The Defining Biocities course introduced us to the fundamental concept of “biocities.” This course involved an in-depth examination of terminology related to biocities, specifically within the realms of food, energy, and biodiversity. Through thoughtful discussions, we gained valuable insights, exploring global examples that illuminated the practical implications of these concepts.
A series of guest lectures further enhanced our understanding of biocities, providing nuanced perspectives and prompting thoughtful reflection. Notably, the quality of their presentations and visual aids also served as a source of inspiration, offering valuable guidance for refining our own presentation skills and content development. This course served as a valuable platform for both acquiring knowledge and finding inspiration for future academic pursuits.
During the energy theme, we studied the different strategies of natural energy resources like solar, wind, and hydro energy as well as applied design strategies for sustainable and eco-friendly architecture. A condensed version of their definitions can be found below.
Biofuels.
Biofuels are derived from organic matter and serve as renewable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. While offering benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased air pollution, their implementation in architecture includes heating systems, on-site generation, microorganism-integrated building materials, biofuel landscaping, and waste management, necessitating suitable infrastructure considerations.
Students: Diana & Sveta
Bioclimatic architecture.
Bioclimatic architecture is the application of building design strategies based on the local climate and environmental characteristics with the intention of creating buildings that are energy-efficient, comfortable and sustainable. It harmonizes the built environment with the natural environment, utilizing resources like sunlight, wind, and vegetation to minimize energy consumption and maximize comfort.
The basic design strategies bioclimatic architecture entails are location, orientation, insulation and natural ventilation. If the basic design principles are not considered (enough), passive design strategies will not be sufficient to cover the comfort needs and mechanical equipment will cost too much power, energy and money to be efficient.
1. Tools for sustainable building
Students: Emma & Alfred
Biophotovoltaics.
We live in a biosphere where the conversion of sunlight into energy forms the foundation upon which all life relies. Photosynthesis is the process by which autotrophs convert solar energy into organic compounds with remarkable efficiency. In this biochemical process, electrons and protons are released during the splitting of water molecules. Taking a step further, by harvesting the excited electrons at the photosynthetic apparatus of microbes using electrochemical devices, we thereby tap into the abundant free energy present on Earth’s surface. Although still in its early stages, biophotovoltaic devices demonstrate great potential as a truly sustainable energy source, providing direct energy conversion from light without generating pollutants.
Students: Mustafa
Solar Energy.
Solar PV’s global installed power capacity is set to surpass coal by 2027, becoming the largest energy source. Projections indicate a threefold increase in cumulative solar PV capacity, reaching nearly 1500 GW by then, outpacing natural gas by 2026. In 2022, solar PV power generation rose by a record 270 TWh, constituting 4.5% of global electricity. China led with a 38% growth, followed by the European Union (17%) and the United States (15%). The summary highlights the rapid growth of solar energy, its technological aspects, challenges like waste management, and the environmental impact of raw material extraction for renewable energy.
Students: Ludo & Alireza
Passive architecture.
Passive design strategies emphasizes on holistic and sustainable building design, has gained increasing attention over the past decade. Employing passive strategies has led to notable energy consumption reductions of 30 to 50%, achieved through fundamental changes in the building envelope. These modifications create a comfortable indoor environment, reducing dependence on HVAC systems and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The positive impact extends to both energy efficiency and occupants’ well-being, showcasing the multifaceted benefits of passive design.
Students: Lamprini
Active Architecture.
Active design strategies that use purchased energy to keep buildings comfortable including mechanical systems components such as air-conditioning, heat pumps, radiant heating, heat recovery ventilators, and electric lighting. These strategies also include systems that generate energy such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal energy exchangers. Active strategies should be aimed to enhance the passive strategies applied to architecture.
Students: Vanessa
Ocean energy.
Ocean energy encompasses tidal and wave energy, presents promising alternatives to conventional and finite resources. Tidal energy taps into the gravitational forces of the moon and sun, offering a constant and predictable power source, particularly in specific regions. Utilizing barrage systems, it has proven effective but faces limitations in geographical applicability. On the other hand, wave energy, deriving from kinetic wind energy, displays vast global potential, with ongoing projects like Eco Wave Power indicating advancements. However, the technology is still maturing, evidenced by relatively low worldwide installed capacities. Both tidal and wave energy boast environmental benefits, providing constant, renewable sources. Nevertheless, challenges include potential impacts on marine ecosystems and the substantial initial investments required. While ocean energy holds promise for a sustainable future, its widespread adoption necessitates continued technological advancements, careful ecological management, and consideration of a diversified renewable energy portfolio.
