NATURAL TECHNOLOGIES AS A NEW PRINCIPLE OF CONFORMATION IN ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to identify effective ways of architectural form making of public facilities using an ecological approach. This is due to a new role of architecture in the urban sustainable development through the creation of aesthetically attractive and functional comfortable and safe environment. A special attention is paid to economic efficiency of objects, namely cost reduction in building construction and operation. This goal can be achieved through the improvement of design and construction technologies, development of the construction material industry, and interdisciplinary approach to the problem solution which implies the collaboration of specialists. Methodology/approach: Analytical, synergetic and inductive approaches are used in these studies. Based on the identification of particular cases of the new approach to the application of living nature in architecture and construction and their analysis and systematization, an algorithm of creating architectural objects is developed using natural technologies. The fields of their application are indicated within the architectural theory and practice. Form making experiments are carried out using natural technologies utilized by foreign specialists. Findings: Natural technologies can be systemized in the following way: – a living being as a prototype of an architectural object (external form, architectural bionics); – construction technology used by a living being as a prototype of building technologies in architecture (principle of space organization and structure formation); – a living being as a builder of architectural objects (e.g. use of bacteria as a building material); – a living being as a source of building material (objects produced by living beings, such as shells, chitin, silk thread, etc.). It is found that this approach is being intensively developed by foreign architects and designers jointly with other specialists (engineers, biologists, etc.), but has no spheres of application as well as related centers in Russia. Results: Natural technologies are very important for the transition to a model of sustainable urban development, since their use improves the ecological situation, provides efficient use of natural resources and reduces construction costs. A research group should be created for studying the foreign experience in using natural technologies for the development of research program on implementing this approach in Russia. Practical implications: Research results can be readily used for subsequent studies on similar or related topics; in the academic process for training architects; in real design of ecoarchitectural creative spaces and objects, which will positively affect the development of green economy in Russia. This approach can be applied in different regions and climatic zones of the world with its adaptation to local conditions, because it is a universal design method with mandatory application of the creative approach. Originality/value: The originality of research lies in the architectural typology modification connected with form making, planning and design concepts. Systematization of local knowledge and experiments is provided by construction materials and technologies. Theorization of the new pre-design and design methods can be identified as a natural technology approach.