DORMANT WALL SELF-SUSTAINABLE GREEN FACADE
EVELINA ILINA
INSTITUTE FOR ANVANCED ARCHITECTURE OF CATALONIA MASTER IN ADVANCED ARCHITECTURE B A R C E L O N A 2017-2018
D o r m a n t The
Research Studio:
Self
Sustainable
W a l l Green
Facade
C - BIOM. A
Faculty:
MARCOs CRUZ
STUDENT:
Evelina Ilina
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Knowledge of natural behaviors and algorithms is driving the future model of responsive architectural systems. Systems which are created by imitation of intelligence of natural behavior, are the emergent requirements in architecture today. The urban world is inextricably linked with the natural as if the biomimicry of architectural structures or the literal introduction of bio originalism which is so-called green walls. Understanding how much resources are spent to maintain it, can we actually call them green? This project is about rethinking this questionably effective method of artificial creation of a vertical environment for plants to live. How can we design a facade system for a desert plant, which by evolution has adapted to the aggressive environmental conditions? The hydrotropic reaction of Selaginella Lepidophylla is the phenomenon this research is based on. The instant opening reaction of a plant with water contact promise a wide field of application.The project proposes to differentiate architectural structure, referring to nature’s behavior principles to design an evolutionary algorithm which is driven by the definition of the internal structure as well as the external constraints and information. Dormant state, factors interrupting it, understanding different examples of this phenomenon are main principles to explore before designing the intelligent system. The aim this work focusing is system closely interacts with the environment and activated with the smallest changes in it. The project aims to rethink a current facade design in a new paradigm. To explore new prospects of responsive architecture approach based on a combination of natural behavior and computational morphogenesis. As well as Selaginella Lepidophylla goes into a dormant mode during drought, the same way the facade of the building switches to the energy conservation mode according to the exposed parameters under certain environmental conditions.
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ABSTRACT 5
1 I REVIEW 1.1 INTRODUCTION 1.2 State of the Art
2 I HYPOTHESIS
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2.1 AIM 2.2 OBJECTIVES
3 I THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
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4 I BIOLOGY REFERENCE
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4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4
Behavior classification TROPISM DORMANCY Liliaceae family
5 I EXPERIMENTS 5.1 Study 5.1.1 5.1.2 5.1.3
dormancy of the Hyacinthaceae and Liliaceae family plants BREAKING THE DORMANT STATE AGAR GROWING Soil comparison
6 I Selaginella lepidophylla 6.1 BIOLOGY REFERENCE 6.1.1 NATURAL HABITAT 6.1.2 MORPHOLOGY 6.2 Study dormancy of the Selaginellaceae family 6.2.1 humidity reaction 6.2.2 uncurlinf force 6.2.3 drip feeding 3
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7 I geometry 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4
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Geometry exploration Water collecting paths prototype n1 II Dripping system prototype n2 II Water collecting panel
8 I dormant wall
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8.1 concept 8.2 morphology 8.3 facade system
9 I material
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10 i prototype
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CONCLUSION
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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REVIEW
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Most of the work in the field of integration of responsive behavior into architecture is mainly focused on artificial imitation of the natural process (including parts of artificial intelligence and artificial life) with the internal mechanisms of behavior control. The representation of natural processes consumes an enormous quantity of energy for its maintenance (Köhler M. 2008). Whether it be kinetic facades powered by force (electrical or natural) or green walls in need of a complex irrigation system that requires vast amounts of water and human resources to maintain it. Nevertheless, most of the examples of implementation do not affect the space around and do not develop the connection with the surrounding world to the extent that it would strengthen our instinctive relation with nature through urban, construction and human scale in order to create a society with a stable and biophilic consciousness. Fascinating for material scientists and engineers, adaptive movements in plants inspire to exploit the underlying mechanisms for the development of innovative biomimetic materials and actuating devices that show shape transformations in response to environmental changes. While there is some research in responsive behavior that deals with material imitation (e.g. ‘BLOOM’, DO|SU Studio Architecture, 2012; HygroSkin: Meteorosensitive Pavilion‘, Achim Menges, Oliver David Krieg, Steffen Reichert, 2014), a bio integration is still lacking. Therefore, this project makes an attempt to integrate plants as a strategy for responsive facade system linked to control humidity and light. One of the questions is whether it is possible to use the intelligence of natural movements as a visualizer for the drought statement by an explanation of reactive behavior? In the architecture scale, for example, the goal is to identify the kind of system which is designed as a continuation of plants. In contrast to the standard interpretation of this phenomenon. 07
The spikemoss Selaginella lepidophylla is an ancient resurrection plant native to Chihuahuan desert (Mexico and United States) that shows dramatic curling and uncurling with changes in plant hydration (Eickmeier, W. G. , 1980). Resurrection plants are vascular plants tolerant to extreme vegetative desiccation that are able to resume normal growth and metabolic activity upon rehydration (Rascio, N. and Rocca, N. L, 2005). This processes themselves present us about the dormancy statement. This function helps plants to avoid unfavorable periods of the seasonal cycle, as exemplified by the vegetative development of monocotyledons. The project explores natural symbiotic systems and processes to construct an ecologically responsive architectural proposal. The aim is to design a structure which will represent the phenomenon of dormancy in architectural scale, to reflect on the theme of all possible geometry variations when architecture is an inspiration of environmental conditions. This study is based on the desire to create an integral formal language along with sustainable environmental strategies. The project proposes new design possibilities, a creation of one‘s own logic, a scenario in the right direction of humans’ thinking development capable to create a symbiosis between the natural world and the built environment with living architecture which grows and changes in the same way as its users and residents. The workflow is composed of several steps. Firstly, it is needed to understand the conditions when the plant reacts to the environment. Through the scientific papers and experiments determine the exact level of humidity in the atmosphere when the plant starts to respond to the environmental changes. Secondly, exploration of Selaginella Lepidophylla curling behavior, research measurements which look at the amount of water and fertilizer is needed to maintain the life of plants outside its natural habitat. Experiments which detect the limits of metabolic activity, curling/uncurling mechanics, the strength of the natural tissue. 08
Thirdly, exemplifying how a natural phenomenon can be introduced through geometry studies. How geometry affect and be connected with the plant. What is the language of morphology? Finally, summarising all the above to present an architectural proposal where the natural phenomenon of dormancy is integrated into the facade. This is the next step for both bio and self-sustainable architecture. The building presents itself a continuation of the plant. The system and geometry designed the way to ensure the assimilation of Selaginella Lepidophylla in an urban environment. This work investigates the moisture responsive reversible curling of the fiddleheads of the spikemoss S. lepidophylla through a various combination of experiments and computational simulations.
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STATE OF THE ART
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Algae Cellunoi, by Richard Beckett
Bioreceptive Concrete Facade Panels by Richard Beckett, Marcos Cruz
The installation is an ornamental wall structure for external use composed of numerous cellular components that work as a scaffold for algae to grow. The patterns have multiple patterns with gaps and crevices that aim for a gradual involvement of nature in its three-dimensional surface. The wall is made out of foam which is a quintessential insulation material. What is usually hidden in external walls is here turned inside out and exposed as an ornate thick surface. Each cellular component is seeded with terrestrial algae that grows in the ridges of the variable patterns. The selected algae strains are Neochloris texensis - a soil based algae of the Neochloris genus and Trentepohlia - a filamentous green chlorophyte algae traditionally living on tree trunks, rocks or housing facades. The filaments of Trentepohlia have a strong orange colour caused by large quantities of carotenoid pigments which mask the green of the chlorophyll.
Computational Seeding of Bio-Receptive Materials is an interdisciplinary research proposal that brings together a design team with high expertise in architecture, biology and engineering. It aims to develop an innovative wall-panel system capable of growing microorganisms directly on its surface. By utilizing novel design engineering methods the research seeks to improve facade performance through the implementation of a new type of biologically receptive concrete. This system intends to overcome many of the limitations of existing green walls, particularly the need for mechanical irrigation systems and expensive maintenance.