Students: Andre & Karla
Wind Turbines.
A wind turbine converts wind kinetic energy into electrical energy. While onshore turbines show higher embodied carbon emissions with increased power, larger turbines have lower emissions per unit of electricity produced. Despite some emissions during production, wind turbines remain a favorable option for low-carbon electricity generation, surpassing non-renewable sources like coal. Strategic considerations for turbine implementation include minimizing component transportation and prioritizing recycling during decommissioning. Wind power is identified as the most sustainable renewable energy source, offering low greenhouse gas emissions and favorable social impacts, though it requires more land and has higher capital costs compared to other technologies.
Students: Nishi & Alexander
Waste-to-Energy (WtE).
Waste-to-energy systems convert waste into energy, addressing waste disposal and energy generation. They reduce landfill waste, mitigating environmental contamination and providing sustainable energy. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is a significant domestic energy source, containing 8-12 GJ/ton, about 42% of coal’s energy value. In 2012, the EU generated over 245 million tons of MSW. Using waste for energy production can contribute to achieving the 20% renewable energy goal and the 20% reduction of CO2 emissions.
Students: Sebastian & Toni
Micro-Hydropower System.
Micro-hydro power systems are types of small scale hydroelectric power that are designed to produce an electricity of up to 100 kilowatts (kW) which are designed to serve the energy needs of individual homes, small farms or communities. It is mainly characterized by its low production capacity, low environmental impact, cost effectiveness and localized generation of power.
Students: Helen & Marianna
Vernacular Architecture.
Vernacular design refers to the architectural and design principles that are rooted in local traditions, materials, and culture. The term Vernacular Architecture means, ‘domestic, native, indigenous’. The word vernacular comes from the Latin word “vernaculus” meaning domestic or native, usually related to a country. It is characterized by its adaptation to the specific environmental and cultural context of a region. This concept is born based on user needs and responds to contextual conditions.
Students: Anushreya
Photobioreactor.
The Photobioreactor, also known as a PBR, is a device that uses light to cultivate and grow photosynthetic organisms such as microalgae, cyanobacteria, and plant cells. It provides a controlled environment where these organisms can thrive and convert sunlight into energy through the process of photosynthesis. In contemporary urban environments, Photobioreactors are used in different scales for energy, food, air purification and design.
Students: Kristina & Maya
Geothermal power systems.
Geothermal power systems are a type of renewable energy technology that harnesses the Earth’s natural heat from the sub-surface to generate electricity or provide direct heating. This energy source is considered renewable because it relies on the constant heat emanating from the Earth’s core, which is sustained over geological timescales
HotWaterGeothermal, Wikipedia 2014
Students: Lotte
Hydrogen Fuel Cells.
A Hydrogen Fuel Cell is a device that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, heat, and water. It consists of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte that allows the flow of ions between them (Fig. 1). A catalyst, usually platinum, facilitates the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen at the electrodes. Hydrogen Fuel Cells are considered a clean and efficient source of power, as they produce no harmful emissions and have a highly energy conversion rate. In the urban context, Hydrogen Fuel Cells can be used for transportation, power generation and heating/cooling applications.
Students: Oliver & Alkiviadis
Biomass Energy Systems.
‘Biomass’ refers to the organic material that is used for the production of energy referred to as Bioenergy. It is primarily found in the form of living or recently living plants and biological wastes from industrial and domestic use. The process of energy conversion from biomass includes thermal conversion, chemical conversion, biochemical conversion and electrochemical conversion.
Students: Sharvari & Varun
Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage.
BECCS is the concept of capturing and permanently storing carbon dioxide from biomass energy generation. It is the only carbon dioxide removal technique that can also provide energy. The process begins with growing biomass, which is organic matter. Commonly used biomass for this process is wood and compost. The biomass is then burned and converted to bioenergy— electricity, liquid or gas fuels, or heat. While burning biomass is considered to be carbon neutral, the carbon emitted in BECCS is captured and stored underground in mountains, valleys, and other geological formations, for later usage. Thus, BECCS is considered to be carbon negative.
Students: Sharvari & Varun
