Climate mutants: The rise of the extremophiles

Abstract

An architectural climate mutant is a structure designed with innovative materials, technologies, or design strategies to function effectively in response to changing climate conditions. It deviates from traditional architectural practices and embodies a response to the challenges posed by climate change. The geological epoch entailing the era where mankind has evoked an escalated impact on our planet’s geology and ecosystems, is designated the Anthropocene. The epoch indicates that humans have become the planets dominating species in shaping its future. With the repercussions of this developing into more frequent global examples of climate change in an alarming pace, there’s a growing need for an architectural adaptation to the transitioning environments. Extreme environments can be defined as geographical locations that are beyond the optimal range for development of living organisms. However, this does not mean that life cannot be found in extreme environments. By definition, the organisms that are able to adapt and thrive in extreme environments are known as extremophiles. This thesis aims to form an investigative perspective regarding human habitats in extreme environments. Rather than analyzing ways of mitigating and decreasing the risk of climate change, this thesis aims to contextualize what role architecture has in adapting to a more extreme world. Through exploration of both historical and contemporary strategies for vernacular design dealing with extreme environments, the goal is to form a toolkit for design in radically altered climates. By contextualizing the findings of the current knowledge, the thesis aspire to generate a variety of examples as different possibilities of adapting to the effects of the Anthropocene. By utilizing an array of scenarios for extreme environment habitats, the project aims to deliver proposals for how the architecture can form a crucial part in relieving the risks posed to humans in a growing number of extreme environments across the world.