Design for ageing buildings
by Yessica Gabriela Mendez Sierra
The project studies the processes destroying the vernacular architecture of Monterrey, Mexico and offers its own method of dealing with the main causes. Have being exposed to the environment for a long time vertical surfaces of facades started to deteorate. The author put forward a proposal for their preservation based on three principles: bio-receptivity, bio-deteoration, erosion.
Bio-Responsive Bloom
by Wen Cheng, Sul Ah Lee, Taehyun Lee, Dan Lin
Porous Surface Prototype – The proposed concrete mixture results from material testing with various ratios of aggregate, cement and water. It aims at creating a scaffold that is able to host various bio-receptive materials in its porous interstices, ultimately leading to growth. The resulting components are not only lightweight but also permeable enough to allow the growth of mosses and other microorganisms to proliferate. The complex geometry of the components is determined by climatic factors, such as sun orientation, dominating wind flows and rain falls, all of which are computationally generated. The design and material studies define a concrete substratum that is environmentally responsive and active. They are proposing building a pavilion from a mix of meta-ball aggregates, fibrous networks and porous concrete. This structure is designed to host life (lichen, algae and moss).
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Slothitecture
by Maria Knutsson-Hall
The project explores natural symbiotic systems and processes to construct an ecologically responsive architectural proposal. The idea of integrating nature in the architecture is seen as a reaction for the decrease of natural environment in the rapidly growing zones in the north part of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Research into biophilic and biomorphic concepts establishes an evaluation of the experiential affect nature has on human beings. Furthermore, the thesis will explore tech nical implementation of the principles of biophlia and symbiotic systems to develop the design investigation. The sloth’s aesthetic qualities and behavioural patterns within its environment will be analysed and interpreted in the architectural proposal. The symbiotic interface, between human and nature, re-evaluates the importance of nature in our built environment.
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HygroSkin: Meteorosensitive Pavilion
by Achim Menges,Oliver David Krieg,Steffen Reichert
This new mode of climate-responsive architecture uses the naturally responsive capacity of a basic material, wood, to allow a simple, dynamic manipulation of a building’s humidity. Requiring no additional source of energy or mechanical control, the HygroSkin uses the natural elasticity of wood in relation to moisture content to adjust the movement of apertures embedded within concave plywood sheets. This project explores the dimensional instability of wood in relation to moisture content is employed to construct a humidity sensitive architectural skin that autonomously opens and closes in response to weather changes but neither requires the supply of operational energy nor any kind of mechanical or electronic control.
Apertures
“Hybrid Holism”
Rooted in Baumgartner+Uriu’s work and ongoing research, Apertures challenges the notion of an architectural opening as a static object. Moreover, it aims to redefine the DNA of a window both in terms of its appearance and materiality, as well as its nature as an object in continuous flux, responding to its environment through movement or sound. The pavilion and its apertures are designed to physically engage the visitor with the architectural work through sensors and sound feedback loops creating an immersive spatial environment in which the visitor can experience their own biorhythms. he 16‐foot‐tall, thin shell structure was designed to solely rely on its extremely thin surface(1/8”) as support, requiring no additional structural elements. Structure and surface are collapsed into a single component supported through its shape, creased surfaces and material strength only. Each one of the 233 panels is unique in terms of its shape.
The 3D printed dress, which one awestruck spectator compared to “liquid honey”. In 2011, Iris collaborated with Materialise and .MGX in the creation of four pieces for her critically acclaimed “Escapism” collection. And in 2012, another sensational 3D printed piece was brought to life for the “Micro” Collection.
by Baumgartner+Uriu
Iris Van Herpen, Julia Koerne
The latest, “Hybrid Holism”, collection was inspired by architect Philip Beesley and his “Hylozoic Ground” project which offers a vision of “living technology” and materials which can connect human creations to natural systems. In living technology, Iris sees a future where creations in design, art, architecture and fashion will be partly alive and constantly changing
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HYPOTHESIS
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Is it possible to use progressive technologies for the creation of new morphologies for already existing and undistinguished systems? To investigate new forms of habitation within this structure there is a need to prefabricate prototype units to materially realize the relevance and scope of the work done. Selaginella Lepidophylla could be integrated as a strategy for responsive facade system. Can we use the phenomenon of dormancy as a visualizer for the drought statement in Barcelona? What kind of system is it which is an architecture designed as a continuation of plants.
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The urban world is inextricably linked with nature as the biomimicry of architectural structures or the literal integration of bio originalism which is the so-called «green» walls. It is a well-known fact that these facades need constant care, consume an incredible amount of resources (both natural and human). Among all these factors, there is no guarantee that the plant (in terms of the integration of living plants) will survive. Despite the phototropic properties of the botanical world, the vertical surface is not natural habitat This project is about rethinking the questionably effective method of artificial creation of a vertical environment for plants to live. How can we design a facade system for a desert plant, which by evolution has adapted to the aggressive environmental conditions? The aim of the thesis project is to design a dormant facade system to replace existed inefficient green walls. To introduce the «awakeness» of nature to the general public. To make an actual (not artificial) living wall. Therefore, this project proposes to consider the architecture of the green facade through new paradigms. That means the façade of the building is not as a flat surface designed specifically for putting plants vertically. The use of plants whose natural habitat is a sloped surface with a low nutrient content and a rare access to water. What if architecture repeats the shape of the plant, there will be its continuation, an enlarged copy, which is 18
more adapted for collecting water from the environment. The hydrotropic reaction of Selaginella Lepidophylla is the phenomenon this research is based on. The project aims to rethink a current facade design in a new paradigm. To explore new prospects of responsive architecture approach based on a combination of natural behavior and computational morphogenesis. As well as Selaginella Lepidophylla goes into a dormant mode during drought, the same way the facade of the building switches to the energy conservation mode according to the exposed parameters under certain environmental conditions. How can we use intelligent behaviours to drive the future model of responsive architectural systems? This project is about immediate recursive systems
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Can a new system be created by imitation of natural behaviors? To answer this question we need to identify several statements. The first step will understand what is the bioresponsive behavior. The causes of this biological phenomenon and the consequences. Which of all possible reactions to external stimuli can be applied in an architectural field. And eventually to study the state of dormancy on examples of different families of plants. To continue the workflow it is essential to know the exact measurements of the amount of water/nutrients is needed to feed the plant. In this case it is Selaginella Lepidophylla. Identify the actual data of humidity level when the plant reacts to the environment. Understand soil conditions which are needed for plants. Can it grow in a moist environment? What exactly is the composition of the soil is necessary to provide the plant to ensure its comfortable existence outside of natural habitat? In theory it is plenty of gritty soil mixes are documented and it is possible to artificially recreate it. There are many recipes for this. So, it needs to be clarified which composition is best for Selaginella Lepidophylla. There is another field of knowledge about fungi and bacterias which can help the plant to develop a root system. Whether it is possible to maintain it out of the dormant state and for how long. What kind of tools are needed for this? Probably the best solution for this would be to an irri-gation system which will constantly supply bio organisms with water and nutrients.
