A conceptual framework of adaptive architecture: A cybernetics approach to bio-inspired strategies

Abstract

This thesis develops the conceptual framework of adaptive architecture, where adaptability is defined by the capacity of an organism or a system to act in response to variations in natural conditions. This research considers how living beings catch, convert, store and process energy, water and daylight. It asks how does nature chill off, warm up, give shade, and control light. In contrast with living creatures, buildings are ordinarily considered as static, lifeless objects. However, a building's environment and its inward conditions are dynamic, and there exists the potential to use inspiration and examples from nature to cultivate greater adaptability of the façade for upgraded building performance. To implement this process of adaptability in architecture one needs to understand the change and a sense of intelligence that architecture must possess. This research examines principles of cybernetics, to learn from it, and to establish a bridge between intelligence and architecture that can lead to adaptability. Cybernetics can help bridge organic and inorganic aspects of architecture and machines. This thesis will help develop a better understanding of climate adaptive architecture and other disciplines contribution to it. Essentially, architects need to develop an understanding of the framework that involves design computation, intelligent environment and role of nature coming together for achieving adaptive architecture while it addresses the issue of climate change