Designing Biologically-Inspired Smart Building Systems: Processes and Guidelines

Daekwon Park,Martin Bechthold

doi:10.1260/1478-0771.11.4.437

Daekwon Park, Martin Bechthold

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1260/1478-0771.11.4.437

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Abstract

This paper investigates design processes of and guidelines for biologically-inspired smart building systems (BISBS). Within the functional and performance requirements of building systems, biologically-inspired design is explored as the key approach and smart technology as the enabling technology. The Soft Modular Pneumatic System (SMoPS) is developed as a design experiment in order to verify the effectiveness of the BISBS design process. Similarly to how independent cells coordinate with each other to undergo certain tasks in multicellular systems, the SMoPS consists of autonomous modules that collectively achieve assigned functions. Within the soft body of each SMoPS module, sensor, actuation, and control components are integrated which enables the module to kinetically respond to and interact with its environment. The modular design and hierarchical assembly logic contribute to creating a flexible as well as robust building system. Throughout the design process, prototyping, simulation, and animation are utilized as an iterative and diversified development method.

Highlights

Throughout the history of architecture, living organisms have been a major source of inspiration for designers when conceiving a broad range of building elements ranging from ornamental features to structural systems
Effective control systems needed to be developed in parallel with the building technologies mentioned before, starting from simple pneumatic systems in the 1960s and 1970s to the analogue electronic control devices in the 1980s.With the arrival of digital controls and information technology in the 1990s, the building control system evolved into building automation systems (BAS) which connect the various individual technical systems together using an interlinked network of sensors and actuators
biologically-inspired smart building systems (BISBS) enable buildings to acquire the adaptive and versatile attributes of living systems.The design studies showed that BISBSs can be effectively developed and implemented in the built environment.Within the biological paradigm in contemporary architecture the performative aspects of material properties are tightly related to recent developments in smart control technologies

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Throughout the history of architecture, living organisms have been a major source of inspiration for designers when conceiving a broad range of building elements ranging from ornamental features to structural systems Architects have pursued this inspiration primarily through an adaptation of geometric and formal similarities, while relying on construction methods and control technologies that “have been within the designer’s reach” [1]. Key components including a host structure, sensors, actuators, and control elements [5] These attributes are the core characteristics of biological systems, a context in which they relate to adaptation and homeostasis.This similarity is one of the key reasons why the field of smart technology often references biological systems during the development process [7].

BIOLOGICALLY-INSPIRED SMART BUILDING SYSTEM

System overview

Prototype design and fabrication process

Potential applications

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION