Multiple Natures- Fibrous Towers, Soma
Architecture has traditionally incorporated a number of fields in its complex processes. From mathematics to the arts, architecture involves a highly varied skill base. But one area that has not been incorporated into architecture is biology.
Until now.
In recent years, the correlation between biology and architecture has aligned and the two are increasingly become more intertwined. In light of increasing carbon emissions and the rise of the green building sector, architects are becoming increasingly more innovative in their design schemes. They have found that through a combination of integrated natural and built environments, a number of positive results, including reduced environmental damage, pleasing and innovative aesthetics and the low costs associated with building sustainably, can be achieved.
Taichung city museum from the surrounding park
While we have seen this kind of work in recent design concepts, such as the Supertrees in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay project, and perhaps even more so in Terreform Concept by Mitchell Joachim, one concept by home grown Australian architectural firm Soma, is raising the stakes for designs of this nature.
Coming in as runner-up at the internationally renowned Taiwan Tower Complex Competition, Soma’s ‘Multiple Natures – Fibrous Tower’ design is a testament to plant and animal life, as the architectural form mimics that of the structures of these life forms.
Biomimetic lamellas
The skyscraper‘s innovative and unique structural layout is based on genetic algorithms of natural growth, with bundles of tubes creating the façade of this monolithic tree-like skyscraper. Eight tower legs mimicking the root system of a tree give the conceptual building its stability.
Exteriorly, biomimetic lamellas would be constructed, which could then act as a shading system that opens and closes in response to changing weather conditions, like a flower.
main lobby
Photovoltaic cells have been designed to fit into the rooftop of the design, with semi-transparent modules spread throughout the flexible PV module skin of the building in order to allow natural light into the building, while controlling solar gain.
These features, in addition to the inclusion of shading trees worked throughout the structure, pavilions with water curtains, and further low-tech sustainability strategies are intended to help this concept building to achieve net zero carbon output status.
observatory
This incredible concept is a clear promotion of the fluidity in which biology and architecture can co-exist, bringing with them some incredibly positive environmental results. This design gets to the very root of man-made organics, and may now stand as a benchmark for biologically driven architectural design.
Images Courtesy Soma
