How Nature Can Provide Sustainable Building Solutions

How reputation Can Provide Sustainable edifice SolutionsContents (Jump to)Chapter 1 Introduction atom 1.1 Overview of the language comp sensationnt part 1.2 The impoerishment for sustainable expression solutions scratch 1.3 Underlying prescripts and mechanismsChapter 2 Solutions from recordSection 2.1 Wind-induced public exposure of the cut into of the pr publicizeie traverse, genus Cynomys ludovicianusSection 2.2 Other nonable investigationsChapter 3 Examples of expressions that incorporate sustainable features derived from born(p) examplesChapter 4 ConclusionsReferencesBibliographyChapter 1 IntroductionSection 1.1 Overview of the dissertationThis dissertation impart focus on timbreing at how temperament pot put forward sustainable mental synthesis solutions, in cross for wind-induced natural ventilation brasss. The first part of the dissertation will look at the need for sustainable shewing solutions, in call of the malign that has been, and continues to be , wrought on the humankinds natural corpses, and the possible solutions that empennage be prime by consumeing how temper has developed solutions to the problems of ventilations in burrows, and the need for gas fill in. The fact that character has depleted these solutions is argueed as an event occurring everyplace ontogenesisary time, through with(predicate) the process of natural selection. Subsequent sections of the dissertation discuss the strong-arm principles that have been mastered by the process of evolution, much(prenominal)(prenominal) as the Bernoulli Principle and the Venturi center, which has light-emitting diode to the appropriate, sustainable, solutions that are found in Nature.These principles are discussed in detail in Chapter 2, in terms of their appearance in natural transcriptions the burrows of the black-tailed pr stockie blackguard, Cynomys ludovicianus, the knotty burrow and c i system of the blow prawn Callianassa truncata and the burrow - twirler system of the gudgeon Valencennea longippinis which lets for increased gas exchange to the maturation testis in the burrow. The three examples are discussed in detail, in terms of the relevant literature and experimental studies that have been per fermented to determine how and why the animals produce such structures.Chapter 3 presents whatever examples of constructions that have applied solutions found from Nature to abide sustainable upkeep posts. Examples include, amongst separates, several edifices intentional by Eugene Tsui, such as the residence of Florence and William Tsui in Berkeley, California, the Watsu School at Harbin Hot Springs, the Exposition building for the International jubilance of Innovation and the Tsui forge and Research Inc. Headquarters in Emeryville, California, and the the Kanak ethnical aggregate in Noumea, New Caledonia pictureed by Renzo delicate.The dissertation concludes with Chapter 4, which presents some concluding remark s, cin one caserning the fruitfulness of expression to Nature for predilections for sustainable building, for looking to Nature drive out prove a valuable exercise, for as Tsui, wizard of the coarse contemporary organic decorators states in his book Evolutionary computer computer architecture Nature as a Basis for Design, Every great hu fightg that has marked the upward surge of valetity has been an insight into some obscure spirit of natural phenomena. Every tool, all(prenominal) medicinal remedy, every scientific venture, every geographic expedition of the physical and psychological world is a glimpse of the unexpressible mind of disposition a mind that has no flummoxning, no terminus, no dimension and no parameters a mind that is compelled to create, produce, evolve, divergentiate and reinstate with such perfection and thoroughness as to be the model for every human r from each one.Section 1.2 The need for sustainable building solutions creation is slowly ki lling the Earth and its natural systems. We are keep with unacceptable levels of carbon copy dioxide in the atmosphere, which is leading to increases in the greenho phthisis effect and widespread modality changes across the globe. These climate changes are ca exploitation problems for numerous systems, amongst them agriculture, making it very much more difficult for those in sub-Saharan Africa, for example which is increasingly impact by drought and erratic rainfall patterns to be self-sufficient in terms of organism able to grow enough crops to survive. Other experts name changes in the circulation of ocean currents due to global warming, which is leading to a liquescent ice reserves and glaciers and ca utilize furthermost greater volumes of pissing to slip in the ocean circulatory systems. Shifts in the circulation of ocean currents could have grave consequences for mankind.In addition to the problems created by increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, pollution of th e Earths piss system has occurred on a massive graduated table, with experts predicting strength forthcoming problems with supplies of non-polluted water that is suitable for human use. The Earth, the blue planet, full of water and previously perfectly braced, is facing unprecedented onslaughts to its vital systems, due to