Robert Cody’s Post

Today, we celebrate nature and our home, the earth. A short read from our book, Alvar Aalto and the Future of Architecture https://lnkd.in/dw8nwWEg   1 Topology—Design in Light of Place Christian Norberg-Shultz (1926–2000) describes site via its genius loci, or the pervading tone or mood of a place’s environment—its atmosphere. When analyzing a place, we must understand topologies that represent the formative nature and development features (Figure 1.3). A place comprises overlapping spheres of influence demarcated by topographical, geological, political, and phenomenological boundaries. These boundaries intertwine climate, resources, culture, historical and ecological development of landscapes, buildings, streets, and cities in terms of architecture. An understanding of a place is more significant than visual observation; it is also what’s felt. In his book Design with Climate, the architect Victor Olgyay (1910–70) informs us that we must develop our work in harmony between a four-fold realm of ecology, technology, climate, and building. These overlapping realms provide a platform for us to consider the measure of our work. For example, his work on the Bioclimatic Chart develops boundaries of comfort, helping us observe contentment through a documented measurable instrument. To design an architecture considering its place is to be responsive to all these boundaries. Considering these limits provides the freedom to make decisions. To be decisive is to believe in the wholeness of your measured actions. Only by empathizing with the nature of a location can you be sure that your efforts are responsible and respectful of the places in which we dwell. William McDonough defines the place of dwelling in this way: “There are certain fundamental laws that are inherent to the natural world that we can use as models and mentors for human designs. Ecology comes from the Greek roots Oikos and Logos, ‘household’ and ‘logical discourse.’ ”28 Thus, it is appropriate, if not imperative, for architects to speak about ecology and our earth household through logic. The dyad of location and place defines what we call site. A site is both a spatial location and a place or point for the start of an architectural exploration or building project. Siting our work involves positioning and situating oneself in a location, finding the characteristics that form the boundaries of a place. Boundaries are a part of life. Our bodies are semipermeable boundaries, geo­logical or climatological boundaries define ecosystems, and we dwell in structures that mediate inside and outside. Thus, all of where we live and what we make is a system of nesting and containment.

A building should be sited in the landscape, much like how a piece of furniture would be considered when it’s located in a room. Bringing landscape architects to the table early in the design discussion is critical when working on environmentally sensitive or challenging sites. Our consideration of place; including its habitats and natural systems, local context and people, topography, hydrology and stormwater, local climate, existing connectivity and geotechnical constraints are just to name a few of the things we consider before we think about making an impact on the site. #placemaking #architecture #sitedesign #landscapearchitecture #urbandesign #naturebasedsolutions #carbonfootprint https://lnkd.in/eT87sB3R

“The truth is while practising I have never kept these labels in mind. biophilia or biomimicry. Unfortunately they were new words for me until sometime back but nature has been essential to my practise. Since I live in a mud house, around which is a dense garden. Daily observations of nature have allowed me to incorporate some lessons into my work. Some of these are direst aids from nature to my work- Why devise expensive screens when a simple tree being planted outside will do the job of screening of sunlight where it’s needed. A deciduous tree in the South sheds leaves to allow light in the winter but blocks the hot summer light. Citric trees benefit from nutrients found near the septic tank, while also balancing the odour. Bamboos on the boundary walls, screen compounds and work effectively to block winds too. When it comes to the environment outside the home architecture should take the help of nature. Architects must be encouraged to study plants. On the other hand there are indirect aids, what we call inspirations and mimicry. It is said mimicry is the highest form of flattery, but it is true that there is no architecture more respondent to light than a tree which grows naturally where the leaves find the sun. From the trees come my first lesson- to organise spaces around light. If I had time to go over my projects in detail, I could go through examples- where one building’s surface with multiple small 9”x4.5” apertures has caused massive reduction in the heat gain because of the shadow portions of the area being increased by 50%. But if there is a general rule for me when it comes to biophilia architecture it’s this- by spending time in nature, one inculcates right instincts. these are always more fruitful, then taking inspiration right when it’s needed result is often quite flat and superficial- then the ‘inspired from nature’ becomes simply an excuse for its form.” ………. Text by Ar Mannat Singh However ,it resonated with the way I have always worked ,nature as an inspiration & a constant companion,that it seemed the most obvious take on our architecture at IMARAT in cognisance of “ bio philia/ bio mimicry

