedia (2013) Sedimentary rock. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedimentary_rock (Accessed: 29 September 2013)

4.

Bamboo folding shelters

Structure

Extreme weather events are occurring far more frequently

in recent years, therefore a quick, environmentally friendly
biodegradable material that is deployed quickly would
be particularly useful to shelter refugees in post disaster
events.

1.

The idea is to explore how environmentally friendly we can

be with structures without compromises the end product.

2.

3.

4.

1. Bamboo has been used on bikes

2. The wine rack is a folding structure, and the idea of this
could transcend through to a folding shelter like the origami
picture below.
3. Bamboo is in abidance, srtong and an be grown quickly.

Honeycomb green farming

Structure

An exo skeletal structure in the formation of a honeycomb

to allow for vegetation to grow, light-wells to solar panels in
the structural elements.

10

1.

An external structure to harness vegetation in an urban

environment. On the outside of the building fabric or outdoor
covered recreational spaces.

2.

4. Public farm 1 was installed using recycled cardboard tubes,

creating a shaded area below. These tubes housed vegetables,
fruits and herbs to solar powered phone charging station, a
juice bar and social space.

3.

References
http://www.matwolf.com/architecture/skyscraper-with-no-internalstructure/
2012. Goldsmith, S. Vitamin Green. Phaidon Press Limited: London.

4.

Magnilift

Infrastructure// horizontal structure

Based on the idea of old cable water trains and current

magnetic trains in China. The historical systems were
exclusively powered by water and gravity. The power required
to pull up the ascending cars delivered by the counterweight
of the descending car.
The magnetic lifts use natural forms of kinetic energy to
power the lift, eliminating the need for electricity. Particularly
prevalent in our multi storey buildings.
Magsus is developed from the integration of permanent
magnets (allows the car to run along the guide rails and
electromagnets - to control the stability to elevate the cars).

12

1.

2.

Shanghai Maglev Train

Magnetic levitation trains in China, an idea so simple
stemmed from an object so small and scaled up to be
applicable in our world . Other solution that do not rely on
energy intensive methods.
Maglev works by lifting the trains physically off the tracks
so that the only friction involved comes from the air, with
other magnets pulling it forward, because they dont touch
anything they arent physically effected by adverse weather
that might otherwise slow the train down.
It is the fastest commercial train in the world (431 km/h).
Currently engineers in china are developing the maglev train
to travel in a vacuum tube which then would be capable of
travelling 1000 km/h.

3.

4.

Solidity: the wall, the craft

The weighty earth embankments and terraces fo not have

anthropomorphic, organic traits of the oter components
of the building, but rather an inanimate, mineral quality
that , at best, rhythmically sudivided. Stereotomy works
with materials that owing to their solid, dense and homogeneous state, render strong resistance to crushing and
buckling i.e are of important retroactive consistency, and
which through the removal of pieces from the bulk and
working them into any form and bonding such regular pieces form a solit system, whereby the retroactive consistency is the most important principle of the construction.
(Deplazes, 2008, p26)

1.

2.

3.
Deplazes, A. (2nd ed.) Constructing Architecture Materials
Processes Structures, Berlin: 2008

4.

Regular and Irregular

Structure

Fractal, Logarithmic spiral

a geometrical structure that has a regular or an uneven
shape repeated over all scales of measurement and that
has a dimension (fractal dimension), determined according
to definite rules, that is greater than the spatial dimension
of the structure.
Origami
Folding paper into decorative or representational forms

1.

2.

3.

4.

Paper folding gives a very direct and intuitive perception

and comprehension of geometry and rigidity of folded plate
structures. By folding and manipulating paper, hands and
eyes elaborate in a dialog a spontaneous understanding for
the potential of such forms.
Ehendi odis eos et perecum ium quas quae di doluptatus et
labores dolorita veriati umquiant quid unt aut omnis magni derum ad quis discid ut a senime deles volum que nus
accullam quo maximus ullaut fuga. Ut aria de nient que
consequas eturis ut il eaturiasit, inis nullabora dio to dolo
blab ipsanim oluptam ipsam, omnimus dolupictiore volorep
erepuda autemquas id eaquide sequod mo bla quiam que

4D Printing
Construction

5.
3D printing has now evolved to 4D printing the extra dimension being time. MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have engineered a material that can self assemble.
A special 3D printer made by Strarasys prints the object in
layers. The make up of the object starts with a layer of plastic which has a strand of a smart material that can absorb
water.
When the object is put into water the water acts as an energy source for the material to expand. The rigid material
becomes the structure and the other layer is the force that
can bend and twist the materials allowing the object to construct itself whilst emerged.

