Inspired by the vent structure and reticulated branching network in termite mounds, Meristem Wall is a prototype for a 3D printed building envelope. Made out of sand and fabricated through binder-jet sand 3d printing, it features a dynamically controllable network of integrated air channels that allow a fluid relationship between inside and outside. The channels can be controlled through an embedded system of sensors and actuators to enable selective transport of heat and moisture. The wall integrates functional lighting and electricity, windows, and a custom computer-controlled knitted textile interior. The extensive channels in the wall created intertwined surfaces, envisioned to provide a habitat for flora and fauna.
The design views the wall as a membrane rather than a barrier, mediating inside/outside environments for multi-species cohabitation.
Location
Lund, Sweden
Year
2021
Inspiration
Termite Mounds
Creator
Goidea A., Popescu, M. & Andreen, D.
Application Scale
Wall Panel
Functions Addressed
Improve ventilation, Surface for flora & fauna, Acoustics Management
Prairie dogs design their burrows in such a way that a continuous air circulation is established by creating a system of passages with inlets & outlets at different heights. This generates low and high pressure areas, keeping a cooling air flow through their burrows during summer. Inspired by the burrows, the bungalows at Votu used computer modelling to strategically place openings to allow for optimal natural ventilation.
The Saguaro cactus grows with long spines and accordion-like folds that offer shade and cool the air in shaded pockets. Such a form creates circulation around the cactus that minimises heat absorption.The bungalows placed self-shading slats on the guardrails inspired by the cactus that provide further cooling benefits.
Location
Bahia, Brazil
Year
2016
Inspiration
Prairie dogs, Saguaro cactus
Creator
GCP Arquitectura & Urbanismo
Application Scale
Building
Functions Addressed
Improve ventilation, Heat dissipation, Limit heat gain
Inspired by the vent structure and reticulated branching network in termite mounds, Meristem Wall is a prototype for a 3D printed building envelope. Made out of sand and fabricated through binder-jet sand 3d printing, it features a dynamically controllable network of integrated air channels that allow a fluid relationship between inside and outside. The channels can be controlled through an embedded system of sensors and actuators to enable selective transport of heat and moisture. The wall integrates functional lighting and electricity, windows, and a custom computer controlled knitted textile interior. The extensive channels in the wall created intertwined surfaces, envisioned to provide a habitat for flora and fauna.
The design views the wall as a membrane rather than a barrier, mediating inside/outside environments for multi-species cohabitation.
Location
Singapore
Year
2020
Inspiration
Starfish larvae
Creator
Singapore University of Technology & Design (Tan, Y.Y., Yogiaman C., Tracy K., Alvardo P. V. Y)