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To develop a drip feeding system to maintain plants in their awake green state would be the second fundamental issue. As a starting point of work on the future facade, it is necessary to identify the morphological qualities of the plant. In addition to general knowledge about the organs of the plant, it is necessary to analyze and reveal the catalog of average parameters. Photonomenty technology will be used to create accurate models of plants. Later on, it will help to find the best solution for hosting along with the structure surface of a building. Elaborate geometry which will help to collect moisture from the environment and transfer it to roots of plants is a quintessential task. This could be defined as a basis of the facade morphology. The next step is to Find the proper material mix for casting panels. The mixture must be combined with a smooth surface in order to transport the water to the plant as quickly as possible. And also the root zone must be surrounded by a sufficiently porous material for quick penetration of the moisture to the root. Thus, the plant will have access to water both from outside and inside. Another mix what is needed is the material which will connect the panel and the plant. Sticky enough to prevent the plant from falling out and at the same time should provide an easy replacement of the plant in the case of death. The final step is to fabricate a prototype which will prove the hypothesis and aims
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RESEARCH PROBLEM BULBS/ TUBERS
MATERIALITY
SELAGINELLA LEPIDOPHYLLA
AGAR AGAR/ COCONUT SOIL COCONUT SOIL
KEY STUDY
WATER HYDRO GEL
THE DORMANCY STATEMENT
OPENINING TIME HUMIDITY RESCTION TEMPERATURE WATER CONSUMPTION
NATURE PARAMETERS
HYDROTROPISM
DORMANT FACADE
EXPERIMENTS
UNIT SYSTEM
PANEL CURLING/UNCURLING STAGES EXPANDING GEOMETRY MOISTURE REACTION FOG HUMIDITY
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DRIP FEEDING 6 DROPS /DAY 12 DROPS /DAY 24 DROPS /DAY
MATERIAL PARAMETERS
MATERIAL GRADIENT STRENGTH SMOOTH SURFACE THIN SPRAYED LEYER
LIGHTWEIGHT
SMOOTH SURFACE
BINDER
SKIN INNER LAYER
MATERIAL
GRADIENT
LIGHTWEIGHT AR GLASS FIBER BASE
LIGHTWEIGHT AGRAGATE MIX MOISTURE ABSORBAND
GRITTY SUBSTRATE
SLIP CASTING
FABRICATION
ORGANIC BINDER // POTATO STATCH // WHEAT FLOUR
GEOMETRY
HOUDINI FX
NATURE INSPIRED 3D SCAN MODEL EXTRACT POINTS PARTICLE FLUID BEHAVIOR VERTICIES GROWTH
PARAMETERS
SUPPORT
PLANTS HOSTS MOISTURE COLLECTION MOISTURE TRANSPORTATION SOIL PLACE HOLLOW GROOVES STOPPERS WATER TRANSPORTATION
// UPPER LAYER
// INNER LAYER
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BIOLOGY REFERENCE
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B E H A V I O U R S Natural behavior may be defined as behavior that animals have a tendency to exhibit under natural conditions, because these behaviors are pleasurable and promote biological functioning. Animal welfare is the quality of life as perceived by the animal[1] “behavior is the internally coordinated responses (actions or inactions) of whole living organisms (individuals or groups) to internal and/or external stimuli”.[2] A broader definition of behavior, applicable to plants and other organisms, is similar to the concept of phenotypic plasticity. It describes the behavior as a response to an event or environment change during the course of the lifetime of an individual, differing from other physiological or biochemical changes that occurs more rapidly, and excluding changes that are the result of development (ontogeny).[3][4] Behavior can be regarded as any action of an organism that changes its relationship to its environment. Behavior provides outputs from the organism to the environment.[5]
References:
[1] Bracke, Marc B.M., and H. Hopster. 2006. “Assessing the Importance of Natural Behavior for Animal Welfare.” Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics 19 (1). Kluwer Academic Publishers:77–89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10806-0054493-7. [2] Levitis, Daniel; William Z. Lidicker, Jr; Glenn Freund (June 2009). “Behavioural biologists do not agree on what constitutes behaviour” (PDF). Animal Behaviour. 78: 103–10. doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2009.03.018. PMC 2760923 Freely accessible. [3] Karban, R. (2008). Plant behaviour and communication. Ecology Letters 11 (7): 727–739, [1] Archived 4 October 2015 at the Wayback Machine.. [4] Karban, R. (2015). Plant Behavior and Communication. In: Plant Sensing and Communication. Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, pp. 1-8, [2]. [5] Dusenbery, David B. (2009). Living at Micro Scale, p. 124. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts ISBN 978-0-674-03116-6. 24
BEHAVIOR
PROACTIVE
REACTIVE
GROWTH
REPRODUCTION
L SYSTEM FRACTALS
RESPONSIVE
ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTATION
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RESPONSIVE
BIORESPONSIVE
TROPISM
PHOTOROTROPISM GEOTROPISM CHEMOTOTROPISM THIGMOTROPISM HYDROTROPISM
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A tropism is a biological phenomenon, indicating growth or turning movement of a biological organism, usually a plant, in response to an environmental stimulus. In tropisms, this response is dependent on the direction of the stimulus Tropisms are usually named for the stimulus involved and may be either positive (towards the stimulus) or negative (away from the stimulus). Tropisms occur in four sequential steps. First, there is a perception to a stimulus, which is usually beneficiary to the plant. Next, signal transduction occurs. This leads to auxin redistribution at the cellular level and finally, the growth response occurs. Tropisms are typically associated with plants. Where an organism is capable of directed physical movement (motility), movement or activity in response to a specific stimulus is more likely to be regarded by behaviorists as a taxis (directional response) or a kinesis (non-directional response). In botany, the Cholodny–Went model, proposed in 1927, is an early model describing tropism in emerging shoots of monocotyledons, including the tendencies for the stalk to grow towards light (phototropism) and the roots to grow downward (gravitropism). In both cases the directional growth is considered to be due to asymmetrical distribution of auxin, a plant growth hormone.[1]
This research is based on Hydrotropism. Hydrotropism is is a plant’s growth response in which the direction of growth is determined by a stimulus or gradient in water concentration. A common example is a plant root growing in humid air bending toward a higher relative humidity level. This is of biological significance as it helps to increase efficiency of the plant in its ecosystem. The Hydrotropism mostly is tend to the root system The process of hydrotropism is started by the root cap sensing water and sending a signal to the elongating part of the root. Hydrotropism is difficult to observe in underground roots, since the roots are not readily observable, and root gravitropism is usually more influential than root hydrotropism.[3] Water readily moves in soil and soil water content is constantly changing so any gradients in soil moisture are not stable. Root hydrotropism research has mainly been a laboratory phenomenon for roots grown in humid air rather than soil. Its ecological significance in soilgrown roots is unclear because so little hydrotropism research has examined soil-grown roots. Recent identification of a mutant plant that lacks a hydrotropic response may help to elucidate its role in nature.[4] Hydrotropism may have importance for plants grown in space, where it may allow roots to orient themselves in a microgravity environment.[5]
References:
[1] Haga, Ken; Takano, Makoto; Neumann, Ralf; Iino, Moritoshi (January 1, 2005). “The Rice COLEOPTILE PHOTOTROPISM1 Gene Encoding an Ortholog of Arabidopsis NPH3 Is Required for Phototropism of Coleoptiles and Lateral Translocation of Auxin(W)”. Plant Cell. doi:10.1105/tpc.104.028357. PMC 544493 Freely accessible. [2] Cassab, Gladys I., Delfeena Eapen, and María Eugenia Campos. 2013. “Root Hydrotropism: An Update.” American Journal of Botany 100 (1):14–24. https://doi.org/10.3732/ajb.1200306. [3] Eapen D, Barroso ML, Campos ME, et al. (February 2003). “A no hydrotropic response root mutant that responds positively to gravitropism in Arabidopsis”. Plant Physiol. 131 (2): 536–546. doi:10.1104/pp.011841. PMC 166830 Freely accessible. PMID 12586878. [4] Takahashi H, Brown CS, Dreschel TW, Scott TK (May 1992). “Hydrotropism in pea roots in a porous-tube water delivery system”. HortScience. 27 (5): 430–432. PMID 11537612. [5] Hershey DR (1993). “Is hydrotropism all wet?”. Science Activities. 29 (2): 20–24. 27
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BIORESPONSIVE BEHAVIOR
TROPISM
HYDROTROPISM
DORMANCY
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Period in an organism’s life cycle when growth, development, and (in animals) physical activity are temporarily stopped. This minimizes metabolic activity and therefore helps an organism to conserve energy. Dormancy tends to be closely associated with environmental conditions. Organisms can symchronize entry to a dormant phase with their envirnonmet trough predictive or consequental means. In plants physiology, dormancy is a period of arrested plant growth. It is a survival strtegy exhibited by many plants species, which enables them to survive in climates where part of the year is unsuitable for growth, such as winter or dry season.[1] In terms of evolution, dormancy have evolved independently among a wide variety of living things, and the mechanisms for dormancy vary with the morphological and physiological makeup of each organism. For many plants and animals, dormancy has become an essential part of the life cycle. Thus, the phenomenon of dormancy allows organisms to pass through critical environmental stages with a minimal damage and impact on the organism itself. Therefore, dormancy is an adaptive mechanism that allows an organism to meet environmental stresses. The dormant mode that is induced in an organism during periods of environmental stress may be caused by a number of variables. Those of major importance in contributing to the onset of dormancy include changes in temperature and photoperiod and the availability of food, water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. In general, because organisms normally exist within a relatively narrow temperature range, temperatures above or below the limits of this range can induce dormancy in certain organisms.