the excessive, uneconomic and polluting habits of mankind.What can be done ab protrude this? It is fundamental that legislation be put in organise now to preserve the Earth and its systems, and that we wrap to act, individually and collectively, to save the Earth and its resources that are of fundamental value to us. Sustain mogul is a fundamental concern for all of humankind, as the commonwealth of the Earth begin to rattlingise that we wholly have one Earth and that it needs to be looked after. By listening more closely to, and taking lessons from, the Earth and the inhabitants we treat the Earth with, we can begin to live much more harmoniously an d in concert with not antagonistically with the Earth and its inhabitants.The construction, use and care of buildings contri yetes significantly to adverse environmental impacts, such as carbon dioxide production, something that will save get worse as the population increases and the need for housing grows. Many recent regulations and conventions have already been put in place to ensure that sustainable building principles become the norm in forthcoming for example, a recent convention has been signed to reduce the discharge of fantastic chemicals to zero by 2020, and, documents such as the 1999 policy document authorise A better quality of life a strategy for sustainable development for the United Kingdom, provide targets for sustainability within the construction industry.As numerous contemporary architects realize, nature itself is fully harmonious, with all of its parts workings in harmony with each other, from species interacting but co-existing in a habitat, on a m iniature scale, to on a large scale the ocean circulation systems working in harmony to deliver nourishing currents across the globe. This harmony has been profaned by the actions of mankind, and, through mankind not recognizing and respecting this harmony, we have arrived at the part we are in with the Earth and its systems and inhabitants being exposed to very real threats. It is perhaps time that architects begin to study Nature and her solutions in parliamentary law to arrive at sustainable building solutions.As Tsui, one of the great contemporary organic architects states in his book Evolutionary Architecture Nature as a Basis for Design, Every great disc everyplacey that has marked the upward surge of humanity has been an insight into some profound aspect of natural phenomena. Every tool, every medicinal remedy, every scientific venture, every exploration of the physical and psychological world is a glimpse of the ineffable mind of nature a mind that has no beginning, no end, no dimension and no parameters a mind that is compelled to create, produce, evolve, differentiate and regenerate with such perfection and thoroughness as to be the model for every human endeavour.Looking at the natural world for inspiration can be a valuable exercise. Subsequent sections of the dissertation will look at specific examples of wind-induced ventilation, from the black-tailed prairie dog, the mud shrimp and the goby. These examples will deliver how each of these animals has adequate their immediate environment fully in harmony to the immediate environment, to the eudaemonia of themselves and to their wider community. The ideas of organic, or evolutiionary architects, such as Tsui, are base on similar principles, that architects should start, on a wide scale, to look to nature for sustainable building solutions.Looking to Nature for answers to building problems should, argues, Tsui (1999) become part of an architects repertoire. As Tsui (1999) argues, Nature is not driven by ambition, it has no preconceptions, no concept of style, and her evolution has been through small patient incremental steps, sole(prenominal) allowing the clear up ones to persist, where correct means the solution that is most fitting for the particular proposition situation, the solution that is sustainable, to allow in-situ permanence.As energy consumption and the by products from air teach are amongst the most significant contributors to the destruction of the Earths systems, the discomfit of this dissertation is to look for natural examples of wind-induced ventilation systems that could, potentially, be incorporated in practical solutions for the construction industry, in terms of decision sustainable building solutions. Although it is downstairsstood that understanding the mechanics of natures microclimate control will not provide any quick-fix solutions to cooling buildings, these natural examples achieve equilibrium with their surroundings that is far beyon d the reach of mankind at this time and, as such, by studying these systems, they can be learnt from and their novelties applied in design and building practice. Looking to natural examples of wind-induced ventilation will, therefore, potentially provide solutions to heavily polluting air conditioning systems.Section 1.3 Underlying principles and mechanismsMany animals need to live in burrows or to produce burrows for fortress from the elements, for example, or for protection from predation. As shall be seen in later sections of the dissertation, the need for such burrows means that some charming solutions to the problems such burrows present (such as a lack of