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Environmentally Sustainable Architecture: Material-Based Technological

Design Approach

Article  in  Current World Environment · April 2016

DOI: 10.12944/CWE.11.1.04

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Current World Environment Vol. 11(1), 28-38 (2016)

Environmentally Sustainable Architecture:

Material-Based Technological Design Approach
Maziar Asefi1* and Zahra Afzali2

*Associate Professor, PhD, Department of Architecture and Urbanism,

1

Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

2
Master of Architectural Technology, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CWE.11.1.04

(Received: January 18, 2016; Accepted: February 07, 2016)

Abstract

This paper investigates material-based design approach in architectural forms where form
generating process is informed by the combination of material properties and behavior as well as
environmental constraints. It also tries to inform architects of the necessity of shift from formal form
finding processes based on values of industrial age toward materiality in form generating processes.
It also tries to overlook the current design practices in material-base design approaches to achieve
a holistic understanding of the design process and possibilities. Through a comparative literature
review, and an examination of current design practices, this paper elaborates on distinct material-
based approach to design architectural form.

Key words: Materiality, Biomimicry, Bio-inspired, Ecology, Material-based design, Sustainable.

Introduction MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ecological failure of modern design Through a comparative literature review, and
approaches to architectural design triggered an examination of material-based design approach
the necessity of change in architectural design as an architectural practice, this paper elaborates
approaches. The emergence of bionic and the necessity of shift from current design practices
sustainable approaches in architectural domain is toward a more environmental-friendly design
a representative of an attempt to counteract the approach. The weakness of the current methods
ecological failure of modern age. In this paper, will be evaluated according to ever-changing user
material-based design approach is represented as requirements and with respect to the environment.
a solution to the given problem and this approach is The available technology in terms of material and
examined to point out its strength and weaknesses fabrication will also be taken into consideration as
toward a more sustainable architecture. This paper by invaluable opportunities in the development of the
evaluating current and material-based approaches proposed strategy.
in the design of architectural form, is to present a
new environmental design strategy. The proposed The groundwork for the emergence of
strategy, as a comprehensive design approach to different architectural theories was provided since
architectural form is to present an effective way to the Renaissance and especially after the advent
achieve a more sustainable design while respecting of industrial revolution. The attention toward the
human, environmental and functional architectural use of industry in building construction led to a
values. major shift in architectural design. The emergence
29 Asefi & Afzali, Curr. World Environ., Vol. 11(1), 28-38 (2016)

of new materials, new construction methods, and independent of its sources in material knowledge
large number of industrial products, fast increasing [2]. Today, due to the imperative recognition of
population and the need for rapid construction of modern design’s ecological failure, design culture
buildings after world war all together reinforced the is witnessing a new materiality [3].
progress of modern architecture. Progresses in
science and advent of new possibilities; architects Development in technology provides
were so impressed they separated from vernacular new possibilities for materiality in various stages
architectural principles and adapted new trends of architectural design processes. Material-based
in design and those who were interested in design is a new approach to design that explores
vernacular architecture were mostly inspired by its the way in which material behavior and properties
formal and aesthetical aspects. These increasing can be utilized at the very beginning of design
developments in building industry led into separation processes to make resulting architecture more
of architectural and structural design processes as sustainable. Unlike current design practices of
well as construction and emergence of architectural architectural form generation, material-based design
and construction companies are a testament to it. seeks for the integration of design and fabrication
Development in building industry, computer science processes inspired by nature’s strategies. Nature’s
related to design and analysis of form and structure way of design shows that endless differentiate forms
reinforced the tendency toward free form architecture are possible through minimum resources. Figure
and construction of complex geometry forms. 1 illustrates the process of design in material-
based approach in comparison with current deign
Over time global warming and pollution practices in architecture. In current design practices,
caused by modern age prompts architects toward architects design forms and then send them to
new design strategies to counteract the effect of engineers for environmental and structural analysis
building construction on environment. Emerging and sometimes optimization and when the form
approaches like bionic, sustainable, and green in is finalized, the constructional expertise start the
architectural domain all expresses the necessity of fabrication processes. This design approach is highly
change in architectural design approaches. inefficient as it waste a lot of resources to achieve
the desired architectural form. In material-base
Despite the disadvantages of modern design approach inspired by nature, form generation
architecture, design processes promoted by is driven by maximal performances with minimal
industrial revolution and values of mass production resources1.
are largely intact in which it led into separation of
form, analysis and fabrication while in vernacular In this approach analysis and computation
architecture the holistic understanding of traditional of material behavior and properties at the early
constructing materials, their structural behavior and stage of design unfolds unexpected structural and
fabrication constraints led architects into design and morphological properties increasing efficiency and
fabrication as an integrated process. reinforces performances. Analysis plays a critical role
during the entire morphogenetic process, not only
The necessities of a new Environmental-Friendly in establishing and assessing fitness criteria related
Design approach the structural and environmental capacity, but also
Material-based design approach is in revealing the system’s material and geometric
developed to achieve a more sustainable design behavioral tendencies4.
approach. In this approach the processes of
form-generation are informed by the combination Mater ial-based design practice is
of mater ial proper ties and environmental characterized by the dominance of material over
constraints 1. Over the long trajectory of architectural shape and incorporation of material properties and
design history, in contradistinction to craft in which behavior, structural behavior and environmental
material and form are intertwined into tradition of constraints inform the distribution of matter to generate
making while in modern design they’ve evolved away form while in current design practices a virtual shape-
from this integration into separation of form making defining parameters are typically prioritized over
 Asefi & Afzali, Curr. World Environ., Vol. 11(1), 28-38 (2016) 30