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The most frequent example of dormant mode is the seeds of the plant. Seeds that are ready for distribution by their appearance resemble dried, seeming dead parts of the plant. In this state they can stay for many years in waiting for a favorable environment to start their growth. [2] The first stage of work on the project was a detailed study of the dormancy. The reasons, properties, time interval, which contribute to the dormant mode of plants, as well as the reasons for which it is possible to withdraw the plant from the sleeping state and the possible consequences of these actions. On the example of the Liliaceae family of plants, the first experiments and tests were cleary performed this phenomenon. One of the most illustrative examples from the flora world, you can distinguish bulbs as a vivid example of energy saving organ. Such a natural battery allows plants to tolerate winter conditions and an unfavorable environment. The Liliaceae are characterised as monocotyledonous, perennial, herbaceous, bulbous flowering plants with simple trichomes (root hairs) and contractile roots. [3]
The flowers may be arranged (inflorescence) along the stem, developing from the base, or as a single flower at the tip of the stem, or as a cluster of flowers. Both the petals and sepals are usually similar and appear as two concentric groups (whorls) of ‘petals’, that are often striped or multi-coloured, and produce nectar at their bases. The stamens are usually in two groups of three (trimerous) and the pollen has a single groove (monosulcate). The ovary is placed above the attachment of the other parts (superior). The leaves are generally simple and elongated with veins parallel to the edges, arranged singly and alternating on the stem, but may form a rosette at the base of the stem.
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Bulbs are a primary example of a group of plants called geophytes that produce specialized underground structures that function as storage organs and permit the plant to survive adverse conditions. Geophytes include bulbs, corms, tubers, tuberous roots, tuberous stems, and rhizomes. A bulb is a specialized underground organ consisting of a short, fleshy, stem axis (basal plate), bearing at its apex a growing point or a flower primordium enclosed by thick fleshy scales.
Tulip is a common example of a tunicate bulb. It has a papery outer layer covering the storage scales tightly appressed to each other. The main stem with the leaves and flower emerges through the center of the bulb. Note the offsets (red arrow) developing from the basal plate at the bottom of the bulb. Non-tunicate or scaly bulbs lack the papery tunicate found in tunicate bulbs like tulip. The non-tunicate bulb consists of separate “scales” attached at the basal plate. [4]
Bulbs are mostly produced by monocots. Most of the bulb consists of bud scales that act as reserve food storage while the bulb is dormant. In the center of the bulb is either a vegetative or flower meristem. There are two types of bulbs - Tunicate or Non-tunicate. Tunicate (laminate) bulbs have an outer layer of bulb scales that are dry and papery. This covering provides protection from drying and mechanical injury to the bulb. The inner bulb scales are fleshy and give the bulb its solid feel.
Image Credits http://irrecenvhort.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-prop-glossary/07-geophytes/01-bulbs/02geophytes-bulbs.html
References:
[1] Spichiger, Rodolphe., Mathieu. Perret, and Rodolphe. Spichiger. 2004. Systematic Botany of Flowering Plants : A New Phylogenetic Approach to Angiosperms of the Temperate and Tropical Regions. Science Publishers. https://books.google.es/ books?id=WUw8fg0rAVgC&pg=118&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false. [2] Baskin, J.M.; Baskin, C.C. (2004). “A classification system for seed dormancy”. Seed Science Research. 14 (1): 1–16. doi:10.1079/ssr2003150. [3] Spichiger, Rodolphe., Mathieu. Perret, and Rodolphe. Spichiger. 2004. Systematic Botany of Flowering Plants : A New Phylogenetic Approach to Angiosperms of the Temperate and Tropical Regions. Science Publishers. https://books.google.es/ books?id=WUw8fg0rAVgC&pg=118&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false. [4] “Bulbs.” n.d. Accessed September 25, 2018. http://irrecenvhort.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-prop-glossary/07-geophytes/01-bulbs/02geophytes-bulbs.html. 31
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Amaryllidaceae
Hyacinthus
Freesia
Tulip
Anemone
Crocus
Ranunculus
Muskaris
Dutch Iris
BREAKING THE DORMANCY There were chosen 9 species of the most common garden bulb and turer plants for studying the properties of the dormancy. For the initial stage of the research it was decided to study the properties of the hibernation by the example of bulbs of tubers of plants of the family Hyacintae and Liliaceae.The flowering period of this plants takes place mainly in the early spring, nevertheless some representatives of this family begin their blooming cycle in October. Based on the fact that the experimental period falls on November, plants were selected in the way of which flowering period falls on the period March-May. Thus, during the experiments, the plants were awakened early, in the middle of the Dormant State. While the late flowering period plants just finished its cycle and there is a high probability of killing the bulb since this energy-conserving organ has exhausted its resources during the period of wakefulness
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AGAR GROWING 9 bulb and tuber plant species were chosen for studying the properties of the dormancy. There were Anemone, Hyacinthus, Tulip, Ranunculus, Freesia, Crocus, Muskaris and Dutch Iris. Except for the Crocus (it is dissolved from January to February), the blooming period of selected bulb plants starts from March to June. Therefore, the research aims to explore weather it is possible to control the life cycle of a plant or only to interrupt the natural course of its life. The aim of this study is to identify limits of the dormant state on the example of plants bulbs of the Hyacintae and Liliaceae family plants. The goal is to find out whether their hydrotropic reaction is able to awake them from hibernation. There were prepared several variants of nutrient solution consisting of agar, sugar and organic nutrients. Agar is a natural gelling powder consisting of algae. It is used as a base for growing plants in test tubes ( in vitro style). Experience suggests identifying which of the plant species will react most quickly and which soil relatively. Among the agar, hydrogel was also used as the soil. Which was to find out whether water alone is a catalyst for the growth of plants or whether these additive impurities provoke changes in the life cycle.
// Crocus 2.11.17 ACTIVE ROOT GROWTH 5.11.17 SHOOT GROWTH RESUMES 7.11.17 BULBS START TO DRY
WORKFLOW 6 containers with an agar-based nutrient solution were prepared. A variety of proportions of ingredients were used to create an agar-based solution. So depending on the amount of agar, the solution changes its properties from elastic gelly shaped to a slightly thickened gel. In turn for the nutrients were used organic fertilizer and/or sugar. The mixes are: 1. 1000 ml distilled water, 40g sugar, 8g agar: 2. 3000 ml distilled water, 20g sugar, 8g agar, 3. 1000 ml distilled water,20g sugar, 8g agar, 36
4. 1000 ml distilled (premixed with fertilizer) water, 8g agar: 2. 3000 ml distilled water (premixed with fertilizer), 8g agar, 3. 1000 ml distilled water(premixed with fertilizer), 8g agar. in each container were placed 2 bulbs/ tubers of each specie. Besides the agar solution there were ome container with hydrogel. 30 g of hydrogel used in gardens were also taken and impregnated with 2400 ml of distilled water without nutrients.