6.

This construction method could be used to construct small

objects in difficult areas.
Information:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21614176

7.

This 4D printing could lead to self constructing furniture,

The rigid material gives the object structure and constrains
it to the shape that is desired. The rigid material goes on the
side that you want it to bend and the smart material goes
on the other side. The smart material expands forcing the
rigid material to bend creating its shape.

8.

Could this process be used for buildings? Could it be used

to construct in space?
Could we adapt part of this process so suit certain designs?

For more information:

http://blog.ted.com/2013/04/12/the-future-unfolding-fellows-friday-with-skylar-tibbits/

9.

Picture 5 http://inhabitat.com/skylar-tibbits-introduces-the-concept-of-self-assembling-4d-printing/4d-printing3/ [Accessed on 29th September

2013] MIT
Picture 6 http://thehightechsociety.com/tech-news-today-26-04/ [Accessed on
29th September 2013]
Picture 7 http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/28/4d-printing-mit/ [Accessed
on 29th September 2013]
Picture 8 http://subseaworldnews.com/2012/09/18/sweden-nord-streamsconstruction-works-increase-underwater-noise-levels-study-says/ [Accessed on 29th September 2013]
Picture 9 & 10 http://www.materealise.com/4d-printing-transform-shapes-with-multimaterial-3d-printing [Accessed on 29th September 2013]

10.

Interactive Modularity
Construction

Can previously explored ideas of Modular space, architecture, hardware, product design etc. be reignited today with
the rapid advancement of the Microchip and the virtual
software/realities that accompany it and help the production of good design in a massive scale?

1.

(1) On a portable device scale interactive modularity could

affect the every day life and create a sense of personality
over the device used. Additionally it affects the problem of
rapid growth in electronic waste.

2.

Website: http://www.phonebloks.com/
(2) In the age of ultimate portability and the need of constant reorganization of space due to new technologies
spaces should follow as function and form in the easiest
way possible. Therefore interactive modular design should
be an integral part of the field of Architecture and one worth
studying.
Article: http://www.design-bug.com/facet-modular-space-divider/
Website: http://www.3-form.co.uk/

3.

(3) Interactive Modular design on the scale of a city could

greatly affect civilizations and in the case of its existence it
could act as one of the most dangerous weapons against
or towards the improvent of future cities. It would minimise
the error or mistakes since through a different programming cities would rearrange according the need of the
generation but who would hold that power? The politics
of such an idea would allow anyone to imagine all sorts of
scenarios
Website: http://www.edenproject.com/

4.

Music & Shelter

Construction

During the years of urban degradation, a scavenger experimental musician travels and searches for the hidden
treasure of a rotten city. The world as we know it has been
consumed by the rage of nature. A man walked the earth
of his exile from his motherland bringing along his musical
instrument which second as his mobile shelter.
He travels across the city looking for the sounds of the decayed along the dark alleys and narrow corners collecting
fragments of materials, bit by bit building his instrument.
From time to time, the shelter taps into other buildings and
sap into the structures leftover electricity in the cable lines.
After a long arduous hunt, he performs to the native, whoever is still left living in the rotting city, the sound of the broken
dreams and chill winds of death.

1.

The image shown the idea of the protable shelter that coulde be used for any class of ages as a temporary or permenant structure. The sturcture of the shelter are meant
to be leightweight as it can be move from place to another.

2.

The prototype could be in various scales, it is depends on

the availablity of space on site. Each of the scale could act
as different type of space such as the larger scale could be
act as community centre to a single spaces.

3.
http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/
portable-shelters-for-homeless-or-refugees-designed-byzo_loft.html
http://www.mheu.org/en/timeline/walking-city-ocean.aspx

4.

Three Dimensional Printing

Construction

In relation to the theme of highlighting suitable examples of

construction prototypes, the case of point in this instance is
to focus on the subject of Three Dimensional Printing (3D).
3D Printing is the production process of creating a three
dimensional entity, which has been extracted from a digital
model, and is formed via a series of multiple layers.
This process differs from conventional production methods,
where a subtractive process is implemented relying upon
the removal of material, in contrast to the additive process.
The 3D printing device is a comparatively versatile piece of
equipment and is primarily utilised for product manufacture
as well as generating initial prototypes. However due to the
increasing availability of this printing device, it is gradually
emerging into other markets, for instance bio-technology.
The relevance of this technical contribution is in the nature
of its human health approach. The main aspect is that the
device can now be implemented into bio-technology and
therefore utilised to create replacement organs and tissues.