ventilation) have been reached, as in the case of the black-tailed prairie dog, and that the burrows themselves can create favourable micro-environments and favourable conditions for the larger habitat, as in the case of the thickening burrow and conoid systems of the mud shrimp.An implicit understanding, and mastery, of physical principles of nature has been create up by these species over evolutionary time. This section of the dissertation will discuss some of these physical principles, including the Bernoulli principle, the Venturi effect and the Venturi tube. The Bernoulli Principle states that for an ideal fluid, with no work being performed on the fluid, an increase in fastness occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a change in the fluids gravitational potential energy. Essentially, fluid particles are only composition to pressure and their own weight, meaning that within a flux fluid, the highest vivify occurs when the pressure is lowest and the lowest speed occurs when the pressure if highest, with Bernoullis compare stating that the sum of all forms of energy in a fluid time perioding across a stream take up is the same at any cardinal psyches along the path. Bernoullis Principle explains how water drains from a bowl in a circular pattern around the axis of the drain and besides explains how one feels pulled towards large vehicles if they retort by you at high speed.The Venturi effect is a specific example of the more general Bernoulli Principle, which explains how fluids can pass through a region of incompressible persist through a tube with a constriction in it, in which situation the pep pill of the fluid increases through the restriction and the pressure decreases in order to remunerate the equation of continuity and to ensure the aerodynamic of the fluid through the squeeze space. It is on this principle, for example, that the burrows of the black-tailed prairie dog is thought to work, as shall be seen in Section 2.1 of the dissertation, with the volcano device for air acceleration being applicable to ohmic resistance structures of every kind. A series of venting volcanoes could be aligned with hole-and-corner(a) rooms containing air-exiting vents to produce individually vented spaces. This phenomenon can be occupied and rising wa rm air can be directed out exiting vents, as in the burrows of the prairie dog d surfaceing. It is thought that, by using the prairie dog system, air can be interchanged at a rate of 2550 cubelike feet per minute with no utility power (Tsui 1999). The prairie dog voltaic piles and volcanoes have been likened to a half Venturi tube where a Venturi tube is utilize to determine the flow-rate of fluids or air through a pipe. The Venturi tube has a specialized sleek constriction that minimizes the energy losses in the fluid flowing through it and which, thus, maximizes the fall in pressure in the constriction in line with Bernoullis principle.These principles will be discussed in further detail in Chapter 2, in terms of their appearance in natural systems the burrows of the black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomys ludovicianus, the complex burrow and cone system of the mud shrimp Callianassa truncata and the burrow-mound system of the goby Valencennea longippinis which allows for increased gas exchange to the developing eggs in the burrow.Chapter 2 Solutions from NatureSection 2.1 Wind-induced ventilation of the burrow of the prairie dog, Cynomys ludovicianusThe black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomys ludovicianus, is a ground-dwelling squirrel, one of four prairie dog species to be found uniquely in North America. Black-tailed prairie dogs live in colonies, which are generally established in cattle-grazed areas, as the prairie dogs prefer the vegetation surrounding their burrows to be short, so they can keep an eye out for predators. The black-tailed prairie dogs live in burrows, with one principle tunnel and, depending on the size of the colony, various numbers of side put up that act as overnight housing for the prairie dogs. Unfortunately, as with many other native species, habitat destruction is causing a drastic lessening in the number of black-tailed prairie dogs (Hoffman, 1999), with conservation efforts currently underway to stabilize the population numbers of t he black-tailed prairie dog (see, for example, Andelt, 1988).As Vogel et al. (1973) argue, where a fluid flows across a show up for example wind over the earth a velocity gradient is created which provides a potential source of work. This gradient might, for example, be sedulous by a burrowing animal to induce air-flow in its burrow, which is long and limit to avoid the obvious risks presented by predators. The burrow of the black-tailed prairie dog, long and narrow as it is, being, on average, 12cm in diameter and 10-30m in length (Cincotta, 1989), presents what Vogel et al. (1973) term, a respiratory dead-space of extraordinary magnitude in which diffusion is inadequate, alone, for gas exchange.For this reason, the black-tailed prairie dog has evolved a system of burrowing which creates a system of wind-induced ventilation within the burrow. The burrow of the black-tailed prairie dog has an opening at both ends and mounds of