OBSERVATIONS In the course of the study it was revealed that, despite a fairly quick response to the environment of almost all bulbs, it can be said that this is not enough for a full blooming of the plant. As shown experimentally, manage to get a bulb response to the environment, and almost all (except for the tulip and terbs) released roots. Only the crocus gave a full bloom. Which means that it was possible to speed up the awakening process from hibernation. The natural flowering of this plant falls on the second half of winter. In addition, it can be stated with certainty that agar (no matter what kind of concreteness it was) is a very moist environment without oxygen access and the experimental specimens in it have simply rotted. One of the factors of plant death can be considered sunlight. Despite the fact that the experiment was conducted in a shady room with an average level of humidity, the impact of daylight on reference samples took place. Hydrogel showed the weakest result. On the second day of the study began to form a plaque, exude a smell and attract insects. On day 5, all samples were covered with fungus or rotted.
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SOIL COMPARISON Based on previous experience, it was decided to compare the growth indices for a soil based on agar and a soil, which is a mixture of an agar solution and a coconut fiber. It was assumed that the coconut fiber would serve as an air layer that would not allow the bulbs to rot away from moisture and simultaneously protect from mold formation
WORKFLOW
OBSERVATIONS
There were taken 2 single-volume containers. â„–1 was filled with soil on the agar basis (1000 ml distilled water(premixed with fertilizer), 10g agar), and in the second mix from the same soil, but mixed with cocnut fiber. In each of the containers one set of experimental plants was planted.
By comparison with all the experiments described above, container No. 2 showed a significant growth of the root system in geocysts. So it can be noted that, for the first time in experiments, the Ranunculus tuber showed a reaction as an expanding root system. Despite the fact, that the rate of mold formation decreased at times, the fungus still had a place to be. The experiment lasted 2 months (November-January) and blossoming of the geocint from the No. 2 container was noted. The shoots was weak, the reason for which could be a mold, which eventually killed all the experimental specimens. 39
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Selaginella Lepidophila Kingdom: Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Genus: Species:
Plantae Lycopodiophyta Isoetopsida Selaginellales Spikemoss (Selaginellaceae) Selaginella S. lepidophylla
Selaginella Lepidophila is a plant without wood, seeds or flowers.
Instead of having seeds, lycophytes have spores for reproduction and are entirely dependent on wind for pollination and dispersal Similar to ferns but have unique leaves called ‘microphylls’ which have only a single vein. Curled leaves dry with their bottom side upwards. Most of the water absorbs on the bottom side of the leaves. Produses proteins ‘hydrants’ near the cell walls. Proteins act as a lubricant allowing the cell walls to fold in a way that can be reversed.
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Image Credits
NATURAL HABITAT Selaginella is the only living genus of the order Selaginellales and is commonly known as ‘spike moss’ or ‘small club moss’. It is a large genus comprising of about 700 species distributed all over the world. Abundantly it is found growing in tropical rain forests. 50
http://www.pinguicula.org/A_world_of_Pinguicula_2/ Pages/Postcard_12.htm
Mostly the species prefer moist and shady places to grow but a few species are also found growing in xerophytic conditions i.e., on dry sandy soil or rocks e.g., S. lepidophylla, S. rupestris etc. A very few species are epiphytes e.g., S. oregena. It is found growing on tree trunks.
A few xerophytic species of Selaginella e.g., S. lepidophylla and S. pilifera show cestipose habit and are sold as curiosities under the name of resurrection plants. They curl and become ball like when dry and again become green and fresh when moisture is available. About 70 species have been reported from India. Majority are dorsiventral, prostrate and creeping (Fig. 7.45) on the sur face (e.g. , Selaginella kraussiana; S. pellidissima; S. chrysocaulis), some are radial and grow erect (e.g. , S. rupestris; S. viridangula; S. selaginoides) and few are scandent (e.g. , 5. willdenovii; 5. adunca) and climbers (5. alligans). Most of the species of Selaginella grow on the ground in humid, shady habitats. A few species are xerophytic and grow in arid condiÂtions on exposed rock surfaces (5. pilifera; S. lepidophylla). They have the ability to survive desiccation.
Image Credits http://www.pinguicula.org/A_world_of_Pinguicula_2/ Pages/Postcard_12.htm
EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY The plant body is distinctly differentiated into following structures: 1. Stem. , . 2. Leaves. , 3.Ligules. , 4. Rhizophore. , 5. Roots.
Stem:
It is usually profusely branched, delicate and evergreen. The branching is of monopodial type. The growing apex of the stem consists of either meristematic tissue or a single apical cell. In the sub-genus homoeophyllum the stem is erect and somewhat cylindrical and in the sub-genus heterophyllum it is prostrate with stout erect branches and is somewhat dorsiventral. Cut thin transverse sections of stem, root, rhizophore and root by inserting the material in pith, stain them separately in safranin-fast green combination, mount in glycerine and observe under microscope. Also compare your preparations from the prepared permanent slides of these parts.
Leaves:
They are usually small, simple and lanceolate with a pointed apex. Each leaf is provided with a single unbranched midrib. In the subgenus homoeophyllum all the leaves are of same size and are spirally arranged forming a dense covering. In the sub-genus heterophyllum the leaves are dimorphic i.e. , of two size (small and big) and are arranged in pairs. Small leaves are present on the dorsal side of the stem and bigger ones on the ventral side of the stem (Fig. 1 B). The bigger leaves alternate with bigger ones and smaller leaves alternate with smaller ones. Usually the leaves near the apical portion of the branch, bear sporangia (micro-or mega) and are called as sporophylls (micro-or mega) respectively. The sporophylls are usually aggregated into a condense structure which is known as strobilus.
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Image Credits http://www.biologydiscussion.com/pteridophytes/selagi-
Ligules:
On the adaxial side of the leaf, near the base is present a small membranous out-growth known as ligule. It is embedded at the base of a leaf in a pit like structure known as ligule pit. It may be tongue shaped (e.g. , S. vogelii), fan shaped (e.g. , S. martensii), fringed (e.g. , S. cuspidata), or lobed (e.g. , S. caulescens). It is more than one cell in thickness except at the apex. The structure of the ligule can be differentiated into two parts, glossopodium and the body of the ligule.
Roots:
They originate either from the tips of rhizophores or directly from the stem or from the swollen base of hypocotyl. Their origin is endogenous. They are usually dichotomously branched structures. The roots are provided with root caps and root hairs.
nella-habitat-reproduction-and-life-cycle/53199
As soon as the free end of rhizophore touches the soil it develops a tuft of adventitious roots at its free end. In few species the rhizophore is present e.g., S. krciussiana while in others it is absent e.g., S. cuspidata. It differs from root in having no root cap and from stem in having no leaves.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFECYCLE Selaginella reproduces by two methods: Vegetatively and by formation of spores.
Vegetative reproduction:
It takes place by following methods: 1. Fragmentation: This structure arises from the prostrate Under humid conditions in S. rupestris, traiaxis at the point of dichotomy and elon- ling branches of the stem develop adventigates downward. It is a colourless, leafless, tious branches. These branches later disjoin unbranched and cylindrical structure. from the parent plant and develop into separate individual plants.