1.

2.

3.
http://www.dezeen.com/2013/08/13/3d-printing-explained-movie-materialise/
http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/future-tech/3d-printing-explained
http://www.3dprinter.net/reference/what-is-3d-printing

4.

Upgrade it, dont throw it away!

Construction

Todays society is producing a huge amount of garbage.

This issue is addressed by recycling as but is that really a
solution? Is there a way how to radically reduce the waste
production in the first place without compromising our living
standards? Could be each tool and object we use designed
in such a way to last lifetime instead of years or days or even
just a couple of minutes?
Due to the rapid progress in the development of computer
technology, electronics is one of the fastest growing waste
(Hakkens, 2013). Phonebloks is a revolutionary idea which
changes the concept of mobile phone as we know it and
more importantly it addresses the issue discusses above.
Phoneblok is a mobile phone which enables replacement of
only those hardware pieces which are out of date or broken.
Therefore there is no need to throw out the whole phone
along with its still functioning components just because one
of them is not fast enough, for instance, or its memory is not
big enough (Hakkens, 2013).
This key concept of gradual upgrading could inspire the design of all the other products which are so demanded and
so vastly consumed by our modern society.

1.

2.

3.

The device is composed by three differend kinds of components. There is a screen in the front, then there are separate blocks each of a different function (e.g. hard disk, camera, or processor) at the back; and in the between is the
base platform which locks everything together into a mobile
phone of standard shape as is illustrated on images 2 and
3 (Hakkens, 2013).
The second benefit of this concept is that the device could
be customized in a very simple, broad and customer friendly way. The platform enables a different kind of block to be
plug in, hence there could be many variations of it, each
preferring different functions. For instance, more space of
the platform could be dedicated to a bigger camera block
for high quality images or to a bigger hard disc block with
high memory capacity. Each component would be available for sale as a individual part and could be installed by
the customer herself/ himself. The examples of the components are illustrated by the image 3 (Hakkens, 2013).
Hakkens, D. (2013). Phonebloks: A Phone Worth Keeping.
Available at: http://www.phonebloks.com/ (Accessed 30
September 2013).

4.

Building Black Box System

Construction

The collapse of the World Trade Centre Twin Towers following

a terrorist attack in September 2001 had a devastating
affect on thousands of lives and changed the way buildings
would be designed forever. A contributing factor of their
collapse was the failure of the central core structure and
floor beams within the buildings.
Following the event, multiple investigations were undertaken
to understand exactly what happened to the structure
of the towers leading up to their collapse in order to fully
comprehend why it happened. However, the investigation
was forced to rely on educated guesses based on footage
and computer simulations rather than pure data.
Therefore, I propose a Black Box style data recording
system that could record forces acting on key points within
steel beams in order that this data could be used to diagnose
the causes for structural failure and subsequently assist in
preventing similar events in the future. I believe that this
system could help prevent further total building collapses
and reduce the risk, and affect, of terrorism within Western
society to make buildings safer.

1.

2.

The system would use WiFi networks to transmit the data to

an external location in the event of a collapse and provide
real-time updates of building moments in order to allow time
for evacuation. Figure 2 shows a Black Box that inspired
this idea. Figure 3 shows a beam from the WTC following
its collapse. Finally, figure 4 diagrams sensor locations on
a bridge and how they may record forces on the structure.
This proposal could help to protect society from the risk of
terrorism and global disaster by utilising communication
technologies to provide a feedback element to real-time
structural forces within new buildings.

3.

For more information on external research that fed into this

proposal, please see:
An article explaining how a Flight Data Recorder works
and helps to prevent air disasters - http://science.
howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/black-box5.
htm.
An article exploring the idea of smart structures within
design - http://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/smartstructures-and-materials/6/.

4.

G[r]oing Home
Construction

Can we grow completely new islands and land from places

that have been fludded from rising water levels? By growing limestone reefs, it may be possible to reclaim parts of
cities damaged by water.
Can protocells build cities? Protocells are being demonstrated as suitable for sustainable building. They are
essentially a natural living phenomenon, available worldwide. Rachel Armstrong [1] has described the technology
as terestrial, holding similar properties as Living Systems,
allowing metabolic materials to convert the inert to a living
material.
As well as its sustainable technological impact, Armstrong
[1] believes it to be a much more sustainable bottom-up
approach to construction, in contrast to the typical topdown construction process.