physical material and fabrication constraints, which of computational design, digital fabrication and
are often considered only in hindsight, following a additive manufacturing and also progresses in
geometric-centric design phase4, 5. Recent advances material engineering. Computing the distribution of
in direct digital manufacturing are enabling a shift matter as a function of structural and environmental
from a geometric-centric design practice5. Such performance, not only to control substance variation
approach to design is enabled by the availability defined per a given boundary, but better still, utilizing

CONCEPTUAL ENVIRONMENTAL
DESIGN
FORM ANALYSIS

DIGITAL STRUCTURAL

DESIGN ANALYSIS

FABRICATION

A: current design practices process

STRUCTURAL

MATERIAL ANALYSIS

COMPUTATION
FABRICATION
ENVIRONMETAL FORM
CONSTRAINTS CONSTRAINTS

FABRICATION
/GROWTH

B: material-based design process

Fig. 1: Illustration of two design approach processes

Table 1: Similarities of material ecology and material

morphology; material-based design approach

Similarities Of Material Ecology And Material Morphology

Form Follows Material6
Analysis Is The Initial Step Of Design Processes
Material Behavior In Micro And Macro Scale As Driving Agents Of Form Generation
Trying To Mimic Nature’s Design Strategy
Integrating Design Processes Of Form
Emloying Digital Fabrication As Construction Method
The Effects Of Humane Values And Criteria On Design Are Unknown
Embracing Technology Through The Whole Process Of Design And Fabrication
Enhance The Relationship Between The Built And The Natural Environments
31 Asefi & Afzali, Curr. World Environ., Vol. 11(1), 28-38 (2016)

such method for generation of form itself6. Material design methods to an approach which form
computation opens up endless form generation generation is based on natural principles that allow
possibilities inspired by nature. Figure 2 illustrate it to successfully function. However the widespread
main goals of material based design. and practical application of material-based design
approach to design architectural form as a design
While most designers employ biomimicry method remains unrealized.
as a method to increase the sustainability of what
they have created7. Material-based design approach Evaluation of existing material- based design
takes biomimicry to the next level where it seeks to strategies
mimic nature’s way of design. Despite the potential In this part, two main practices conducting
of nature as an inspirational source to design, research in the field of material-based design in
translation of biological knowledge to a human architectural domain is examined; one by prof. Neri
design setting has stayed at a shallow level since it is Oxman who conducts research at the intersection
mostly done by mimicking form or certain mechanical of computational design, digital fabrication, material
aspects of organisms8. Although various forms of science and synthetic biology. She uses the term
bio-inspired design are discussed by researchers material ecology to define her work.
and professionals in the field of sustainable
architecture9, 10, material-based design approach The other one by prof. Achim Menges
is more likely to accomplish sustainability through whose research focuses on the development of
fundamental changes in design strategies. This integral design processes at the intersection of
approach promises a true shift from conventional morphogenetic design computation, biomimetic