Rhizophore:
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2. Tubers: These appear towards the end of the growing season. The tubers may be aerial, developing at the apical end of aerial branches (e.g., S. chrysocaulos) or subterranean (e.g., S. chrysorrhizos). Under favourable conditions tubers germinate into a new plant. 3. Resting buds: These are the compact structures which develop at the apical end of some aerial branches. The leaves in this region are closely arranged and overlap the growing points. These resting buds are capable to pass on the unfavourable Spore producing organs: Selaginella is a sporophytic plant (2x) and reproduces sexually. The plants are heterosporous i.e. , produce two different types of spores—megaspores and microspores. These spores are produced in megasporangia and microsporangia, respectively which, in turn, are produced on fertile leaves known as megasporophylls and microsporophylls respectively. Usually both these structures are grouped together to form a compact structure strobilus
Spores:
The microspores are small, 0 015 to 0 05 millimeter in diameter, spherical or round in shape and double layered structures. The outer wall is thick and known as exospore (exine). While inner wall is thin and is called endospore. The megaspores are much larger than microspores, 1.5 to 5 millimeter in diameter, tetrahedral in shape and show triradiate ridge. The megaspore has three wall layers namely exospore, mesospore has three wall layers namely exospore, mesospore and endospore. The microspores on germination give rise to male prothalli and megaspores to the female prothalli.
Life Cycle Patterns of Selaginella:
Selaginella is a sporophytic plant (2x) and produces two different types of spores i.e. , microspores and megaspores. In other words we may call it as heterosporous plant. These spores on germination produce male and female gametophytes (x) respectively which in turn developing upon the strobilus of parent produce antherozoids and egg in antheridia and archegonia respectively.
References: [1] Neelesh T. n.d. “Selaginella: Habitat, Features and Reproduction.” Accessed September 25, 2018. http:// www.biologydiscussion.com/botany/pteridophyta/selaginella-habitat-features-and-reproduction/46084. [2} Rafsanjani, Ahmad, V�ronique Brul�, Tamara L. Western, and Damiano Pasini. 2015. “Hydro-Responsive Curling of the Resurrection Plant Selaginella Lepidophylla.” Scientific Reports 5 (1). Nature Publishing Group:8064. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep08064. [3] Pfeifer, Rolf. 2000. “On the Role of Morphology and Materials in Adaptive Behavior.” From Animals to Animats 6: Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Simulation of Adaptive Behavior, 24–3 [4] Crops, Glasshouse, and West Sussex Bn. 1979. “Proceedings 54 1,” no. 1973:1977–80. [5] HOBSON, GRAEME E. 1981. “Changes in Mitochondrial Composition and Behaviour in Relation to Dormancy.” In Annals of Applied Biology, 98:541–44. Wiley/Blackwell (10.1111). https://doi. org/10.1111/j.1744-7348.1981.tb00788.x. [6] Adams, Robert P., E. Kendall, and K. K. Kartha. 1990. “Comparison of Free Sugars in Growing and Desiccated Plants of Selaginella Lepidophylla.” Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 18 (2–3):107–10. https://doi. org/10.1016/0305-1978(90)90044-G. 53
6 hours time laps
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day 1
day 3
8 days in floating on a water surface
24 hours dumping in water
Water responsive behaviour
day 7
Selaginella Lepidophila is known as a resurrection plant The plant is renowned for its ability to survive almost complete desiccation (extreme dryness), with stems that curl into a tight ball and uncurl when exposed to moisture Studies showed that the plant reacts to moisture in 7 mins and only prolonged direct contact with water provides a rich greenery of the plant. As It is shown by the observation, only those parts of the plant that were under water maintained a pronounced green color while curls located above the surface continued to be dry and brown. Thus it can be concluded that the plant does not have a moisture transport property.
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day 2
day 5
day 8 Fiddlehead curlingg up stages
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EXPERIMENTS
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BULBS / TUBERS
SELAGINELLA LEPIDOPHYLLA
AGAR
P L A N T S
AGAR+COCONUT SOIL COCONUT SOIL
WATER
HYDRO GEL
CALCULATE THE AMOUNT OF WATER TO FEED PLANTS
G E O M E T R Y M A T E R I A L S 60
// 6 DROPS/DAY // 12 DROPS/DAY // 24 DROPS/DAY
// HOS
// WAT ENGRAV
MA //
DRIPPING SYSTEM CALCULATE THE AMOUNT OF WATER IS NEEDED TO COLLECT TO FEED THE SYSTEM
+
ST PLANTS
TER COLLECTING VINGS
+
ATERIAL MIX // GRC GRITTY SOIL
[RESULT]
[DORMANT FACADE] 61
REACTION TO HUMIDITY As far as the concept of the thesis is based on the idea of bio organism (Selaginella Lepidophylla) integration in architecture and present its dormant phenomenon as the base for energy saving alternative for the green facades it is needed some fundamental numbers to prove whether this concept is possible for implementation or it is a speculation. Previous studies showed that the plat reacts to moisture in 7 mins and only prolonged direct contact with water provides a rich greenery of the plant. as shown by the previous experiment, only those parts of the plant that were under water maintained a pronounced green color while curls located above the surface continued to be dry, brown (page 56). The aim of the experiment is to identify the exact level of humidity in atmosphere on contact which the plant starts to react. By reaction it is implied that experimented plant will start its mechanic uncurling activity. The purpose is to determine what level of humidity the environment is required to fully open the plant and what properties it will have during high and moderately high state of the environment. The aim of the research is to determine the maximum opening and level of greenness for each moisture index that can be expected in an urban environment (city of Barcelona). 62
// 24 hours in humid environment
// 24 hours fogponics
// 72 hours in humid environment
// 72 hours fogponics
WORKFLOW 1. There were chosen two groups of the plant for comparison. 2. The first one was placed outside for 2 days during the rain period (90% humidity level). 3. It was controlled so that the first group has been carefully sheltered from direct contact with water. 4. A container was built in which the steam generator was located. Also there were drilled openings for air circulation and a grid was placed on which the experimental plants were subsequently placed. 5. The second group were placed in the closed container with fogg generator.
2. As it was expected only direct contact with water leads to a satisfactory result with full opening and saturated greenery. 3. Unlike the first group of the second for 24 hours of the experiment opened by 97%. In the next 24 hours, 100% of the coverage can be ascertained. color plants bright green.
The experiment in the container was extended indefinitely to find out how long it was possible to keep the plant in this state. After another 120 hours, the first traces of white mold were visible on the plants, the color began to fade on the structure of the plant to decay. Presumable reason is insufficient ventilation of the container and excessive humidity. OBSERVATIONS Despite the fact that support structures have been constructed which do not allow the 1. The first group of the plant showed a rather plant to contact with the poured into water, weak reaction in the first 24 hours. After 72 the contaminant can nevertheless be defihours of the experiment, the difference was ned as direct contact with water barely noticeable. 63
UNCURLING FORCE The purpose of the experiment is to find out whether it is possible to exploit the mechanics of the plant (Selaginella Lepidophylla) opening movement as the driving force for the unfolding of artificial petals around the plant. Thereby to understand if it is possible to use the uncurling force of a plant as a leading energy that activates a so-called kinetic system.
WORKFLOW 1. There were chosen 3 types of unfolding origami-based geometry for modules. It was meant that they would contribute to the accumulation and transportation of moisture around the plant, which in turn would speed up the process of expansion. 2. Modules we made of Polypropylene 0.8mm using laser cut machine. 3. Further samples were placed in a container with a steam processing machine for 24 hours.
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OBSERVATIONS As a result of the experiment, it became clear that the plant is able to unfold the module. The material chosen was too rigid and, over time, deploy itself. Thus, the uncurling force of the plant had little effect on the opening stroke. The sample N2 proved to be the most effective. It has the least amount of bends and the one-piece shape is more effective in collecting moisture. The shape of fixtures on sample N1 is the strongest.
