Bio-Intelligence

The concept for the project was a living building. This living building defined by the systems at work inside, as well as the function of the forms, and the occupants of the environment created. Within this environment houses our program. The University as a construct here is used loosely. The concept taken is that of a learning environment. A university is a social place that promotes knowledge. Using this as a starting point we can create a community, one that connects people to one another and the natural environment around them. Exposure to nature and natural systems is important to allow for optimal function of the community within. We investigated various organic forms to learn which forms would be best for certain functions. This organism connects to the city. We have allowed water from the bay to connect directly to the building, as well as energy connection with the urban fabric surrounding. The site resides at a transitional point in the city. Movement from mid-rise residential units to the skyscrapers of the financial district. A design imperative arose from this set of considerations. Our building seeks to address both scales. Additionally, the organism seeks to merge the “private” program of traditionally university spaces, with the “public” communal spaces. Both have commonalities within their distinct programs, these become moments of intersection. Community spaces are created in these moments. Community based program is at the base, and above that learning spaces, and living spaces intersect. Everything is powered by two main sources of energy. Hydro algae-based energy is produced here. Water forms the bay can flow into the building generating power. This water is utilized in the creation and utilization of algae, as well as the functions of the building. Algae plate bioreactors comprise the exterior skin of the tower. These funnel into a main valve running to the energy center of the building. This is a school of ecological design, that focuses on algae research and development. Expansion is made possible by future additions of living pods. The structural system was set up in a way that additions can be added to the structure in the future. The new pods would lock into the existing system. Over time the building would grow like an organism and would eventually decay like one as well. Organic building materials are used when possible, allowing for most of the building to go back to the environment that it came from. The goal of the community is to live with the reality of the impact that each of us has on the environment around us.