BIOMIMICRY PRECEDENT

My concept involves appreciating the natural elements of the site and enhancing these. In order to fully appreciate nature is appreciating it's natural processes. The natural elements on site are vegetation (various plants) and water. I want my building to incorporate these elements in the building design and processes. By including these elements into my design, it adds another layer of appreciation and understanding of these elements, expressing them in a different way. The building will be an appreciation of these elements by using their processes and expressing how these function. The building itself will be an exhibition of natural processes.

Biologist and writer Janine Benyus notes that nature and natural processes follow 9 basic principles:

1. Nature runs on sunlight
2. Nature uses only the energy it needs
3. Nature fits form to function
4. Nature recycles everything
5. Nature rewards cooperation
6. Nature banks on diversity
7. Nature demands local expertise
8. Nature curbs excess form within
9. Nature taps the power of limits

SOURCE: http://greenopolis.com/goblog/joe-laur/9-ways-be-smart-leaf-biomimicry-learning-conservation-and-recycling-nature

The building will function as part of the landscape by mimicking its processes and systems. I am particularly interested in the vegetation, seeing as my proposal includes an urban park. That is why I have chosen to use the function of a tree and it's leaves as my biomimicry precedents.

Trees/leaves have various characteristics and process that can be translated into built form and building technology:

• Self-cleaning (shape and texture)
• Water repellent to keep occupants dry
• Absorb sunlight for energy
• Leaf veination system for circulation and ventilation
• Water storage system (vacuoles)
• Colour changing in different conditions ie. when there is not water (dry weather) they turn brown - interactive facade
• Lightweight structure
• Large surface area to maximise exposure to the elements

A bit more information about some of these processes:

SELF CLEANING:

"Water has two major forces acting on it at the same time: its attraction to itself (which causes it to ball up) and adhesive forces (which cause it to stick to surfaces, pulling it down). Adhesive forces on water tend to be maximized on smooth surfaces, because the liquid-to-solid contact area is large. But because water and air are much less naturally adhesive than water and solids, roughened surfaces of certain microstructure tend to reduce adhesive force on water droplets, as trapped air in the interstitial spaces of the roughened surface result in a reduced liquid-to-solid contact area. This allows water's self-attraction to be expressed more fully, leading it to form a sphere."

"At the same time, due again to natural adhesion between water and solids, dirt particles on a leaf's surface stick to the water, like a rolled snowball that picks up leaves from your lawn. Since a ball rolls more easily than a flattened bump, the role of gravity now becomes significant: the slightest angle in the surface of the leaf (e.g., caused by a passing breeze) causes balls of water to roll off the leaf surface, carrying away the attached dirt particles - without the leaf having to expend any energy or use any harmful chemical detergents."

SOURCE: http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/case-studies/how-nature-cleans.html

COLOUR CHANGE:

"Color changing plants need three things to survive and grow. The first is water which they absorb through their roots. The next necessity for a plant to survive is carbon dioxide which they absorb from the air much like we breathe in oxygen from the air. The third and final component is sunlight which plants use as a source of energy to convert the water and carbon dioxide into Glucose, a kind of sugar, which plants need to grow. Ultimately, the glucose is the food and the water, carbon dioxide and sunlight are the materials the plant needs to make that food."

"[It is] the leaves of a tree that turn sunlight into the needed energy to power their glucose manufacturing plant in a process known as photosynthesis. One of the chemicals that aids in the process of photosynthesis is chlorophyll. It’s also responsible for the green color common to leaves."

"As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, there’s a net loss of efficiency in a plant’s ability to photosynthesise. Basically, there’s just not enough light to effectively power the factory to make the glucose. Ultimately, the energy required to feed and maintain leaves that aren’t doing the tree much good in the winter is simply not worth the effort. The leaves are also vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Rather than work hard and expend energy to maintain low producing element, the tree is better off shedding its leaves and feeding on stored energy sources until the days grow longer again."

SOURCE: http://www.howdowhy.com/why-do-leaves-change-color-and-where-do-the-colors-come-from/

VEIN CIRCULATION:

Closed loop system - Leaf veination is used to transport water to all parts of the leaf. The big dot is a damage in the network e.g. where an insect has eaten. However, due to this network the flow isn't stopped, and can go everywhere in the network. This could be translated to building terms where the holes could be an obstruction or diversion in a pathway, and with a circulation system that follows a closed loop, the user may still continue on their journey.

