Contemporary and sustainable envelopes have to be durable and/or flexible, able to be demountable, adaptable, transportable, reusable, recyclable, with low embodied energy… and as resilient as possible. Active and passive strategies have to be embedded in the envelope design to cope with air, wind, sun, water, humidity, and gradient of temperatures… so contemporary envelopes will talk about tightness, porosity, capacity of ventilation and transpiration, ability to mutate and to adapt, following the changeable exterior conditions and the changeable interior needs.
Advanced ecological envelopes have to drive the efficiency of our buildings, all their life span: during their fabrication (energy that is used in their manufacturing, transport, and installation), in their behavior (energy that is spent and energy that is produced, collected, filtered; programs that are adapted, changed, manipulated) and in their de-construction or re-use.
Resilient envelopes have to be developed, based on the harvested design strategies and the gathered concepts that the environment offers and have to be driven by specific sustainable constructive systems, integrating materiality with specific origin and composition, but also with ample room for maneuver in terms of performativity, recyclability, bio-degradability, longevity… In this sense, the use of advanced natural envelopes will be blended with the exploration of other sustainable materials, such as rammed-earth, light mineral materials, or recycled/re-used elements.
The envelope of the building serves as a multifaceted entity, acting as a secondary skin that embodies both functionality and aesthetics. At ground level, it harnesses the ambient sound of the street, converting it into energy, while higher up, a dynamic string facade adorned with greenery serves as both a sound absorber and a solar … Read more
– Sant Adriá de Besós – Crafted with an innovative approach, our facade design seamlessly integrates the principles of layering, 3D printing, and topography. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic interplay of these elements, our facade emerges as a testament to modern architectural ingenuity. Layering forms the cornerstone of our design philosophy, as we meticulously blend … Read more
GAIA Plot 1. About. Urban Synthesis | Resilient Envelopes This course explores the design and construction of modern and sustainable building envelopes. These envelopes must be strong yet adaptable, capable of being disassembled, transported, and reused with minimal energy consumption. They should also withstand various environmental elements like air, wind, sun, water, and temperature changes. … Read more
This module focused on developing an envelope for the building, enhancing its functional as well as aesthetic qualities. The building envelope is pivotal in enhancing a structure’s functionality and performance. A well-designed envelope minimizes heat transfer, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. Effective insulation and air sealing maintain consistent indoor temperatures, ensuring occupants’ comfort … Read more
Incorporating the principles of Industry 4.0, our architectural project redefines urban living by seamlessly integrating sustainable design strategies with advanced manufacturing techniques. With a focus on promoting bicycle culture and health, our industry manufactures bikes. We present a visionary housing project that integrates thermodynamic principles to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents while … Read more
In these workshop, we’re diving deep into the world of resilient building envelopes, showcasing how contemporary design can intertwine with sustainability. Our project is a testament to this, blending innovative materials like corrugated hemp panels, ceramic pots for plant growth and rainwater filtration, wood for balcony structures, and compressed earth blocks for thermal mass. Through … Read more
To solidify both the thermodynamics principles and the overall image of the Urban Synthesis project we took part in yet another workshop: Resilient Envelopes. Experimenting with new and controversial ecological materials by making 3D and physical models alike helped us develop uniform façade guidelines that continue the idea of pixelation. To better understand the impact … Read more
The “Urban Alliance” is a mixed-use architectural design seamlessly integrating Industry 4.0 principles, featuring advanced photovoltaic production units. This visionary space harmoniously combines sustainable energy practices with residential and commercial areas, embodying a forward-thinking urban landscape that fosters eco-friendly living and innovative business practices. It exemplifies a holistic and tech-driven approach to urban planning. The project is … Read more