1.

The protocell extracts carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere

and converts it into carbonate, making a hard shell, as
shown in image 2.

2.

3.

Image three shoes the work of Armstrong, testing the wet

technology called the Btschli system. The protocell moves
away from the light [see image 4]. Thus, when erosion removes boundary materials, the cell travels towards the dark
underside in order to react and rebuild. However, the protocell can be manipulated and manufactured to move toward
the light - we have th ability to chose our species depending
on our requirements.

[1] http://www.ted.com/talks/rachel_armstrong_architecture_that_repairs_itself.html
[Image 1] The Future of Venice
[Image 2] Algae and shell accretion on a post at the
waterline http://www.architecturenorway.no/questions/
cities-sustainability/armstrong/
[Image 3] Btschli droplets
http://www.architecturenorway.no/questions/cities-sustainability/armstrong/

4.

[Image 4] http://www.designbuild-network.com/features/
featureleaf-review-living-buildings-biotechnology/featureleaf-review-living-buildings-biotechnology-5.html

Daily Life
Construction

1. Stella So, Hong Kong artist who pay attention to every

detail in daily life. By using her comic to preserve the collective memory of people.
Inside a construction site, the building works are just like
our everyday routine. People moving around and construct
the building step by step.
If we study the pattern of daily life, maybe able to find a better construction way.

1.

There can be different types of daily life pattern.

2. Life pattern
A human from born to death. It is the longest journey we
experiencing.

2.

3. Routine of a housewife.
Keeping a house tidy takes many steps. It also record the
interaction between the housewife, owner and building.
4. Walking pattern
Why someone walk faster? Why someone like to walk alone
the right side of the road? Why some people tends to turn
right?

3.
http://www.living-architectures.com/Koolhaas_houselife.php
Images Sources:
1. Bhagwat Gita & Our Life - A Philosophy Blog (2012) Can Money Give us Real Happiness
of Life? Available at: http://gita-blog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/can-money-give-us-realhappiness-of-life.html (Accessed: 29 September 2013)
2. Caritas Hong Kong (2008) Drawing the old Hong Kong from a brick. Local artist spent
4 years to draw the most detail and beautiful Hong Kong. Available at: http://www.youthnetradio.org/tmit/forum/thread-10623-1-1.html (Accessed: 29 September 2013)
3. Costruzioninet (2013) Living Architectures. Rem Koolhaas, Richard Meier, Frank Gehry,
Renzo Piano, Herzog & De Meuron: cinque film per scoprire la grande architettura. Available at: http://lnx.costruzioni.net/2013/08/living-architectures-rem-koolhaas-richardmeier-frank-gehry-renzo-piano-herzog-de-meuron-cinque-film-per-scoprire-la-grande-architettura/ (Accessed: 29 September 2013)
4. Ordnance Survey Blog (2013) Getting fitter neednt be an uphill struggle! Available at:
http://blog.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/tag/walking-to-work/ (Accessed: 29 September 2013)

4.

Sandstone capturer
Construction

Cladding and paving coated in sodium hydroxide

Sandstone has been used as a construction materials since
prehistoric times, it is relatively soft and easy to carve, and
certain types resistant to weathering.
The idea is to use sandstone as carbon sequestration given
the exponential rise in co2 levels in the last 100 years.
Currently we are aware the possible means of reducing
carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to the atmosphere is
injection of CO2 into structural reservoirs in deep permeable
geologic formations.
When CO2 comes into contact with sodium hydroxide, it is
absorbed, producing a liquid solution of sodium carbonate.
Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is believed to the
most practical technology available to mitigate greenhouse
gas emissions from large-scale fossil fuel usage.

1.

Geological sequestration is an idea to inject co2 into

sandstone to store and capture this co2. However this is
still an energy intensive method, requiring transportation in
the process.

2.

The proposal seeks to cut these energy intensive methods

and provide a cladding system that absorbs co2.
Pores in the cladding system, small enough to prevent
contacts with humans or other species, will contain sodium
hydroxide speeding the process of the absorption of co2.

3.

(2011.11.23) Levitan, D.http://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/greentech/clean-coal/milliontonne-carbon-sequestration-project-begins-inillinois.

4.

(2011http://news.illinois.edu/news/12/0220IBDP_RobertFinley.html

Smart materials
Construction

An ability to adapt to the surrounding environment, to

be able to reflect heat back into space and thus prevent
overheating at ground level or the materials could change to
a darker surface during winter to create a more comfortable
external environment.

