The Thermal Organism And Architecture (2008)
article⁄The Thermal Organism And Architecture (2008)
abstract⁄Throughout the history of architectural discourse the concept of metabolic function in a building and a buildings relationship to its creators is expressed by keen designers who understand the subtle linkage. Organistic homeostasis is a biological function found in all mammals including humans. The interior generation of heat classifies man as endothermic. Endothermic heat generation allows for a very controlled equilibrium and is a characteristic of more complex organisms. The body has produced highly evolved surface systems to help efficiently manage the flow of heat energy in and out of the body. I suggest building envelopes represent the human being projecting itself outwards in a prosthetic extension of the skin. Inherent in this projection are the same demands of envelope put forth in the body. In my research of anatomy I have found one system that has evolved to help facilitate endothermic heat regulation in mammals at the skin level, which is hair. How does hair transcribe into architecture An analysis into the function of hair and its adaptable morphologies is studied. Hair is a thermal regulating system, its building equivalent are forms of thermal insulation and radiant barriers. Hairs goal is homeostatic equilibrium which has its architectural counterpoint known as the balance point. Hair is an adjustable system that mitigates between internal and external heat loading which is the goal of a building envelope. In conclusion the paper explores these issues and more in new building systems and design tactics that originate from the function of hair.
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| Year |
2008 |
| Authors |
Lee, Charles. |
| Issue |
Silicon + Skin: Biological Processes and Computation, |
| Pages |
192-199 |
| Library link |
N/A |
| Entry filename |
thermal-organism-architecture |