SOURCE:http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/03/biomimicry-leaf-veins-distribution-networks-electricity-water.php

LEAF FUNCTION:
"Leaves are the powerhouse of plants. In most plants, leaves are the major site of food production for the plant. Structures within a leaf convert the energy in sunlight into chemical energy that the plant can use as food. Chlorophyll is the molecule in leaves that uses the energy in sunlight to turn water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) into sugar and oxygen gas (O₂). This process is called photosynthesis."

LEAF STRUCTURE:
"A leaf is made of many layers that are sandwiched between two layers of tough skin cells (called the epidermis). The epidermis also secretes a waxy substance called the cuticle. These layers protect the leaf from insects, bacteria, and other pests. Among the epidermal cells are pairs of sausage-shaped guard cells. Each pair of guard cells forms a pore (called stoma; the plural is stomata). Gases enter and exit the leaf through the stomata.

Most food production takes place in elongated cells called palisade mesophyll. Gas exchange occurs in the air spaces between the oddly-shaped cells of the spongy mesophyll.

Veins support the leaf and are filled with vessels that transport food, water, and minerals to the plant."

LEAF FORMS:
"Leaves come in many sizes and shapes; they are often used to help identify plants. Some leaves are flat and wide; others are spiky and thin. Plant spines (like cactus spines) are actually modified leaves."

LEAF GLOSSARY:

• air space - intercellular gaps within the spongy mesophyll. These gaps are filled with gas that the plant uses (carbon dioxide - CO₂ ) and gases that the plant is expelling (oxygen - O₂, and water vapor).
• chlorophyll - a molecule in leaves that can use light energy from sunlight to turn water and carbon dioxide gas into sugar and oxygen (this process is called photosynthesis). Chlorophyll is magnesium-based and is green.
• cuticle - the waxy, water-repelling layer on the outer surface of a leaf that helps keep it from dying out (and protect it from invading bacteria, insects, and fungi). The cuticle is secreted by the epidermis (including the guard cells) and is often thinner on the underside of leaves. The cuticle is generally thicker on plants that live in dry environments.
• epidermis - the protective, outler layer of cells on the surface of a leaf. The guard cells (and stoma) are part of the epidermis. The surface of many leaves is coated with a waxy cuticle which is secreted by the epidermis.
• guard cell - one of a pair of sausage-shaped cells that surround a stoma (a pore in a leaf). Guard cells change shape (as light and humidity change), causing the stoma to open and close.
• mesophyll - the chlorophyll-containing leaf tissue located between the upper and lower epidermis. These cells convert sunlight into usable chemical energy for the plant.
• palisade mesophyll - a layer of elongated cells located under the upper epidermis. These cells contain most of the leaf's chlorophyll, converting sunlight into usable chemical energy for the plant.
• petiole - a leaf stalk; it attaches the leaf to the plant.
• photosynthesis - the process in which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food energy (sugars and starches), oxygen and water. Chlorophyll or closely-related pigments (substances that color the plant) are essential to the photosynthetic process.
• spongy mesophyll - the layer below the palisade mesophyll; it has irregularly-shaped cells with many air spaces between the cells. These cells contain some chlorophyll. The spongy mesophyll cells communicate with the guard cells (stomata), causing them to open or close, depending on the concentration of gases.
• stem - (also called the axis) the main support of the plant.
• stoma - (plural stomata) a pore (or opening) in a plant's leaves where water vapor and other gases leave and enter the plant. Stomata are formed by two guard cells that regulate the opening and closing of the pore. Generally, many more stomata are on the bottom of a leaf than on the top.
• vein (vascular bundle) - Veins provide support for the leaf and transport both water and minerals (via xylem) and food energy (via phloem) through the leaf and on to the rest of the plant.

SOURCE: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/plants/leaf/

LEAF STRUCTURE

• The upper cuticle is thicker than the lower cuticle to resist dehydration due to the sun's heat, also to absorb rain from above.
• Leaves are usually thin so that water can reach the inner cells easily
• Leaves are usually broad and flat to absorb as much light as possible
• Veins bring in water and carry away product of photosynthesis

Leaf layers

SOURCE:http://www.biotopics.co.uk/plants/leafst.html

PERCEPTION IN NATURE

"In nature, every advantage increases an animal’s chances of survival, and therefore its chances of reproducing. This simple fact has caused animal species to evolve a number of special adaptations that help them find food and keep them from becom­ing food. One of the most widespread and varied adaptations is natural camouflage, an animal’s ability to hide itself from predator and prey." Animals have adapted to blend in with their environment so that others might overlook them. A few sophisticated hiders can change their camouflage in accordance with a change in their surroundings. In addition to these expert hiders, some animals don’t hide at all, but throw predators off by disguising themselves as something dangerous or uninteresting." Here are a few examples of animals which play with perception in nature, where other animals perceive them as something different.