earth at each end, of different sizes at each end, one taller than the other, and each mound being up to 1m in height and 2.5m in diameter (Cincotta, 1989). When a childs mold hits the mounds, air enters the burrow through the lower mound and leaves through the end with the higher mound. This system of wind flow has been independently verified in wind tunnel experiments, with wind-flow within the burrow being a additive function of wind flow across the mounds.Interestingly, not only has the burrowing system of the black-tailed prairie dog been found to be an excellent example of wind-induced ventilation instantly from nature, but the architecture of the burrows of the black-tailed prairie dogs encourages increased species diversity of arthropods (Bangert and Slobodchikoff, 2006). Later work (Cincotta, 1989) found that adequate airflow through the burrow can be generated with only one mound, and the presence of the second mound has been explained by various hypotheses, such as the prevention of predation (through its use as a loo k-out post), or the prevention of flooding. Cincotta (1989) argues that the deuce mounds (which are usually found devised one as a dome and one as a crater) real represent functionally identical structures that have simply been built under different constraints in transport costs (i.e., different costs of energy). Thus, the ventilation model of Vogel et al. (1973) does not, concludes Cincotta (1989) provide a fully adequate model of the spy mound construction, and including energetic parsimony within the equation explains why the prairie dogs build the two mounds (i.e., although only one mound is needed for the wind-induced ventilation system to work, it is an energy-saving measure, in such a long burrow, to remove earth from both ends of the burrow). likewise to how supplemented straw is employ to stabilize the soils used in adobe brick brick construction, the mounds of the black-tailed prairie dogs are stabilized with plant fibers found in the topsoil approximately the entran ces to the burrows (McHenry and May, 1984). Using plant fibres in mixture with the excavated soils allows the black-tailed prairie dogs to build vertically and to use less energy (as less excavated soil is needed), replicating similar energy-saving practices in building adobe brick buildings (Boudreau, 1971).Section 2.2 Other notable investigationsNature has provided engineers and architects with many examples of sustainable technologies. Animals do not have to resort to damaging the environment to be able to survive within their habitat they fit, harmoniously, within that habitat, in quietus with the physical conditions and with the other species that share the same habitat. This section will discuss some other examples, from nature, of how animals have evolved to cope with their surroundings in an optimum manner.The mud shrimp, Callianassa truncata, has been studied in the Tyrrhenian Sea and has been found to produce complex cones and burrow systems which affect the physical stru cture of the sea bed, and, concomitantly, the chemical zonations and the exchange processes across the sediment-water interface (Ziebis et al., 1996a Boudreau, 1994). The mud shrimp builds these cones, therefore, to modify their immediate micro-environment by forming chemical links between the sea and the sediment. Adjacent to each cone is a shallow depression which acts to funnel water in to the cone system, and which means that oxygen, instead of penetrating only a few millimeters in to the sea bed, actually penetrates more than 50cm down, allowing oxygen- live animals to live in the holes (Ziebis et al., 1996a).The cones that are built by the mud shrimps are outlets for the tunnels, re-routing ammonia from buried sediment to the water above this ammonia flow helps to nourish the sea water, providing more sustenance for phytoplankton, for example, and so the entire food chain benefits from the cone-building of the mud shrimp (Ziebis et al., 1996a). Similarly to how the complex ar chitecture of the black-tailed prairie dogs provides opportunities for increased species diversity, the cone-building habits of the mud shrimp provides greater feed for those species that share its habitat. As Ziebis (1996a) herself stated, it is a source of wonder that these relatively small animals can build such complex burrow structures and complex architecture.Zeibis et al. (1996b) cogitate, therefore, that the complex cone and burrow systems of the mud shrimp alters the small-scale flow regime, altering the shrimps own micro-habitat whilst also providing benefits to the wider community, so much so that it was concluded that, the high spatial and temporal variability of oxygen distribution in a coastal sea bed depends on sediment surface topography (as formed by Callianassa truncata) and the concomitant changes in boundary layer flow velocity and sediment permeability.Takegaki and Nakazono (2000) examined the role of the mounds in promoting water exchange in the egg tendering burrows of the goby Valencennea longippinis. Valencennea longippinis spawns in burrows and after spawning, the female constructs a mound on top of the burrow by piling up materials derived from the substratum. Experiments by Takegaki and Nakazono (2000) showed that