MATERIAL-BASED DESIGN APPROACH

MORE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

AS PART OF ECOSYSTEM
MULTIFUNCTIONALITY

MIN RESOURCE MIN WASTE

MAX PERFORMANCE DURING CONSTRUCTION

Fig. 2: Illustration of material-based design goals

Table 2: Differences in Material Ecology and Material Morphology;

Material-Based Design approach

Material Morphology Metrial Ecology

Unfolds Morphological Complexity And Performative Create New Material Properties And Behavior
Capacity From Material Constituents 
Using Assembling Throughout Construction Moving Away From Assembling In Construction
Not Necessarily Multi-functional Or Seamless Designs Moving Toward Seemless Multi-functional
Designs Throug Anisotropic Materials
 Asefi & Afzali, Curr. World Environ., Vol. 11(1), 28-38 (2016) 32

engineering and computer aided manufacturing. His combining structural, environmental and corporeal
research aims to unfold morphological complexity of performances by adapting its thickness, pattern
material constituents in design of architectural forms. density, stiffness, flexibility and translucency to load,
In this paper his work in the field of material-based curvature and skin pressured areas respectively1. In
design is referred to as material morphology to be this project by manipulating material properties, the
distinguished from material ecology. The comparison skin is able to achieve multi functionality. The white
of these two design practices is based on the soft material lets light through while the black stiff
strategies that was implemented in the development material carries structural load. It should be noted
of their design and research projects. that multi functionality inspired by nature is one of
the main principles that prof. Oxman follows in her
Table1 and 2 present similarities and design projects.
differences of these two design practices in the
field of material-based design in architecture.Both Functional anisotropic material gradients on
design practices conducting by architects Oxman multiple length scales and locations are omnipresent
and Megnes seek the integration of material behavior in natural systems11. Prof. Oxman’s desire to design
and design computation, inspired by the principles heterogeneous forms into one single part in order
behind nature, as active agents of form-generation. to accomplish multi functionality and also moving
Both design practices study and compute material away from assembly of parts by means of digital
behavior at microscopic and macroscopic level. anisotropy is shown in her designs. Figure 5 shows
one of Prof. Oxman projects; a large scale continuous
Figure 3 is a great example in which Achim and multidimensional structure. Its structural pattern
Megnes uses wood as responsive skin material by is inspired by insect wing or leaf venation structures,
rediscovering new performances in wood structure and its final global shape demonstrates controlled
by means of computational design. In this project folding into a robust and lightweight cantilever beam
inherent hygroscopic properties of wood as well configuration12. By means of additive manufacturing
as differentiation of wood structure in radial and techniques, the varying material properties created
tangential sections are employed to design an innate out of carrying chemical concentration of materials
climate responsive piece of art with no need for any was employed to generate structure that seamlessly
technical equipment or energy. This hygroscopic transmitted from beam to mesh in such a large
skin reacts to different levels of humidity and can scale.
be employed as passive solution for ventilation in
building skin. This piece-of-art is being held in Centre In comparison with Oxman’s projects that
Pompidou Paris. is usually used additive manufacturing and the
growth idea, Megnes mostly employs assembly in
Figure 4 shows Monocoque project fabrication while benefiting from digital fabrication in
conducted by Neri Oxman which is a structural skin his projects. Figure 6 shows a pavilion constructed