CAMOUFLAGE:

Dead Leaf Butterfly

Leopard

Dragonfly

Toad

Owl

Frogs

Sting ray

ANIMALS THAT SCARE/CONFUSE PREDATORS:

Shingleback Skink

"It is also called the stumpy tail, bobtail, pine-cone, bog-eye or sleepy lizard. It has a short but wide stumpy tail that resembles another head, and may confuse predators. The tail also contains fat reserves, which are drawn upon during hibernation in winter."

SOURCE: http://bamboozoo.weebly.com/feature-shingleback-skinks.html

Butterflies

"Some butterflies have evolved 'eye' like markings on their wings, scaring off some birds. Also, since some birds attack the eyes of an animal first, the butterfly has a chance of escaping in the confusion when the bird simply pokes a hole in one of the wings."

SOURCE: http://www.knowledgerush.com/kr/encyclopedia/Butterfly/

ANIMAL THAT ADAPTS TO IT'S SURROUNDINGS:

Chameleon

I may be able to use some of these techniques in my project for parts of the building that I may want to blend in with the natural elements on site (cliffs and vegetation) so that it fits in with the natural context. Also, as I do not want to detract from the site's surroundings, camouflage techniques will allow for the main focus to be on emphasising the beauty of the site. The chameleon is particularly interesting as it can change its appearance according to the varying conditions it finds itself in. This could be translated into the building function, building skin, form, technology, ventilation and shading etc so that these can adapt to the different conditions of the site (wind, sun, rain, time of day, amount of people in the site etc).

FURTHER CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

To recap, my concept surrounds perception and my aim is to create new perspectives for the site which may alter peoples perceptions and enhance their understanding of the site. In the folie project, I looked at the way that the site is currently used. It is mainly circulation space with the pathway running directly through. The wharfs are unused yet are heritage buildings with rich history. I concluded that the main users of the site are pedestrians - walkers, runners and cyclists. The presence of the path dictates the movement of this circulation, therefore it is somewhat controlled.The idea for my folie was to provide a resting area where these users can stop and rest whilst appreciating the natural/cultural/historic beauty of the site.

Building on this concept in the second project, I am looking at the unique perspectives offered by the site - of the underside of the bridge, both directions of the river and the vertical landscape. Being a circulation space, which is often fast paced, people often move directly through the site (running and cycling), using it as a part of a track to their final destination. So how can I change their perceptions of the site? How can I slow them down to so that they may take in the beauty of the site and appreciate it to its full potential? I was inspired by one of my building precedents Arthur Azoulai's building of spatial perception.

Perception is defined by movement. One's perception changes as you move throughout the space. At the HSW site, as you move through the space, your perception of the bridge changes.The study of different types of movement in architecture also contributes to the definition of space. You can redefine the space through manipulating/changing the movement through the space. The pathway is defined circulation space used by cyclists, runners and walkers which has fast paced, direct movement, where there is little opportunity for exploration. I want to enrich the user's experience of the site and create different perceptions. Also with little greenspace, the presence of the carpark, and the wharfs, users do not usually divert from the pathway. The idea of creating a public park inclusive of the notion of perception allows the users to explore the space in a new and different way. As Arthur Azoulai mentioned, a park offers a space of slower movement, where resting and exploring is actually implied by the open space. The creation of different perceptions will be made through manipulating and transforming the time and movement through the space. The movement defines the space, where the definition of the space is ones own perception.

My aim is to create a public park and building that will allow people to explore the site through time and movement, allowing people to appreciate the site's unique perspectives and alter their perception of the site, and ultimately appreciate it's beauty.

Changing perception of the bridge.

BUILDING PRECEDENTS

Spatial Perception Through Movement in Architecture [ARTHUR AZOULAI]

The first building precedent that I looked at was an academic piece entitled 'Spatial Perception Through Movement in Architecture" by Arthur Azoulai. The project consists of a subway station and a park. He highlights the distinct difference in movement between the 2 spaces: the park is a slow paced area with little circulation, and the train station has fast paced movement where no time is 'allowed'.