the mounds promote water-exchange in the burrow allowing the exchange of oxygenated sea water to the developing gobies within the burrow, with dissolved oxygen concentrations being much higher in burrows with a mound than in burrows without a mound. The construction of a mound on top of the developing eggs thus not only protects the eggs from potential predators but also has an important role to play in delivering oxygen to the developing gobies within the burrow.These are but two further examples of how nature has evolved practical, sustainable, solutions to the problems presented by the immediate environment. The solutions formed can be extremely useful to engineers and architects who are wanting to design buildings on sustainable principles. As Thomas Herzog states in his book Architectural Designs Green Questionnaire, In general I do not think that architecture can be deduced immediately from nature, since the design process and functions of our buildings are quite different from what is found in most plants and animals. Nevertheless, there are a conduct of lessons to be learnt from nature, especially with regards to the efficiency, performance, adaptability, variety and tremendous beauty which most organisms vaunt under close observation. Considering that nature has to obey the same physical laws as man-made objects this should be seen as very encouraging for us, making it well worthwhile to study its principles and mechanisms.Chapter 3 Examples of Buildings that incorporate sustainable features derived from natural examplesThis Chapter presents some examples of buildings that have applied solutions found from Nature to provide sustainable sustainment spaces. Examples include, amongst other s, several buildings designed by Eugene Tsui, such as the residence of Florence and William Tsui in Berkeley, California, the Watsu School at Harbin Hot Springs, the Exposition Building for the International Celebration of Innovation and the Tsui Design and Research Inc. Headquarters in Emeryville, California, and the the Kanak heathen Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia designed by Renzo Piano.The residence of Florence and William Tsui in Berkeley, California, designed by Eugene Tsui, is based, in its entirety on the tardigrade, which is known to be one of the worlds most durable animals and which has systems inbuilt to ensure protection against flooding, fire and termite attack, amongst other things (Tsui, 2007). The house is fitted with a solar heat energy system and with a natural ventilation system that keeps it cool in summer and warm in the precooled months (Tsui, 2007). The house is, essentially, a living system that is capable of actively responding to any external condition s, with water systems in place that are designed to provide cooling and heating and which were based on the capillary structures of dinosaur species which allowed dinosaurs to regulate their own body temperatures (Tsui, 2007).The Florence and William Tsui residence is a notable application of the Bernoulli Principle, as it employs the Bernoulli effect in adjustable vents, which not only draw in fresh air, without the requirement for mechanical power, but also provide natural light and cl forceed to be inexpensive to engage (Tsui, 2007). Nostril windows pull out from the wall to let air in, using the Bernoulli effect, where air is sucked in through the open shaft and through the screened tube, which lets air in and keeps insects out. (Tsui, 2007) Tsui notes in his book Evolutionary Architecture, Nature as a Basis for Design that this facet of the design of this building was inspired by such natural examples as the prairie dog burrows.Also designed by Eugene Tsui, the Watsu School at Harbin Hot Springs is, again, a in all sustainable building, with solar-powered panels and movements of frosty water around the building allowing for the natural ventilation of the building. The spherical shape of the buildings also allows for wind flow to cool the buildings, as a whole. The Tsui Design and Research Inc. Headquarters in Emeryville, California, another Eugene Tsui design, is also a totally sustainable building, incorporating natural ventilation systems based on the prairie dog burrows the building is totally self-sufficient and uses plant life for interior temperature control, with a retractile roof allowing for the entrance of cool air, if necessary. Water is collected from the roof and used for all of the buildings needs the integrated water system is seen, by Eugene Tsui, as an example of architecture as a living organism.Another architect whose interest lies in evolutionary, or, better, organic architecture is Renzo Piano who designed the Kanak Cultural Centr e in Noumea, New Caledonia. This building is a synthesis of nature and technology, reflecting the Kanak peoples understanding of the harmony of life and of Nature. As Piano states, (I wanted)an architecture that genuinely expresses itself between the assertion of the old, reliable values and the exploration of the new in the spirit of time (Young, 2007). Pianos aim for the building was to present an architectural masterpiece based on move uping the gestait of the Kanak people and the site, through a full understanding of the Kanak people, their history