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// 20 sec
// 135 sec
// 3600 sec 66
DRIP FEEDING Despite the fact that the plant (Selaginella Lepidophylla) can remain in dormant mode for many years if we want to use it as a part of a live façade there is a need to understand whether it is possible to maintain it outside the dormant regime. In other words, how to keep it green and how long the plant can support itself with artificial environment conditions. As a supplier of nutrients was chosen the principle of drip irrigation. This method assumes constant dosed dispensing of food (in this case water) to the plant through a given time interval. So it becomes possible to figure out how much of the resources and how often the plant is needed to be fed to maintain its life cycle.
WORKFLOW 3 plants of the same size and physical state were selected. The plants were chosen in such a way that the total number of openings did not exceed 4 (presumably based on external signs, after a certain number of openings, the plant in its dormant state is no longer able to close in a tight ball). Medical droppers were chosen for more accurate control of water supply as drip irrigation. For each plant was identified its own interval, every 20 sec, 135 sec and 3600 sec respectively. As described in the previous experiment, the plants were prepared in a fogponics container, that is brought to maximum disclosure and colour. A catheter with a supply of fluid was delivered to each of the plants. The experiment was carried out before the last plant desiccation. By desiccation is meant the complete folding of each stem.
OBSERVATIONS
best result of retaining moisture in the cells. Thus, every minute 0.15 ml of water entered the plant, which means 216 ml per day and 6.696 ml of water per month. This result is not satisfactory for the idea of self sufficient dormant facade. Сontinuing the experiment until the plant dries completely (which lasts from 5 to 8 days depending on the state of the environment) a week later all the experimental specimens returned to their original stage of sleep. In accordance with the supply of water, the experimental plant №1 turned into the tight ball last. A common similarity of all three specimens can be noted that the area around the point of the water’s daughter kept maximally retaining its original data for each of their experimental plants. The experiment once again proved that the plant Selaginella Lepidophylla is not capable of transporting moisture through the cells, which leads to the fact that drip irrigation is not suitable for maintaining the flowering state of the plant Selaginella Lepidophylla.
As a result of the experiment it was revealed that during the first 3 days the experimental plant №3 dried at its usual rate. Hence, the supply of fluid every 3600 seconds has no effect on the plant. The experimental plant №2 slightly slowed its drying. Only the zone around the point of moisture supply continued to retain its original properties. The experimental plant №1 showed the 67
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GEOMETRY
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W O R K F L O W As all the experiments and research which were described above have shown that it is possible to break the Dormant state ahead of time, but not to change the natural cycle of life. Thus, it is impossible to create an artificial habitat that would fully satisfy all the needs of a living organism without resorting to complete isolation of the plant from the external environment. Under such condition, the idea of plant integration as an alternative energy-saving component of the architectural environment does not make sense. That is why, the starting point for the morphology of the future object was stated the idea of contribution of the natural process of awakening a plant in its natural conditions. In other words, it is assumed that the geometry will serve as a collector of water from the environment and transport moisture directly to the plant. As the first stage of the work was written Grasshopper code that generate a catalog of natural patterns that go to one point with a recess in the point of descents. Thus, this pattern is the way for water which goes straight to the root
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PROTOTYPE I. Dripping system With the help of the Vector Fields Force, the code was generated for the first prototype whose goal was to prove the assumption of the literal integration of the plant on a vertical surface. Changing the heights of the curves that make up the basis of geometry are accelerators of water flow to the plant. On one side the hollows pile up with water and when they are replenished directed water flow follows the grooves to the plant. During the testing process, the pipes with microscopic ducts simulating the dripping water supply were brought to the prototype. thus it was assumed that the future faรงade would include an irrigation system, thus the plant and facade would be a single whole. Testing has shown that this way of integration works and has a place to be. Nevertheless, as evidences with drip irrigation of the plant have shown, many resources are needed to maintain its life activity. Consequently, there is no a particularly noticeable difference between the proposed faรงade system and those already existing.
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Prototype 2.1 74
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PROTOTYPE II. Water collecting panel The algorithm of the morphology for the prototype No. 2 is the same as was explained on the above. These are curves having a single vanishing point forming a surface from the given parameters. In the case of the prototype No. 2, there was a more significant approach in terms of surface curvature. The purpose of this geometry is the idea of ​​accumulating and delaying water as in a bowl. In the case of the prototype No. 2, it was decided to completely refuse from artificial irrigation in favor of accumulation from collecting water under natural conditions. The subsequent test proved that such the geometry promotes a more rapid opening of the plant. The concept of the Prototype No. 2 relies only on the natural irrigation of plants from the outside and due to the shape which is resembling a bowl the feeding and trans 78
portation of water to the root system. Where, in its turn, reservoirs with water supply was placed for feeding from the roots. The result of the test conducted on the site under preferable weather conditions (pouring rain) on the page 82-83 79
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Prototype 2, three hours test
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DORMANT WALL
C
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C
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P
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To summarize all the information that was obtained during the research, analyse results of experiments it can be concluded that any trials to create an artificial conditions for changing the plants life cycle expended a significant amount of resources. At the same time, the viability of the plant cannot be guaranteed. In fact, the main conclusion of this study is that under the conditions of a modern urban environment, it does not make sense to invent or simulate the artificial environment for the plant’s dwelling in order to incorporate it into a situation that is not natural. Talking about the so-called green walls, when the plant of their natural horizontal habitat moves to the vertical surface of the facades of buildings.
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The urban world is inextricably linked with the nature as if the biomimicry of architectural structures or the literal introduction of bio originalism which is so-called ÂŤgreen wallsÂť. Understanding how much resources are spent to maintain it, can we actually call them green? How can we use generative algorithms to introduce the intelligence of natural behaviour?
COMPUTATIONAL
WORKFLOW
Knowledge of natural behaviors and algorithms is driving the future model of responsive architectural systems. Systems which are created by imitation of intelligence of natural behavior, are the emergent requirements in architecture today. The idea of architecture, ​​ as a continuation of the plant, leads to the first stage of the evolution of morphology. Mainly, to a more detailed study of the sellagin exterior. The average size, the development of the root, the specific of shape (flattened or lamp-like) is all taken into consideration while working on geometry. Thus, the first step was to create a catalogue of portraits of the average representative of the plant selazh bla bla. For this photometry technology was used. More than a dozen plants were cultivated in order to distinguish between the main types (page 90-91).
Create a model based on points cloud and then use it to generate panels. according to the morphology of the selallzhinella, the plant growth starts from the center and moves according to the spiral trajectory, what is, the vertex. Due to the existing models of real plants, a basal zone was chosen where the panel will subsequently be attached. The set of points of this area is the initial primitive. The basis of the algorithm is the stigmergy system algorithm. The points from the root zone were launched along the trajectory of the merticis, thereby imitating the natural development of the plant. Further, along the trajectory a mesh was added, which became the basis of the panel. Thus, the algorithm of growth immigration was created. (page 92-93) 89
TOP
MODEL
1
2
3
Photometric scanning
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PERSPECTIVE
FRONT
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Panel Morphology
3d printed sample
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Morphology animation
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Panel sampels
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FACADE
SYSTEM
The system is designed in such a way that the collection and transportation of rainwater to the plant are due to the upper removable panel and lower base directly to the soil hollow. Thus, no matter where the water enters it is always transported directly to the plant.
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Hollow for the soil Water paths
W DIAGRAM
Water paths throug bottom panel
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ะกhanges in water flow depending on the panels position
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Architectural proposal. Presumed layout options for panels
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MATERIAL
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MATERIAL PROPERTIES The material function in this project is fundamental. The study of the material was based on the following features. First of all, it is a smooth surface with a minimum number of pores. This allows water to flow faster to the plant, Secondly, in the zone where the plant is inserted into the panel, the material possesses reverse piles. On the contrary, the surface is too porous to infiltrate the water to the roots, thus the material provides access to the plant to the water both from the outside and from the inside. It is assumed that the facade of the building will be completely covered with panels. The next incredibly important property is a lightweight. The lower part of the panel represents a foam coated with sprayed concrete to obtain a smooth surface for water and protect the foam. Thus, due to the materials properties, the bottom part of the panel serves as a soundproofing and heat insulation.
