An old connection was found between two different fields but I guess that’s how science works. It connects the unexpected to the extent of discovery, to make humans life easier in some form. Maybe, this is the reason humans have not grounded anymore, because they keep on hiking the potential and sometimes forget that this land is just borrowed soil we have built our homes on.
The development of Genetics and Biodigital Architecture :
In UIC Barcelona, Architects and Geneticists are collaborating for the first time. They are working side by side to create a more sustainable way to construct the buildings as it remains the need of the hour. The scientific research officers and technological genetic applicants are working together. They’ve commenced the research paper on three basic facilities that are Biomanufacturing (obtaining living building material), Bioluminescence, and Bioheat.
Evolution with Technology :
The university started by publishing books like Biodigital Architecture and Genetics with three distinct volumes. They’ve published papers for the same and started masters in Biodigital Architecture. With this, we know that architecture is about mindfully constructing the buildings while having logic and creativity go hand in hand. Projects that offer a more empathetic approach, solved with the richness of all principles such as unity, cohesion, complexity, and coherence. They’ve done projects such as urban designing, urban passage/corridor design, skyscraper, and schools.
Are we working towards a more sustainable future?
As we say sustainable, we work towards ‘Green’ Architecture, we take a step ahead and walk on the path towards regenerative architecture. Green will be not a colour on your colour wheel simply, it signifies much more and deeper towards earth, development, and conscious architecture. As written in the research journal by UIC, A cross-over is needed between sustainability and technology to develop the branch of Architecture with elements such as kinetic facades, green facades, etc.
“LET IT GROW”
Biomanufacturing is the key concept of Genetics being applied to architecture and Design. Though the studies have just been initiated, it is just the first step towards a journey that will pay more to the advancement of both fields, that is Architecture and Applied Sciences. Scientists are working closely on integrating “Natural” DNA and “Artificial” software to make “DIGITAL DNA”, a future possibility. Biomanufacturing has great potential to solve the Sustainability crisis, which is either pretentiously solved by most architects or not given importance to, while designing and conceptualizing.
Nature has been our guide for almost everything. It is high time we learn its way and starts adopting it. Architecture has already combined Biomimicry while constructing a building, and we’ve greatly benefited from the discovery, as it enhances the experience as well. From the imitation of a mushroom column for strength to illuminating a building through the DNA of a Jellyfish, Human Imagination has always shown wonders and will continue to do so.
Architecture ft. Genetics
Back in 2003, geneticists with the architects were brainstorming on the GFP gene, while there was an obvious answer being an indicator, there was another one. An Architect came up with saying ‘Illuminating Architectural Spaces’, that was how further research was conducted. It was a Eureka moment since they came up with the solution of illuminating trees so that it could be used as an alternative to the street lights. P.S: GFP genes are Green Fluorescent Protein which will help in illuminating an object when it is provided with the gene.
To further in this aspect, the concept of ‘Biolamps’ was then introduced in 2007. Then, it led to further research on the genes of bacterial bio-luminance, which resulted in the discovery of ‘abyssal fish’. It made history by giving a systematically fully illuminated living apartment, the whole home was illuminated with the help of bio-luminance.
As the graphical digitization expands its vision with the technology, it can be understood that what can be drawn, can be built. As software like Grasshopper, Rhino 3D, and Maya are put into use, it creates a logical suite of connection to be developed and make the challenging surface that may look simple but contains a deeper detail value.
In essence to this topic, Genetics and Architecture is a growing field. Perhaps just the scientists know how they’re dealing with such inventions. In relevance to its importance, it can be said that Bio-Digital Architecture could be the apt solution to the crisis of resources, protection of nature, and leading a better life on Earth. It is an upcoming field, with new inventions. All we can do as Architects is to be aware, and when the time comes to apply it, we must do the same, no matter, how much we’ll need to impress our client.