"The real program is a notion of time, and movement through space. This opposition is a way to prove that movement defines space. However, couldn't the Architecture define the contrast of movement as well? Through Architecture, can the user be subjected to follow an architecturally predetermined movement?" I think he raises some really interesting questions, where he has effectively dealt with these and found solutions to the problems.

"In order to study and understand the movement of people through Architecture requires an understanding that movement is part of a philosophical definition of the body. “A physical body is an enduring object that exists throughout a particular trajectory of space and orientation over a particular duration of time, and which is extended in the world of physical space.” For Henri- Louis Bergson, the body is “an instrument of action, and of action only.” In addition, the human body not only moves through space but also has the consciousness to define it in its own terms, and to choose an unpredicted path through that space. It is the accumulation of those unpredicted paths through space that create a flow of movement and defines the space and its edges. The ability to see and perceive the space has to do with their movement. The faster someone is going through a space, the smaller their field of perception is because of the concentration that he has to put on his immediate surroundings. Therefore, if taking the example of walking out the subway, a subject’s only goal is to get to the exit, meaning it usually is a fast and very private movement. How can Architecture slow down this movement as one gets off the subway? Can Architecture slow down the movement through the station? Can it allow for the discovery of the space? Would it only be done through spatial moves or perhaps by using more aesthetics devices like colors or graphics? Through the study of videos of Schenley Park and an existing Downtown subway station, I used a method that allowed me to consider the perceivable space of someone walking towards a destination. This method allows me to then create what I call a cone of spatial perception, which is the physically invisible space created by the perception of the said space."

I thought this "cone of perception" was an intriguing way to create form from this concept. The building is formed from the space that was the 'perceivable space' in a typical train station.

SOURCE: http://arthurazoulai.com/#250144/Spatial-Perception-in-Architecture

CACTUS SKYSCAPER [AESTHTHICS ARCHITECTS]

I thought that this next project was a good example of biomimic architecture using a cactus. These processes include how the cactus shades itself, stores water and transpiration. The building is situated in Qatar where it experiences hot days and cold nights, and this building technology helps to regulate the interior temperature. In Brisbane's hot climate a building that imitates a cactus and it's water saving/cooling processes would be useful.

"An excellent example of desert architecture, MMA’s new building is designed be very energy efficient and utilizes sun shade on its windows. Depending on the intensity of the sun during the day, the sun shades can open or close to keep out the heat when it is too much. This is similar to how a cactus chooses to perform transpiration at night rather during the day in order to retain water – another great example of biomimicry. The botanic dome at the base of the tower will house a botanical garden. Hopefully it will include an edible garden and a living machine as well."

SOURCE: http://inhabitat.com/qatar-cactus-office-building/

WATERCUBE [ARUP AND PTW ARCHITECTS]

The Chinese National Aquatic Center, better known as the watercube is another example of an energy efficient and eco-friendly building that has taken cues from nature and biomimicry. The Watercube’s design is based on water bubbles in foam, where this structure is derived from principles of geometry and crystaline systems.

"The building’s structure is framed in steel, while the bubbles themselves are made from ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) pillows measuring 0.2 mm thick. The membrane lets in more light and heat than traditional glass does, which keeps all 5 pools warmer, thus reducing energy costs by 30%. Rainwater from the roof is collected and recycled with efficient filtration and backwash systems, and an incredible LED lighting system turns the Watercube into a beautiful kaleidoscope at night."

“The Watercube uses state-of-the-art materials to create a visually striking building that is also energy-efficient and ecologically friendly. The most impressive aspect of the project is the outer shell or molecular skin that envelops the building. The building has a chameleon-like quality that captures light in an extraordinary and memorable way. In every respect, the Watercube is an engaging and ethereal building that comfortably straddles the traditions of both Chinese and Western architecture.”

SOURCE: http://inhabitat.com/the-watercube-wins-australias-highest-architecture-award/

8 HOUSE [BIG ARCHITECTS]

I love this building and find the shape very interesting and innovative. I am interested in the formation of the internal courtyards bound by walls, this may be inspiring in the design of the greenspace in my project. I want to create a greenspace that can interact with the cliffs and bridge, creating new perspectives. I wouldn't bound the greenspace with walls as I find this too closed in, however I could bound the greenspace with pathways, or raised walkways etc. The raising and lowering of various points too maximise/block out/emphasise views are particularly interesting. I also find the continuation of the structure interesting and something that I could use similarly in my project for perhaps a raised walkway through the site...