Fig. 3: Hygroscope – Metreosensitive Morphology15

 Asefi & Afzali, Curr. World Environ., Vol. 11(1), 28-38 (2016) 33

out of simple plywood. In this project elasticity As it is shown, prof. Oxman seeks to design
characteristic of wood is employed to compute forms which change not only the design processes
physical complex forms. The equilibrium state of all but also fabrication processes in order to achieve
elastic elements defines the form of the pavilion. forms that are highly efficient both structurally and
One of the high points of this pavilion is the functionally. In this approach, she also seeks to
implementation of architectural aesthetic features construct forms that are not fabricated but grow. Prof.
integrated with material behavior and environmental Oxman’s desire to a non-assembly upward toward
constraints to achieve a highly efficient architectural growth in form-generation becomes apparent in the
form with one single material. Even though the project of Silk pavilion (fig. 7). In this project digital
design process was a complicate and intricate task, fabrication was employed to construct the main
the result was a simple and efficient form. Integrating structure of the pavilion while silk worms filled in
architectural features with material and structural the gaps. The process of form generation in which
behavior as well as environmental constraints as digital technologies and nature are employed to
a fundamental principle in material-based design create a desired form is called by Prof. Oxman a
approach is an intricate and complex task that in design-inspired nature.
this project is accomplish successfully. The torus
shape of the pavilion as well as the light penetration Comparing two design practices shows
through the skin of the pavilion is combined with the that materiality as a driving agent of form-generation
curved entrance of the pavilion to create an exciting process opens up the endless design possibilities
architectural space.

Fig. 4: Monocoque – Structural Skin16

Fig. 5: hierarchically structured chitosan16

 Asefi & Afzali, Curr. World Environ., Vol. 11(1), 28-38 (2016) 34

just like the way nature provides diverse, efficient, understanding of materiality in nature and translate
adaptable forms out of limited number of fibers and it into a human design setting in addition to possible
cells. As a whole, Megnes design practices are implication of analysis as the initial design step
most likely to be followed in current architectural might lead into mimicking nature’s ecosystem and
practices due to the similarity of forms to current not just forms and organisms. A disadvantage of
architecture while much more eco-friendly. On the this approach is that architects can’t accomplish
other hand, Oxman’s design practices might lead a successful design unless they have an in-depth
into fundamental changes in the future of not just scientific understanding and scientific collaboration
design processes but also the form of architectural through the whole design process. With limited
buildings. As it is shown in previous examples of understanding of materials, design computation and
material-based design approach, diverse visionary digital fabrication it is possible that the translation of
toward form-generation as a material practice leads such knowledge into a human design setting lead
into different and complex design practices. into a defective fragmentary design. On the other
hand this approach can result in innovative building
The implementation of material-based design technologies and materials since it is possible not
approach to just study materials but also inform materials.
While some designers employ biomimicry While other bio-inspired design approaches mainly
as a method to increase the sustainability of what aim to respond to particular predetermined built
they have created8 and as a result the outcomes environment and design problems, material-based
witness small improvement, material-based design design outcome can lead into unthoughtful design
seeks to identify particular characteristics both in solutions through studying material behavior and
micro and macro scales through the expanding properties in micro and macro sale and manipulating

Fig. 6: Pavilion – Stuttgart University, 201015

35 Asefi & Afzali, Curr. World Environ., Vol. 11(1), 28-38 (2016)

its properties. Ecosystem mimicry could mean properties. Material-based design approach is
that an in-depth understanding of ecology drives initially a human design setting and yet it is not known
the design of a built environment that is able to the way human values and criteria are implicated in
participate in the major biogeochemical material this design process and the effects of human values
cycles of the planet (hydrological, carbon, nitrogen on the final outcome are under investigation. Actually
etc.) in a reinforcing rather than damaging way [13]. material-based design is seeking to attain ecological,
Material-based design approach can be a source social, cultural, aesthetical behavior at the same
for possible innovation and even a regenerative time so that the resulted buildings doesn’t fall into
built environment. This approach can go beyond the same trap of modern architecture.
sustaining current conditions to a restorative one
to nature through integration with surrounding It is argued that studying natural systems
environment and becoming par t of nature’s and the way nature designs may open a way
ecosystem. Actually the greatest advantage of this toward strengthening architectural design strategies
approach is the potential positive effect it can have on by considering human values while the form is
the surrounding environment and even counteracting generated. Studying nature’s design strategies
current ecological failure of modern design. While shows that each form is representative of special
modern design was promoted based on values of needs. For example body structure and behavior of
mass production, this approach is promoted based Namib Desert beetles known as Fogstand beetles
on values of sustainability raised by the ecological is a highly efficient response to the harsh arid
failure of modern architecture. Despite of modern climate of the desert as a water vapor harvesting
architecture in which form follows function, in technique 14 while protecting the beetles from
this approach form follows material behavior and surrounding environment. Actually by studying

