Inspired by Nature: The Sun and Shadow Pavilion, Social Integration and Energy Saving in the Built Environment

Abstract

The paper deals with the socially inclusive and energy-saving architectural forms in urban space. These forms are treated as an ecological event (eco-event) per analogies to Bernard Tschumi’s concept “event city”. According to this concept essence of space is to animate movement and actions, which strengthens the social and ecological or political dimension of architecture. In this way, an architectural object is a discourse on spaces and events that take place in it. The aim of the research is to present the possibility of using architectural forms as eco-events in the process of improving space quality and the microclimate prevailing in it. The aim of the research is to present the possibility of using architectural forms as eco-events in the process of improving space quality in the built environment. The first part describes the meaning of the term “eco-event” and provides selected examples in public space. This part analyses Biomimetics with its design strategies and methods. The Problem-Based Approach (designers look to nature for solutions) and the Solution-Based Approach (biological knowledge influences human design) are defined here. The second part presents the results of the research programme undertaken at West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin by the authors of this research paper. The programme is focused on adaptive built environments and envisions new solutions based on advanced digital technology. The presented research is going to find ways to create the Nature-inspired architectural object (eco-event) for public use. This research study has resulted in a proposal for a solar-active pavilion as a discourse on the built environment and energy-efficient design principles. This study and design also highlight the problem of the modulation of micro-environmental conditions within an emergent macro-environmental system.