RESTORATIVE ARCHITECTURE Designing for mutually supportive systems
Publicerad
Författare
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
This thesis addresses the urgent need for a shift in how architecture relates to
natural resource extraction in the face of the twin crises of climate breakdown and
biodiversity loss. The aim of this thesis is to explore a system that responds to the twin
crisis by sourcing biomass as rest products from ecologically restorative processes
and implementing them as regenerative building materials. The purpose behind this
is to highlight the architects’ possibility of executing a holistic practice where our
systemized approach to problem solving holds the potential to respond to complex
societal issues.
The research focuses on coastal environments and covers three bioremediating
marine species; blue mussels, reeds, and eelgrass, whose biological functions
naturally help counteract eutrophication. The studies of these species result in a mapping
of their biological function, occurrence, physical properties, and potential to
perform as building materials. Traditional and modern case studies, interviews, and
literature studies are used to support the research.
The thesis re-connects to the pressing issue of the twin crisis in the design phase
where both program and building reflects and promotes a sustainable relationship
between natural resources and human consumption in the rurban setting of Stora
Dyrön. More specifically, the new addition contains a program that answers to an
uneven seasonal activity by extending the tourism season through a sustainable
experience-based restaurant that cultivates marine species through a local, small
scale blue garden.
The outcome of this thesis provides insights in the possibilities and challenges with
connecting material extraction to nature restoration. This has been done through
the holistic approach of making visible systems and connections across different
scales. It concludes that this practice would pose demands on the building sector
in terms of attitudes, material sourcing and craftmanship. This would in contrast to
todays linear resource use, depart from available supply rather than material demand
where the environmental benefit of bio-based materials has to be elevated.
By acknowledging that architects’ systemized approach to problem solving could
help tackle complex societal issues, and openess to cross-disciplinary collaboration
and a curiosity towards new knowledge becomes important features of the
modern architect.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Regenerative design, Bioremedation, Eutrophication, Marine resources, Building materials