1.

Phase changing materials

1. Taking the principles of the chameleon.
2. Not so smart materials - the walkie talkie tower

2.

3.

4.

Reflective roof benefits:

Reduces interior temperature by 7-10 degrees
Reduces roof surface temperature by 20 to 60 degrees,
Extends life of HVAC systems ans and reduces energy
consumption and the size of the system.
Creates a more comfortable internal and external
environment.

Protocell architecture
Construction

To repair degrading structures and purify the seawater

below for active absorption of co2
self repairing to grow and mend structures under the water
by accumulating, dispersing and reconfiguring.
Natural materials with an alkaline structure to neutralise
the oceans acidity.

1.

Protocell architecture seeks to engage with the ecological

process by means of synthetic biology, A controversial
topic which upon application in the real world would need
addressing with sensitivity.

2.

Metabolic materials seeks to address the issues of depleting

resources, protocells go one step further and proposes self
repair technology.
These systems possess similar properties of living systems
and artificial structures.

3.

4.

References
Armstrong, R. Spiller, N. 2011.Architectural Design, Protocell Architecture,
Vol 81, No.2.

Brick Making

The relationship between nature and the built environment

was intended to demonstrate the vanity of building and the
corrupting power of death. In the end nature is waiting to
take revenge for its violation as if the artistic shaping was
only an act of violence of the spirit.
Viewed by an uprejudiced onlooker the masonry itself should
appear as a rather commonplace product when compared
with the complex structures of high tech industry. Masonry
becomes the symbol for the building of the Earth, for the
creation - or of homeliness as a contrast to modernisation.
There are at least two debates about masonry: one
about its surface as a medium for meaning and a boundary, the other about its mass as a product of manual work. Although both debates overlap constantly.
(Deplazes, 2008, p22)

1.

The building blocks or workpieces form the smallest basic components intented for the construction. they are the
result of a a finishing process - a more or less complex and
time consuming production process.

2.

Moulded and cast earthes (clay bricks, ceramic tiles,

air-dried, fired) or processed earths (cement, conrete)
are produced from earths, sands and gravels (cob, clay).
All these modules exhibit their own inherent tectonics,
theur own inherent jointing principles which are present in the second production stage: layering, interlocking, weaving, plastic formation (modelling) moulding etc.
(Deplazes, 2008, p12)

3.

Deplazes, A. (2nd ed.),Constructing Architecture Materials

Processes Structures, Berlin:2008

4.

Different way to built

: Construction

Fashion, architecture and honeycomb section.

Fashion and architecture are both based on basic life necessities - clothing and shelter. However, they are also forms of
self-expression - for both the creators and consumers. Both
fashion and architecture affect our emotional being.
Such as express ideas of personal, social, and cultural identity, reflecting the interests of the targeted audience and the
ages ambition.

1.

2.

3.

Honeycomb structures are natural or man-made structures

that have the geometry of a honeycomb to allow the minimization of the amount of used material to reach minimal
weight and minimal material cost. The geometry of honeycomb structures can vary widely but the common feature
of all such structures is an array of hollow cells formed between thin vertical walls

Hybrid Solar Gas Power

Environment

Improving our existing situation and evolving through renewable energy.

Using Hybrid Solar Gas Power we can improve the current
energy situation. The cost of natural gas as an energy
source is one of the lowest so why cant we introduce this
energy to our existing power plants or even erradicate these
plants completely.
By introducing natural gas powered power plants we could
reduce the used energy needed to power the plant by 20%
by harvesting the suns solar rays on a sunny day. This would
mean that our existing power plants would use less natural
gas to produce the same amount of electricity while at the
same time lowering the plants greenhouse gas emissions.

11.

Could we implement these alterations on a large scale

throughout the UK?

12.

Could this system be used on a smaller scale for residential

use?
Combined with the Algae towers could the structure have a
solar hybrid conversion space?

13.

14.

Picture 11 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2090784/Solar-flarecauses-strongest-radiation-storm-7-years-particles-hurtle-Earth.html
[Accessed on 29th September 2013] by Mark Duell.
Picture 12 http://www.kurtstruve.com/technical.html [Accessed on 29th September 2013] by Kurt Struve
Picture 13 http://www.power-technology.com/projects/drax/ [Accessed on 1st October 2013]
Picture 14 http://www.trendir.com/archives/002065.html [Accessed on 29th
September] by Trendir

Chin Hua solar window

This window is a transparent window that has a solar panel.