SOURCE: http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/11075/big-architects-8-house-under-construction.html

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND PROPOSED SITE

Initially, I wanted to create some sort of multi-functional space that might attract people to the site. The idea behind this was to cater for uniqueness. However this had be narrowed down and given a purpose that is relevant to my concept. I also wanted to add green space to the area as this is lacking. The natural beauty of the site is one of it's main features and adding more greenspace would enhance the site's natural beauty, as it is sometimes overshadowed by the monumental structure above. Also, in keeping with my theme group, biomimicry, the addition of greenspace would add to the site's sustainability and the building will include biomimicry processes in its building systems.

Therefore, I have chosen to create an urban park within the site. By building an urban park here, it is acknowledging and accentuating the uniqueness of the site and appreciating this uniqueness. The site is unlike it's surroundings - it is peaceful and secluded - which will in turn attract people to it. The surrounding suburbs were lacking an open space for activity and relaxation amongst natural surroundings. In keeping with my concept perception this urban park will be a centre for perspectives - offering opportunities for many unique perceptions of the site. The urban park will stimulate the users different perceptions of the site as well as manipulating and dictating these. The addition of greenspace connects the site to the natural elements present.

The adjacent high density residential buildings will benefit from this greenspace which offers these residents a 'backyard' area where they have none. The low density residential buildings to the right will also be attracted to the site as many families with young children and pets would be likely to visit.

The urban park will include a cafe, public amenities, drink taps, resting areas, picnic areas and bbqs and a performance space. The performance space will be a flexible and interactive open space that is adaptable to different performance requirements. It will include movable walls and screens. This interactive performance space offers different perspectives based on the different purposes (unique to each individual performance). The performance space will also use the environment (site) in it's performance to create new perspectives of the site (bridge and cliffs). The site is activated at night through live performances and the showing of various movies. This space will also seat audiences for artist projection onto the bridge, cliffs or screens, where various parts will be able to open up. This will transform the site into a cultural hub and attraction adding to the art/film/theatre culture of the area. This will be a multi-functional space, so that when this space is not used for performances it acts as a seating area or gathering/meeting point. By making this an attraction at night which will be lit up, the security of the site will be increased, making it a more user friendly during all hours.

Relationship between performance space and site

My proposal would activate the site as a new cultural hub, creating a new hangout place, enriching the social network. Students from the nearby school may use the park to relax with friends or study, parents can monitor their children from the cafe and kids can run around and experience the interactive park. Local film makers and artists may project their work on the screen, cliffs and bridge. This also gives opportunities for film festivals and art shows to occur and add to the sites culture and social scene.

I have proposed this area on the site for the views it offers of the the bridge, river and cliffs. The building may extend further underneath the bridge to take advantage of this view. This area offers the largest open space for the urban park.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT: PERCEPTION

After talking to Yvonne in weeks 7 and 8, we established that the underlying theme that I was interested in was the unique perspectives that the site has to offer. Some of the things we looked at were user may view the site and what perceptions can be created. I want to be able to manipulate these perceptions and create new perceptions of the site. I am looking at sensory perceptions to stimulate thoughts, visual stimulation, memory and experience. An interesting idea that Yvonne had was that the environment could have an impact on what perspectives are offered. For example temperature change, wind strength/direction, river tides etc could cause the building to change colour. An example of something similar that happens in nature would be plants, where in dry weather with no water they dehydrate and turn brown, in humid/rainy weather plants are green. I will look into other examples of this sort of thing.

To obtain a greater understanding of perception I thought that googling it's definition would be a good start:

per·cep·tion: noun

• The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses
• The state of being or process of becoming aware of something in such a way
• A way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression
• Intuitive understanding and insight
• The neurophysiological processes, including memory, by which an organism becomes aware of and interprets external stimuli

SOURCE: www.google.com.au

I am particularly interested in the last definition of perception whereby it refers to the biological explanation of the process of perception. I will investigate if different organisms have different ways/ methods of perceiving at a later stage....

From my research and my own understanding of perception, I put together this mind map exploring the concept and opportunities for perception for my site:

Examples of manipulating perception:

The lines are the same length in each picture. The addition of lines and placement of other lines effects our perception of length. In the second photo, the vertical uninterrupted line appears longer than the broken horizontal line. I will try and play with this kind of visual perception in my project to alter the views of the site.