Defining Biocities (Stefano Boeri)
In the process of creating this blog post dedicated to defining a Biocity, I played a crucial role in conducting comprehensive research and contributing to the compilation of a specialized dictionary. As part of a collaborative effort involving students from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), and under the guidance of mentors Honorata … Read more
Escuelas vivas: El papel de la escuela en el espacio público
Falta de espacios de encuentros En Lisboa, la falta de espacios habitables y los desafíos que plantea la isla de calor convergen, creando un problema y empeorando la calidad de vida en la ciudad. La ausencia de lugares de reunión y el aumento de las temperaturas que se siente en las calles no son sólo … Read more
Hacerlo como punks: la posible regeneración del Sector Sur en Goiânia
Goiânia y su más excêntrico bário Goiânia es la capital de Goiás, un estado en el centro-oeste de Brasil, fundada en la década de 1930. Uno de sus barrios más peculiares desde el punto de vista urbanístico es el sector sur, uno de los primeros de la capital, con una gran cantidad de calles que … Read more
Metaphors of Transformation: Shaping Sustainable Architectural Paradigms in the Urban Era
Introduction In the face of intensifying urbanization and the climate crisis, how can a paradigm shift in architecture, guided by the principles of building metabolism theory, offer a sustainable and regenerative solution to address the challenges of our rapidly evolving urban environments? Abstract In an era of intense urbanization there is an imperative need for … Read more
Natural Materials and Digital Fabrication: A Radical Approach to Mass Utilisation and Standardisation
Global technology evolves rapidly, unprecedented in human history. This progress significantly enhances lives but at a considerable cost, marked by escalating global temperatures and the looming threat of extinction. Ongoing research aims to mitigate these adverse effects through diverse strategies.The building sector contributes about 47% of global carbon emissions. Architects, integral to this industry, … Read more
Building Envelopes: Catalysts for Outdoor Thermal Comfort and Health
Objective of the manifesto In an age defined by climate change, this manifesto strives to motivate designers by evoking their consciousness, to design the building envelopes not just for indoor comfort and aesthetics, but also ensuring the creation of outdoor thermal havens as these envelopes comprise approximately 70 % of the urban outdoor environment. Hence … Read more
Interspecies city: A Co-Creative Model for Sustainable Urban Growth
INTRODUCTIONWhat is the difference between writing in ink and writing in pencil? Pencil can be easily deleted and re-written, while ink is permanent. In the realm of construction, the choice between writing in ink and pencil becomes a metaphor for permanence versus adaptability. Our cities face the urgent need for transformation in the face of … Read more
Symbiotic Metabolism
Problem Statement Modern buildings are fortresses holding nature at bay, reflecting Dualist philosophies separating humans from nature. Our current Anthropocentric notion of “nature” as something “out there” and separate from culture has created a metabolic rift1 within our urban and architectural landscapes, obscuring the ravaging of the earth. Resources are shipped from across the globe, … Read more
AquaRevival
INSPIRATION CONCEPT Aqua REVIVAL, a smart irrigation system which monitors tank levels via water sensors, activates a pump to draw and filter greywater. This sustainable solution minimizes grid water usage, promoting responsible landscaping. The addition of a soil moisture sensor ensures optimal soil hydration for thriving landscapes. PSEUDOCODE This pseudocode activates the DC motor with … Read more
Ecofacade
RESPONSIVE BUILDING SKIN Ecofacade stands out as a revolutionary concept inspired by the intricate art of origami. This Miura fold pattern design is more than just an aesthetic marvel; it’s an intelligent, responsive facade system designed to harmonize with the environment. Ecofacade operates on a simple yet sophisticated principle: adjusting to environmental conditions to maintain … Read more
Reviving the Romance – A New Chapter for Plaça dels Enamorats
The aim of the project was to redesign the Placa dels Enamorats and achieve the desired objectives: To identify challenges as well as positive aspects on the site, but also have a framework on which to base any design decision, several methods for gathering data were used. These methods allowed us to capture the essence … Read more
Reversing Ecosystem Degradation
MaCAD 23/24 // ACESD Theory Existing State of Urban Design In order to understand how to strive for successful ecological design practices, designers must first understand the problems that currently exist in the process of urban design. The current state of design tends to create distinct enclosures between both natural ecosystems and humans, with the … Read more