15.

16

This panel could then be used with the Algae towers so that
it not only collects energy but it also allows light in to cultivate the algae.

Picture 15 http://www.itechdiary.com/chin-hua-solar-window-glass-the-windowsglass-with-solar-panels.html[Accessed on 29th September 2013] by

Mark Duell.
Picture 16 http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1490/[Accessed on 29th September 2013] by Kurt Struve

 - Biomimetic
Nature

The idea that a material through millions of microchips

could be adjusted to let air flow through it or light according
to the needs of the user. The same way as the human skin
adapts to over or underheating.

1.

(1) On a human scale such a material could greatly alter the

way we perceive space and create a new standard in the
energy efficiency of designed spaces..
Website: http://inhabitat.com/habitat-2020-off-the-grid-future-abode/

2.

(2) Along with interactive modularity, biomimetics could play

an integral part of the growth and regeneration of buildings.
Over time they could alter themselves according to global
changes and needs
Website: http://biomimicrykth.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/
mangal-city.html

3.

(3) Biomimetic microchips could be the future of medicine

and or the change of the human body. We are constantly
being bombarded through art with the idea of the Cy-Borg
but the possibility and the power of such devices could be
the moment where the human race will stop to exist. And
another more digital one will be the next step in human
evolotion. Theoris Michael J. Mitchell talks about the virtual self existing eternally. Maybe now the body of the human
self could exist eternally through such devices.
Website: http://wyss.harvard.edu/viewpage/100/biomimetic-microsystems
Book: William J Mitchell, E-Topia: Urban Life, Jim-But Not
As We Know It, (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2000)
E-Topia: Urban Life, Jim-But Not As We Know It, (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2000)

4.

Re-use and Recycle

Environment

Global warming refers to the rising of average Earth temerature and oceans as well as it projected continuation. the
increasing number of temperature will effect the cause of
the rising sea water level and also the conditions of oceans
underwater current. This phenomena will act as one of the
major factor of flooding in city. As the area effected by the
flooding increased, cities daily programmes will effect the
economy and also citizen daily routine. Thinking far beyond
the limits, when it comes to flooding, re-use and recycle of
water could be adapt to be used in good way such as for
vertical farming.
On the other hand, flood control system would give benefits
as it could give alert to the citizen on the water level and
what should they do next. the flood control system willdivert
the water level to the specific location to reduces the impact
on the area.

1.

2.

The image show above is the initial idea of the flood control
an the re-use/ recycle programme. the water will be treat
by the flood control system to be distirbute to be use for
the vertical farming whilst the farming to reduce the global
warming. It is a simple concept driven by the density of the
water level.
The prototype study for this case could be in most suitable
in large scale as it tackle floodings issue. Each of the movement of the mechanism could give a various effect to the
water level reproduction.

3.
http://www.floodguards.com/
http://www.floodark.com/
http://mdrxa.wordpress.com/architecture/pseudoberg/

4.

Structural Insulated Panels

Environmental

In relation to the theme of highlighting suitable examples of

environmental prototypes, the case of point in this instance
is to focus on the subject of Structural Insulated Panels.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are a composite building
product and consist of a rigid insulation layer which is then
inserted between two sheets of a structural board.
SIPs possess similar structural properties in comparison to
an I-Beam and/or column. The insulated core assumes the
role of the web, whilst the outer boards acts as the flange.
The main benefit of utilising SIPs as a building material is
due to its environmental credentials. The panels provide
lower U-Values, which is a direct resultant of the enhanced
insulation properties, and this would also minimise the level
of energy required to heat up or cool down a building.
The relevance of this technical contribution is in the nature
of its off-site production approach. The main aspect is that
he panels can be manufactured within a factory and then
assembled on-site and so ensuring a more efficient process.

1.

2.

3.
http://www.sipsecopanels.co.uk/sips/why-sips-eco-panels/
http://www.builditgreen.co.uk/structural-insulated-panels/
about-SIPs.html
http://www.sips.org/about/what-are-sips

4.

Is it a can or is it a brick?
Environment

Recycling general garbage helps to stop exploiting natural

resources. However not all of it is recycled and not everyone
is recycling it. Therefore there is a lot of garbage left which
is causing the pollution of our environment.
Michael Reynolds thinks of recycling in a different way than
most people do. He considers this garbage as a potential
building material and he applies this idea literary. Plastic
bottles, beer cans or tires are used as building elements to
create an inhabitable structure, call by Reynolds Earthship.
Energy consumption is promoting exploitation of natural resources as well. Reynolds addressed this issue by providing the Earthship with energy self-sufficiency. The structure
is taking advantage of the solar heat by solar panels or by
faade treatment; hence there is no need for a connection
to the electrical grid.