Fig. 7: Silk pavilion-201316

Asefi & Afzali, Curr. World Environ., Vol. 11(1), 28-38 (2016) 36

Fig. 8: Illustration of recommended design process

37 Asefi & Afzali, Curr. World Environ., Vol. 11(1), 28-38 (2016)

nature it becomes known that different forms Figure 8 shows the complexity of this approach by
generated by nature are responsive to special needs involving many parameters that are barely consider in
and their response is highly efficient. As architecture ordinary architectural design strategies. It also shows
is a response to human needs and values, therefore that how this approach take into account the main
it is recommended to implicate human criteria in three parameters of architectural design including
conjunctions with material and structural behavior culture, environment and society simultaneously and
and also environmental constraints at the early in a reciprocal way.
stage of design processes. This design strategy by
considering both material properties and function It is readily clear that it is not be possible
and the form of the building in a mutual interaction is to design and construct the whole building through
able to respond to many human and environmental material-based design approach in near future due to
needs and values while embracing technologies. It many undefined parameters and issues including the
allows architect to manipulate the design not just way different part of building such as electrical and
solely based on technical, material, structural and mechanical equipment are implicated in the design.
environmental aspects but in a close connection However, one should hope for implementation
with aesthetical, social, cultural necessities. Figure of this approach for the globalization of additive
8 shows the recommended material-based design manufacturing in large scale and more interactive
strategy by an emphasis on how human needs and ways in the design and building fabrication. In
values can be implicated in the design process this paper a few advantages of the application of
while achieving a sustainable architectural design. material-based design were presented that showed
As it is also clear in the diagram in this design how this approach can go toward a much more
process it is the architect who finally guides form sustainable and eco-friendly architecture.
generation and develop it till finding an efficient
response to architectural and environmental values The proposed approach is considered
and requirements. as an efficient strategy for the design of kinetic
architecture as it eliminates the need for joint
RESULTS connections and achieving the desired mechanism
in a much more sufficient way and accomplishing
In this approach architects are capable of passive design without the need to implicate external
designing forms that tackle many issues through energy and technology during function time. Another
careful consideration of material properties that great potential of material-based design approach
are more efficient than other architectural design is generating eco-resort intended building skins.
approaches in which the material characteristics Passive multi-functional building skins that make it
are usually neglected during design development possible for the building system to become part of
process. Material-based design approach to the surrounding eco-system.
architectural form makes it possible for architects to
generate ideas that would otherwise be impossible DISCUSSION
to solve design and construction issues in terms of
environmental, material and functional requirements The ecological failure of modern architecture
and ambitions. urges architects to seek a different route toward the
‘ material behavior and properties, structural and
It should be mentioned that it is hardly environmental behavior are the driving agents of
expected that this approach become a worldwide form generation. The outcome is supposedly more
design approach in near future due to the fact efficient by achieving maximum performances
that the form generation in this approach employs through minimal resources. This approach aims to
highly advanced and complicated knowledge become part of eco-system and even achieving eco-
and technologies. However, the ever-changing resort architectural forms. Material-based design as
architectural requirements and world’s environmental an architectural design method is to respond to social
problems make this design strategy a necessity in and cultural values and many other human values
the future of architectural design and construction. and criteria, therefore it is important to define how
 Asefi & Afzali, Curr. World Environ., Vol. 11(1), 28-38 (2016) 38

these values affect final design and how the outcome approach is the primary step toward the future
can respond properly to functional, aesthetic user’s sustainable architectural design practices.
requirements. As a whole, material-based design

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