Gypsum/Marble powder
Absorbent agregate mix //Cocnut fibre //Marble //Ballast
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MARBLE
SAND STONE
COCONUT FIBRE
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BALLAST
BALLAST //smal grain
// Sand Stone … . 30g // Ballast … . 45g // Coconut Fiber… . 70% // Polymer … . 20g
// Marble … . 500g // Sand Stone … . 25g
// Marble … . 50g // Sand Stone … . 30g // Ballast … . 425g
// Marble … . 50g // Sand Stone … . 30g // Ballast … . 425g // Coconut Fiber… . 50% // Polymer … . 20g
// Marble … . 50g // Ballast … .10g // Coconut Fiber
absorbs 25ml water(24h) 53g>63g/40ml/14.30
absorbs 16ml water(24h) 72g>74g/40ml/14.30
absorbs 30ml water(24h) 85>93g/40ml/14.23 start 16:40-COMPLETE
absorbs 31ml water(24h) 49g>54/40ml/14.30 15:30-COMPLETE
absorbs 25ml water(24h) 86g>92g/40ml/14.25 17:30-COMPLETE
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INNER LAYER WEIGHT COMPARISON
MARBLE GYPSUM
143g
MARBLE CONCRETE
117g
GYPSUM BINDER
130g
CEMENT BINDER
127g
1B : 1SS : 2M
108g
102g
130g
95g
1B : 1SS : 2M : 3CF
177g
110
158g
150g
189g
CONCRETE
CONCRETE + MARBLE
GYPSUM
GYPSUM + MARBLE
200ML 12 MIN 119G wet
17:05 WATER SEEPS 128g wet
17:05 1 ml 147g wet
20 MIN 17:05 WATER SEEPS 2ML (24 H) 133g wet
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PROTOTYPE TESTS
CONCRETE
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GYPSUM
CEMENT + MARBLE
GYPSUM + MARBLE
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COATING BASE LAYER
// GeoLite … . 500g // AR Glass Fiber … . 25g // Water … .125g // Polymer … . 55g // Plasticiser … .1 ml
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// GeoLite … . 500g // Cement … . 500g // AR Glass Fiber … . 30g // Water … .100g // Polymer … . 20g // Sand … . 425g // Water … .125g // Polymer … . 55g // Plasticiser … .12 ml
// Cement … . 300g // Sand … . 280g // Water … .125g
// Cement … . 290g // Water … .100g
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PROTOTYPE
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1. Composite MDF mold for the material tests
2. Negative silicon mold for the material tests
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1. Composite MDF mold for the material tests Tests have shown that the MDF molds are not efficient for the panels manufacture sicnce the raw material is to hard for the panels production 2. Positive silicon mold for the material tests Silicon mold is good for a mass production when there are limited amount of panels’ design
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Material gradient For the final prototype the foam was chosen as the most fragile and cheap material which will allow to remove the mold without harming the panel 120
Fiber glass + marble gypsum base
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Final panel. Top Other panels were made following this method 122
Final panel. Bottom 123
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Final prototype. Bottom panel. CNC milled foam. 130
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Final prototype 131
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Wall prototype. Final video
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The project aims at rethinking of a current building design in a new paradigm. To differentiate architectural structure, referring to nature behavior principles to design an evolutionary algorithm which is driven by through the definition of the structure internal as well as external constraints and information. To explore a new mode of responsive architecture approach based on a combination of natural behavior and computational morphogenesis. This work presents how the mechanics of Botanics behaviors could be integrated into architecture. The way intelligence of reaction to environmental changes and energy saving could present a responsive system for buildings. The dormancy phenomenon which can be traced by examples of the Hyacinthaceae, Liliaceae and Selaginellaceae families of plants is the key study this project focuses on. The structure is created to present a new approach of responsive architecture. During the working process, the dormancy phenomenon was presented in multiscale structures. Starting with a water supply system as a pre-project energy saving phenomenon was further developed into self-sustainable panels for facade skin. The project suggests looking at the integration of plants into architecture from the other paradigm. Instead of creating an artificial environment and forcing plants to live there, this project suggests a more careful study of the botanical world. With a more vibrant approach to research, technology, and algorithmic morphology, it is possible to recreate an environment with an unusual interpretation which imitates natural habitat, but not a faking it. In the future, such a method of work can be implemented not only in architecture but also in other areas of urban life. Thus, the biophilic culture will become dominant, where the bio-organisms and technologies are closely interrelated rather than coexisting in parallel to each other.
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18. Rafsanjani, Ahmad, Véronique Brulé, Tamara L. Western, and Damiano Pasini. 2015. “Hydro-Responsive Curling of the Resurrection Plant Selaginella Lepidophylla.” Scientific Reports 5 (1). Nature Publishing Group:8064. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep08064. 19. Porter, W. M. , A. D. Robson, and L. K. Abbott. 1987. “Field Survey of the Distribution of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Relation to Soil pH.” The Journal of Applied Ecology 24 (2). British Ecological Society:659. https://doi.org/10.2307/2403900. 20. Yu, Zhan, Lee Chuin Chen, Hiroaki Suzuki, Osamu Ariyada, Rosa Erra-Balsells, Hiroshi Nonami, and Kenzo Hiraoka. 2009. “Direct Profiling of Phytochemicals in Tulip Tissues and In Vivo Monitoring of the Change of Carbohydrate Content in Tulip Bulbs by Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.” Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry 20 (12):2304–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasms.2009.08.023. 21. REES, A. R. 1981. “Concepts of Dormancy as Illustrated by the Tulip and Other Bulbs.” In Annals of Applied Biology, 98:544–48. Wiley/Blackwell (10.1111). https://doi. org/10.1111/j.1744-7348.1981.tb00789.x. 22. Spichiger, Rodolphe. , Mathieu. Perret, and Rodolphe. Spichiger. 2004. Systematic Botany of Flowering Plants : A New Phylogenetic Approach to Angiosperms of the Temperate and Tropical Regions. Science Publishers. https://books.google.es/books?id=WUw8fg0rAVgC&pg=118&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false. 23. Baskin, J.M.; Baskin, C.C. (2004). “A classification system for seed dormancy”. Seed Science Research. 14 (1): 1–16. doi:10.1079/ssr2003150. 24. Spichiger, Rodolphe. , Mathieu. Perret, and Rodolphe. Spichiger. 2004. Systematic Botany of Flowering Plants : A New Phylogenetic Approach to Angiosperms of the Temperate and Tropical Regions. Science Publishers. https://books.google.es/books?id=WUw8fg0rAVgC&pg=118&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false. 25. “Bulbs.” n.d. Accessed September 25, 2018. http://irrecenvhort.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-propglossary/07-geophytes/01-bulbs/02-geophytes-bulbs.html. 26. HOBSON, GRAEME E. 1981. “Changes in Mitochondrial Composition and Behaviour in Relation to Dormancy.” In Annals of Applied Biology, 98:541–44. Wiley/Blackwell (10.1111). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-7348.1981.tb00788.x. 27. Adams, Robert P. , E. Kendall, and K. K. Kartha. 1990. “Comparison of Free Sugars in Growing and Desiccated Plants of Selaginella Lepidophylla.” Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 18 (2–3):107–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(90)90044-G.
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Spacial thanks to The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia Marcos Cruz Kunaljit Singh Chadha Sujal Kodamadanchirayil Suresh Mathilde Marengo C - BIOM. A students for having a great time together
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