1.

Paragraph explaing the technical aspects of Earthship and

giving examples.

2.

Image 1: Michael Reynolds

Image 2: Wall made of beer cans
Image 3: Wall made of glass bottles
Image 4: Diagram of systems providing the dwelling with
self-sufficiency

3.
Reynolds, M. (). Earthship. Available at: http://www.dwell.
com/green/article/second-none (Accessed 30 September
2013)

4.

Impact-Generated Electricity
Environment

As we move into a technologically advanced future, more

demand is placed on our established energy generation
methods. The majority of new technology requires electricity;
therefore, to maintain a sustainable environment, it is
necessary to investigate alternative methods of generating
electricity in a productive and efficient manner.
As a society, we have already begun using renewable
energies, like solar and wind power, and there have been
explorations into the possibility of harnessing kinetic energy
from movement for electrical means. Therefore, along these
lines, I propose that we develop a method of generating
electricity for densely occupied office buildings through
worker movement.
This method would use the vibration energy that is
generated within the flooring when it is walked across to
charge batteries that could be used to power elements of the
building itself, i.e. lights and computers. This would mean
that we are harnessing an energy source that is normally
ignored and using it to reduce the demand on fossil fuel
generated energy within cities.

1.

2.

A company named Pavegen has already been researching

this method and figures 2 and 3 show some of their
investigations involving the system being incorporated into
school buildings and within external paving systems so that
they generate electricity from regular footfall.
The third image, figure 3, shows an interactive floor system
that can be incorporated into the design to provide a
user feedback element. The aim of this proposal is to
create intelligent systems in order to aid the technological
advancement of our society.

3.

For more information on external research that fed into this

proposal, please see:
An MIT Technological Review article on kinetic energy
research by Kate Baggott - http://www.technologyreview.
com/news/409115/harnessing-kinetic-energy/.
An article on Pavegens research by Cy Tottleben - http://
www.mnn.com/local-reports/illinois/local-blog/newproducts-turn-kinetic-energy-into-green-electricity.

4.

Fungal Matters
Environmental

Bricks and furniture made out of fungus.

Durability is not an issue as can be protected and treated.
Fungus feasts on cow dung, which contributes to greenhouse gases; but Rosss components grow organically in
the wild and have little impact on the environment
Less energy involved in the manufacturing of bricks. Raw
material is biodegradable.
It is organic and carbon negative

1.

2.

3.
[1] http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2013/01/
one_cool_or_crazy_thing_bricks.html
[2] http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/culturelab/2013/01/moulding-fungal-furniture.html
[3] http://website.nbm-mnb.ca/mycologywebpages/NaturalHistoryOfFungi/Thallus.html

4.

[4] http://www.gregorythomas.net/2012/12/phil-rossmakes-furniture-out-of-fungus/

Indoor Cloud
Environment

1. Indoor Cloud is first introduced by a photographer,

Berndnaut Smilde, then developed to be an installation. After that, Tetsuo Kondo Architects and Transsolar ameliorate
the technology to create Cloudscape, which allow people
to experience new type of architectural space.
Up to now, the indoor cloud still remind as an installation
with no actual use.
There are mainly two types of indoor cloud, one making of
liquid nitrogen and the other type is using different layers of
air. There are (a) hot and dry (b) hot and humid and (c) cold
and dry air.
If we can man-made a cloud with different air, can this process be reverse? With an indoor cloud, we maybe able to
control and improve the indoor comfort by absorbing moist,
absorbing heat or humidifying the air.

1.

2. Tetsuo Kondo Architects and Transsolar created a cloudscapes in Tokyo, which allow people to go inside and experience walking through the cloud.

2.

3. The Cloud can act as a shading for the house, just like
planting trees around to prevent glare and overheat.
4. With higher technology, the Cloud can use to adjust the
indoor comfort.

