E-Portfolio by Teoh Jin Wen
Assignment 1: Creative Essay
(Group) For this assignment, we discussed different topics pertaining to sustainable architecture that piqued our interest and delved further into the topic we had a common curiosity for: Living, self-sustaining architecture. Specifically, we looked into the potential of inosculation which would allow plants to be controlled carefully and function as structural systems that strengthen existing buildings.
Our research into the relevant fields of biophilia, biomimicry, parasitic architecture led to our proposal of "Parasitic Biophilia" to improve upon the existing structure of older buildings. With the help of a series of diagrams, we compiled our findings and ideas into 2 A4s. Go to Final Product.
My group was composed of:
-
Teoh Jin Wen (myself)
-
Nurin Qistina binti Mmaszeallan
-
Adler Kwan Wing Kinn
-
Rico Yen Sie Kang
Initial Research
We first looked into the practical applications of biophilia and biomimicry in architecture, as well as parasitic architecture and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Looking into different case studies, we identified several concepts and characteristics we would like to talk about in the essay. Firstly, we wanted to tackle SDG3 Good Health and Well-being through the use of green elements. Secondly, the method should not take away from the aesthetics of the building in pursuit of practicality. Finally and most importantly, it should allow direct interaction between nature and the user. We found the concept that had the potential to fulfill these two criteria was inosculation, a plant manipulation technique in which several plants of the same species grow into one another to form self-sustaining structures.
Case Studies
Some of the structures we looked into were the Plantanenkubus Nagold, or the Plane-Tree-Cube in Germany, the Paramit Factory in Penang, the Eastgate Building in Zimbabwe, and the Capita Green Building.
Diagramming
Our diagrams focused around the visualization of parasitic biophilia through the implementation of inosculated structure systems on existing buildings.
Final Product
Reflection and Learning Outcome
TGC 2.0-
LIFELONG lEARNING
TGC 2.2. Locate, extract, synthesize and utilize information effectively
We consulted frequently with formal sources and utilized a systemic and critical thinking strategy to organize our findings. We paid attention to key words and went for various sources that would lead to interesting discoveries.
TGC 3.0-
THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
TGC 3.1. To be able to think creatively and critically when the situation calls for it.
there were multiple occasions in which we had to narrow down or adjust our topic to keep ourselves on track and within limits. Through discussions, we were able to sort and focus on the key points.
TGC 7.0-
CITIZENSHIP AND GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
TGC 7.1. Be aware of and form opinions from diverse perspectives
This project encouraged us to step out of our boxes and look at it differently. As the world is, it does not need new buildings, but different ways of handling existing ones. By making our existing spaces more sustainable, will our global environment be tangibly improved.
MLO 1
MLO 1 - Discover the strategies that encourage effective environmental design principles and building practices.
This project highlighted the importance of considerations to a building's impact on its surroundings, users, and objects within. No factor should take more precedence than the other in the end product.
