Computationally generated structure for efficient bacteria-emitted scent distribution (detail).
Nonna Shabanova, UCL, 2020
At Bartlett, we are exploring the possibilities for architecture in this time of climate change. One particular project I have designed is a water bio-remediation system with a proposed location in the hills of Amman, Jordan.
The technique integrates fog catcher water collection through an additive manufactured structure consisting of three layers, structural, microbial, and protective. These three layers form a wall that promotes algae growth to purify the water for household use in the city. This renewable source of clean water is desirable in such hot desert environments. Algae is well known to remove harmful air pollutants.
Designed Ecology: Microalgal Bioremediation situated in Amman, Jordan.
Nonna Shabanova, Collaborative Research Project, UCL, 2020
Another topic of my great interest in this challenging year is sensory experiences, specifically human senses and their interaction with architecture. In the next project, I designed an urban mosquito repellent-attractor system by working with scent and computational design tools. The project’s ultimate goal is to control the environment of outdoor public spaces to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases. The project’s key factors are bio-materials, additive manufacturing methods, and synthetic scent-emitting bacteria, which are subsequently incorporated into the design object.
The design goal is the efficient scented air distribution through the series of openings within the interlocking element system, generating an overall panel shape. After a series of computationally generated simulations, the panel had shown necessary structural wind resistance capability without compromising on having a required amount of openings for efficient airflow circulation within the porous clay structure. The airflow picks up the scent molecules from each element, where encapsulated modified E. Coli is placed in various pockets.
Computationally generated structure for efficient bacteria-emitted scent distribution.
The central part of the proposed mosquito repellant/attractor system in Singapore.
The Balance of Form and Biological Function by Nonna Shabanova, UCL, 2020
Various morphological studies for efficient scent emission. All design options were tested
and estimated based on CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) as well as various thermal test results.
The Balance of Form and Biological Function by Nonna Shabanova, UCL, 2020
E. Coli pockets are placed on all sides of each element interconnected with the internal piping system. External airflow picks up the scent molecules through each component. It distributes them out to the area with lower airspeed to maintain scent presence in the surrounding area. Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, the interlocking system, which is five meters in height and three-meter width, allows the safe zone radius up to ten meters from the system itself. The modular elements are generated into different design options of interlocking systems and placed in the city based on multi-agent algorithms simulations. These simulations are taking into consideration: density, population, and breeding sites.
Various morphological studies for efficient scent emission. All design options were tested
and estimated based on CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) as well as various thermal test results.
The Balance of Form and Biological Function by Nonna Shabanova, UCL, 2020
In conclusion, the potential of having responsive surfaces within the urban city context is more real today than ever before. Having that in mind, the possibilities of design creativity and implementation seem to be endless. The main question is how do we keep the city safe and accessible for everyone, including the tiniest microorganisms around us. How do we alter the outside world and what we consider natural and non-natural intervention? I believe that all or most of the surfaces of human-made architecture within the city, like roofs, walls, etc. are must be functional in a way that would support biodiversity and ideally promote it within the urban settlement. It feels like a pity that such a significant amount of space is not being used in any way; moreover, it takes out space from the forest and mountains where every little bit is a part of the community and multi-functions. Being privileged to live in a city full of nature, including immense biological and animal diversity like squirrels and raccoons and bluejays and cardinals, I could say that their presence makes a difference on a personal level in how we perceive the world and the community around us.
Various morphological studies for efficient scent emission. All design options were tested
and estimated based on CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) as well as various thermal test results.
The Balance of Form and Biological Function by Nonna Shabanova, UCL, 2020
Nonna Shabanova is an architectural designer and researcher. She is currently an MSc student at University College London’s Bartlett School of Architecture in the Bio-Integrated Design Program. Current areas of research include additive manufacturing of computationally generated architectural forms, incorporation of microorganisms into these architectural morphologies, and design of intricate surface textures that can best support this life using advanced computational design methodology. Previously, Nonna was a BIM Manager at a large scale architecture firm in Toronto, Canada. She has a postgraduate degree in Computational Design and Bachelor of Architecture from Moscow Architecture Institute.
This article is part of the MAHB Arts Community‘s “More About the Arts and the Anthropocene”. If you are an artist interested in sharing your thoughts and artwork, as it relates to the topic, please send a message to Michele Guieu, Eco-Artist and MAHB Arts Community coordinator: michele@mahbonline.org. Thank you. ~