3.
Images Sources:
1. Dezeen (2013) Nimbus photography series by Berndnaut Smilde. Available at: http://
www.dezeen.com/2013/08/02/nimbus-green-room-by-berndnaut-smilde/ (Accessed:
29 September 2013)
2. Dezeen (2013) Cloudscapes at MOT by Tetsuo Kondo Architects and Transsolar. Available at: http://www.dezeen.com/2013/08/08/cloudscapes-at-mot-by-tetsuo-kondoarchitects-and-transsolar/ (Accessed: 29 September 2013)
3. Energy efficiency and Sustaina bility (n.d.) Passive Cooling. Available at: http://www.
greenandpractical.com/Passive%20Cooling.htm (Accessed: 29 September 2013)
4. SwissMiss (2008) Middle Humidifier. Available at: http://www.swiss-miss.
com/2008/10/middle-humidifi.html (Accessed: 29 Spetember 2013)

4.

Desalination Bubble
Environmental

Freshwater resources are under strain for factors including

population growth, demographic movement, climate change
increasing global temperatures and thus drying reservoirs.
Relevant to London given its proximity to seawater and
possibly look at future purification of the river Thames.
This offers a sustainable and less expensive alternative to
nuclear plants for cities in coastal zones

14

1.

1. Mangrove plants to desalinate seawater to freshwater.

2. Seawater is in abundance and predictions show global sea
levels have risen and are continuing to rise, therefore this is
a natural resource that could be used.

2.

3. Bubbles is the idea of the lightweight structure.

3.

References

4.

Environment Agency. March 2009.water for people and the environment.

Water resources strategy for England and Wales. pp.13
evolvo, cities of tomorrow, issue 3 2010. pp.37

Algae Baloons
Environmental

The microalgae use climate-killing CO2 to create valuable

biomass,
A project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in
2008 found that diverting CO2 through an algae broth could
reduce emissions by as much as 85 percent.
European aerospace EADS is currently testing the first
hybrid aircraft to run on algae fuel.

16

1.

Algae produces small amounts of hydrogen as a by-product

of photosynthesis, and algae alternates between hydrogen
production and normal photosynthesis depending on the
chemical environment.

2.

To increase hydrogen production the algae is deprived of

oxygen and sulphur, triggering production for an extended
period of time.
Therefore algae could be used to produce hydrogen for
transportation and absorb co2 in the atmosphere.
Algaes key advantage is that its population can double
every few hours, far more efficient use of sunlight than
plants, and feed CO2 to algae to produce biofuels.

3.

In this process algae is cultivated in bioreactors, troughs

covered with flexible plastic and filled with saltwater.
The water is saturated with carbon dioxide, to encourage
growth of the algae.
The algae, through photosynthesis, convert the carbon
dioxide and water into ethanol, a hydrocarbon, oxygen and
fresh water.

References:
http://bldgblog.blogspot.co.uk/2007/11/algae-power.ht
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/09/23/germany.algae.
power/index.html

4.

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/06/08/eadsto-fly-algae-powered-plane/

Glow plants
Environmental

To reduce light pollution, energy consumption. A proposed

more conventional street lamp could be proposed to prevent
genetically modified plants interacting with the natural
world.

18

1.

Glowing plants has been possible since the 1980s, when

scientists added a gene encoding the firefly enzyme
luciferase to a tobacco plant, thus when sprayed with the
chemical substrate luciferin the plant glowed temporarily.

2.

In 2010 another group engineered a tobacco plant to have

its own weak glow using bacteria genes.

3.

4.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=glowing-plantscontroversy-questions-and-answers

Taming Nature
Sand Dune stabilisation

Sand dunes are common features of shoreline and desert

environments. Dunes provide habitat for highly specialized
plants and animals, including rare and endangered species. They can protect beaches from erosion and recruit
sand to eroded beaches. Dunes are threatened by human
activity, both intentional and unintentional. Countries such
as the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the
United Kingdom, and Netherlands, operate significant dune
protection programs.
Stabilizing dunes involves multiple actions. Planting vegetation reduces the impact of wind and water. Fences catch sand and other material. Footpaths protect dunes from damage from foot traffic.
Source: www.

1.

element of creating a landscape through the purposeful

placement of elements in the environment, controlling nature

2.

3.

4.

Extream condition
: Environment

The houses are in different environment such as Jungle,

north pole, rock and desert.

1.

Houses have been developed by weather, local material

and other circumstance such as animals attactking.
Rapidly emerging new technologies change the construction way. It gives possibilities to build in extrem location.

2.
Reference:
1. Igloo in north pole
2. Treehouse accomodation alongside Klong Sok river Khao
Sok National Park Thailand
3.The New Monte Rosa Hut, a joint project of ETH Zurich,

3.

4.