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CUEF: U-REAP Research Proposal

Mutualistic Architecture

Summary: 

Mutualistic Architecture: can patterns from nature be applied to prolong and rejuvenate existing buildings, provide new space for development, diversity and density and advance the field of sustainability in design?

Purpose:

Current development in urban centres is bound by available space and the limited amount therein.  Existing structures, zones, and regulations further limit what is possible in the built environment.  Planning and construction have however evolved to include new concepts to deal with such issues – one of those concepts is parasitic architecture.  The concept is to develop “disused spots in the contemporary city” through designing habitats to attach not only to a building exterior and structure but also to “take advantage of existing... ...water and heating systems”[Stang, A. 20].  Parasitic Architecture although new, is both insufficient and unsustainable because it only relies on a parasitic relationship between the host (existing) building and any new (parasite) building wherein only one unit benefits (even to the point of detriment of the other).  Thus, moving to a more mutualistic, rather than parasitic, relationship can aid the development process in designing new structures while extending the life of existing structures.  The objective should not only be to make use of the existing building but in designing an attached structure, how can the existing structures be revitalized by their new mutualistic partner.

The purpose of this research is to analyze underutilized urban space for the possibility/potential of adapting it to provide new space for increased density and differentiated uses.  The original principles for parasitic architecture will be adhered to in both identifying potential sites but also in the newly designed structures.  However, in designing a ‘parasite’ the objectives will be expanded to include a mutualistic approach that benefits the existing structure insofar as sustainability, design, and longevity.  The reference to the parasitic relationship does not end there.

Looking to nature one can see proven methods for survival and evolution.  Moving away from the parasitic relationship and looking to mutualistic will be the essence of the eventual design.  Thus, the task is to identify is it possible, and effective, to employ biomimicry in rethinking space throughout the built environment to help preserve existing structures while adding additional space and density.  Furthermore, do such practices contribute to sustainable design and development. 

Goals and Objectives of the Project:

1.    Define Mutualistic Architecture on a scale of one building to another and how it differs from typical additions/renovations (while following the ideas set forth in the original P.A.R.A.S.I.T.E. Project).

2. Identify the potential benefits and deterrents to utilizing mutualism and biomimicry in designing buildings.

3. Source sites throughout British Columbia’s Southern Interior where mutualistic structures would be most beneficial.

4. Develop a framework for designing within the mutualistic spectrum (primarily in coordination with the British Columbia Building Code and local bylaws/regulations).

5. Disseminate Research for Review and Critique – if possible, host a design competition for proposed site within the context of mutualism.

Methodology and Analytical Approach:

            Research will be completed through a variety of means.  It will involve identifying previous studies into theory regarding buildings and their similarities to living organisms.  Also, in deriving why the P.A.R.A.S.I.T.E. Project came to be will illuminate what potential factors could cause the same needs in British Columbia. 

For the project to be finished it will need a potential site for complete study.  Thus the primary goal after evaluating existing theories will to be to find a site to develop theory around.  Ideally it will allow for conception to eventual realization if a potential client can be found.  Primary research will be completed based on a potential site and client.  An in depth analysis of said site will be necessary to identify what its needs are as well as what its capabilities are in respect to hosting a mutualistic structure.  This processes may be expanded so as to provide a guide for similar projects.

            All research will be completed under supervision of the Architectural and Engineering Faculty at TRU.

Previous Studies or Related Information:

            The inspiration and most notable study was the “Prototype for Advanced Ready-made Amphibious Small-scale Individual Temporary Ecological dwelling” (P.A.R.A.S.I.T.E) from Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 2001. [Stang,A. 1]

            Much research has been done on the subject of biomimicry in the built environment and buildings.  Biomimicry in and of itself is an extremely large field but narrowing it down to the design of how buildings may interact with each other is possible. Still, ignoring concepts beyond an individual building may result in Lance Klein’s concern that, “without nurturing a caring, long-lasting, and meaningful relationship among people, place, and nature, any sustainable approach, including biomimicry, will merely replace conventional practices and prolong the increasing degradation of the natural and built environment.”[Klein, L. 3]  Thus it is simply not enough to focus on biomimicry for design practices.

                                                                  

Plans for Dissemination of Work:

            The entirety of my research will be submitted as a CUEF U-REAP report.  I would be interested in presenting in any fashion at the Undergraduate Research Conference.  Also, I plan to document the research in entirety through an online medium for review from faculty, colleagues, and beyond.  As noted above I would like to develop a framework for implementing a mutualistic type structure under the concept of the P.A.R.A.S.I.T.E. Project.  Furthermore, if successful in acquiring a potential site I would like to open a design competition (open) for designing a structure that fits criteria matching a mutualistic approach.  This I feel would be the ultimate method to spread the concept of mutualism in building design.