This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Committee on Architecture for Education and Committee on the Environment .
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When introducing
biomimetic architecture, we share
NEXT.cc's Buildings As Bodies journey (http://www.next.cc/buildings_bodies.htm) to introduce buildings as connected systems that are sentient and alive. We also offer journeys on
Shelter (http://www.next.cc/shelter.htm),
Vernacular architecture (http://www.next.cc/vernacular.htm),
Green Building (http://www.next.cc/green_building.htm) and
Green Schools (http://www.next.cc/green_schools.htm) to open understanding about architecture's response to climate. A classic to share (albeit slightly amended) is from the late Malcolm Wells, author of
Underground Architecture:
NATURE VS. BUILDING NATURE + 1 5 0 0 T Y P I C A L O F F I C E B U I L D I N G - 1 1 5 0 PURIFIES AIR Pollutes Air
PURIFIES WATER Pollutes Water
USES RAINWATER Produces Rainwater Runoff
USES AND STORES SOLAR POWER May or may not use solar power
RECYCLES May or may not be built of recycled materials,
RESTORES SILENCE biodegradable materials
PRODUCES OWN FOOD Materials are transported to site creating further
CREATES RICHER SOIL pollution
CONSUMES WASTES Creates Mechanical Noise
MAINTAINS ITSELF Imports food and supplies from afar
PROVIDES WILDLIFE AND HUMAN HABITAT Damages soil
MODERATES CLIMATE AND WEATHER Produces non -biodegradable wastes
IS BEAUTIFUL Needs maintenance
BUILDING May or may not respond to cliamte and weather
Is more often than not, very very ugly
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Linda Keane AIA
Professor of Architecture/Architect
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Dept. of Architecture
Chicago, IL
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