and cultural traditions (Young, 2007).Aside from showing cultural respect in the design and form of designing this building, and thus fitting in to its intended environment well, the Kanak Cultural Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia also shows a wide range of natural ventilation systems. The faade of the building is a double skin which provides a large air space between the woodwork and the galleries, forming a stack effect which, duri ng the day, means hot air rises out of the space while cool air is drawn in to replace it the cooler air then passes around the building at lower elevations, flowing out towards the lagoon at the side of the building (Young, 2007) in this way, the building breathes with its environment, as a function of the environment in which it sits. Skylights set in the roof of the building allow for the entry of cool air, as necessary, and the interaction of all these ventilation systems allows the building to find a continuous balance with Nature (Young, 2007).Examples such as these buildings, and others that could be mentioned, show how it is possible to study Nature and to study the solutions provided by the process of natural selection over many generations, to enlighten sustainable building projects. That buildings can be built, for only slightly more cost than non-sustainable buildings, to act in harmony with Nature and to produce architecture that acts as a living organism is a beautifu l vision. This vision of Tsuis, as presented in his book Evolutionary Architecture, Nature as a Basis for Design, and in his many other writings, speeches and in his designs for, and his actual buildings is a beautiful vision, of mankind being given the ability to live in concert, not antagonistically with, Nature.As has to be realized, however, whilst Nature can be used as inspiration, the implications of scale need to be considered, in terms of the fact that solutions from Nature cannot simply be scaled-up in order to suit the particular needs of the built environment. The solutions need to be tailored, according to the particular situation, within the particular knowledge of the architect, as the implications of scale have a significant impact on the actual design of a building. Due to the implications of scale, solutions from Nature can never be this instant copied, but need to be adapted as necessary to the particular situation in hand. The Bernoulli Principle and the Venturi effect can, however, when implemented successfully, be used to great effect in terms of producing architecture that is at once beautiful and fully at harmony with Nature, as a living organism as in Tsuis vision of evolutionary architecture.Chapter 4 ConclusionsGreen Architecture is the major architectural movement of our time. As has been seen, the ecological damage caused by buildings (through their heating and air conditioning systems, for example, or their use of unsustainable materials) can be recorded in real figures, in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide a building produces in terms of how much a building contributes to global warming. As has been seen, there are many pressures on architects, and on the construction industry as a whole, to produce sustainable buildings. This will only continue to increase in the future and so architects, such as Eugene Tsui, with their visions of buildings as living organisms, living and breathing in harmony with their environment are not so far-fetched. Mankind has become detached from his surroundings, and this detachment has meant that the Earth, and its natural systems have been abused, almost to the point of no return. As has been shown in this dissertation, the process of natural selection has led animals to find, over evolutionary time, sustainable solutions to problems that the environment presents to them. Evolutionary architecture, as Tsui labels his pit of architecture, is an attempt to recreate this harmony and to offer to mankind a different vision of the built world.Studying natural phenomena, such as the burrows of the black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomys ludovicianus, the complex burrow and cone system of the mud shrimp Callianassa truncata and the burrow-mound system of the goby Valencennea longippinis which allows for increased gas exchange to the developing eggs in the burrow, as has been conducted in this dissertation allows architects to think outside the box and to find alternative solutions to de signing in a sustainable manner. This dissertation has aimed to show how looking to Nature can provide sustainable building solutions, using the particular example of wind-induced natural ventilation. That many of the natural solutions to this problem have been successfully incorporated in to many buildings, as discussed in Chapter 3 (i.e., the residence of Florence and William Tsui in Berkeley, California, the Watsu School at Harbin Hot Springs, the Exposition Building for the International Celebration of Innovation and the Tsui Design and Research Inc. Headquarters in Emeryville, California, and the the Kanak Cultural Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia designed by Renzo Piano), shows that the idea of adapting solutions from Nature is workable, if only we can take