Regenerative and Responsive Architecture
17/06/2011.
by Philip Beesley. [VIDEO]
metalocus, INÉS LALUETA
metalocus, INÉS LALUETA
Lightweight scaffolding creating tree-like columns and canopies forms the structure for active filters in the shape of fronds and whiskers that collect moisture and particles from the air. Chemical systems employing protocells have been engineered to capture carbon and convert it into a solid material that could be used not only to reinforce building foundations, but also to grow protective facades or symbiotic urban infrastructures.
Hylozoic Ground is part of a series of complex experiments that look to make the future of a living architecture a reality. It reacts directly to today’s challenges of climate change and the need to alter our current building practices through the development of a responsive and self-generative architecture.
Rather than relying on cumbersome mechanical systems and impermeable walls to regulate our indoor environments, the project seeks to create a more mutual – and self-renewing – relationship of exchange between humans and their surroundings. Much like gardening or cooking, the innovations employed become part of a cycle in which human input actually nourishes the architecture that then, in turn, nourishes our own experience.
The Hylozoic series are based on more than ten years of research from architect and sculptor Philip Beesley, synthetic biologist Dr. Rachel Armstrong, and engineer Dr. Rob Gorbet. This latest version served as Canada’s entry at the 2010 International Architecture Biennale in Venice, with a new prototype showcased later in Salt Lake City.
Philip Beesley is a professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Waterloo. A practitioner of architecture and digital media art, he was educated in visual art at Queen’s University, in technology at Humber College, and in architecture at the University of Toronto. At Waterloo he serves as Director for the Integrated Group for Visualization, Design and Manufacturing, and as Director for Riverside Architectural Press. He also holds the position of Examiner at University College London. His Toronto-based practice PBAI is an interdisciplinary design firm that combines public buildings with exhibition design, stage and lighting projects. The studio’s methods incorporate industrial design, digital prototyping, and mechatronics engineering. Philip Beesley’s work is widely cited in the rapidly expanding technology of responsive architecture. He has authored and edited eight books and appeared on the cover of Artificial Life (MIT), LEONARDO and AD journals. Features include national CBC news, Casa Vogue, WIRED, and a series of TED talks. His work was selected to represent Canada at the 2010 Venice Biennale for Architecture, and he has been recognized by the Prix de Rome in Architecture, VIDA 11.0, FEIDAD, two Governor General’s Awards and as a Katerva finalist. Beesley’s funding includes core CFI, SSHRC, NSERC and Canada Council for the Arts grants.
Professor, School of Architecture, University of Waterloo
Director, Integrated Group for Visualization, Design and Manufacturing, University of Waterloo
Chair, Association for Computer-Aided Design in Architecture ACADIA 2013 Adaptive Architecture
Director, Riverside Architectural Press