Sourcery: Archives in the Spotlight lecture Public Lecture: Where are the Archives of Desert Architecture? 12 March 2024, 17:30-19:00 Hall B Pamela Karimi University of Massachusetts Desert architecture, found in areas with limited archival resources on building techniques—like the Middle East and North Africa region—may seem to lack historical depth. How can we uncover the historical significance of desert architecture, its contributions to sustainable living, and the ways it has been developed and revitalized? Centuries of navigating the challenging desert environments of the MENA led to the evolution of unique societal adaptations and architectural innovations. However, colonial and pseudo-colonial powers frequently dismissed these clever and environmentally-friendly practices as insufficient. As the 20th century progressed, an increasing reliance on fossil fuels and modern environmental management technologies contributed to the gradual erosion of these sustainable practices. During the Oil Crisis and the rise of countercultural environmental movements, the desert-friendly architecture of MENA gained critical importance. This presentation draws on my ongoing research, which explores cutting-edge architectural and scientific approaches to develop self-sufficient disaster shelters and lunar habitats, all of which were inspired by the desert architecture found in the MENA region.   As this presentation shows, there are approaches to studying desert architecture that extend beyond conventional written documentation and architectural drawings and blueprints. Through exploring a wide range of conventional and unconventional archives, I reveal the diverse strategies that politicians, colonial agents, experts, and visionaries have employed to study, capture, criticize, suppress, romanticize, politicize, remember and ultimately understand and restore desert architecture.  Pamela Karimi specializes in the study of modern and contemporary art, architecture, and visual culture of the Middle East. She received her PhD from MIT and is now a Professor of history of art and architecture at the University of Massachusetts. Her expertise lies primarily in the art, architecture, and visual culture of the modern and contemporary Middle East. She is the author of Domesticity and Consumer Culture in Iran: Interior Revolutions of the Modern Era (2013). Her most recent book, Alternative Iran: Contemporary Art and Critical Spatial Practice, was published in 2022 by Stanford University Press. Her forthcoming book, titled Women, Art, Freedom: Artists and Street Politics in Iran, is set to be released later this year.   "Sourcery: Archives in the Spotlight" is our 2023/24 public program (History Talks) of the History of Architecture and Urban Planning Group (HAUP). It takes place from September 2023 to March 2024 in conjunction with our Msc AR1A066 Delft Lectures on Architectural History and Theory, and it's open to everyone interested.

Easter is just around the corner! As we gear up for some egg hunting and chocolate surprises, let’s crack into something equally delightful: How the egg’s shape influences our world of architecture and design. 🥚🧡 Ever wonder why it's hard to crack an egg in your palm? That’s nature teaching us stress distribution and structural integrity. Imagine the possibilities for your projects! Truly egg-ceptional engineering! But the egg is not just an optimal shape, it’s also egg-cellent in terms of sustainability! The ovoid shape is ideal for material efficiency, and buildings that mimic this form often exhibit enhanced energy performance, as their curved surfaces reduce resistance to natural elements like wind and water. From art museums to ecocapsules, check out some iconic projects that have taken nature’s most resilient shape as inspiration to create awesome designs! #ArchitectureDesign #EasterInspiration #Innovation

5 Interviews to Understand the Relationship between Architecture and the Environment https://lnkd.in/dJNykF9m #animals, #architecture, #earth, #environmentalist, #getgreengetgrowing, #gngagritech, #greenstories, #nature, #philosopher, #poet, #recycling, #rivers, #soil, #waste, #writer

https://lnkd.in/g4kVKFkx Grafting is an immaculate movement for architecture. I just have to ask...what does it give back to the world as whole? Through even minor alterations and ecological integrations, the grafting process could truly open the doors to what sustainability can be defined as, when it comes to architecture at least. what are your thoughts?

CALL FOR POSTERS #VAF2025 Vernacular Architecture Forum 2025 Annual Meeting Wilmington, Delaware May 14-17, 2025 DEADLINE – DECEMBER 1, 2024 The Vernacular Architecture Forum invites paper and poster proposals for its 46th Annual Meeting: From New Castle to Sussex: Big Stories from a Small State, which will take place in Wilmington, Delaware, May 14-17, 2025. CALL FOR POSTERS VAF 2025 Wilmington, Delaware also will host a poster session to showcase recently completed research and works-in-progress. Students and emerging scholars are particularly encouraged to submit. Poster proposals may address any topic relating to vernacular and everyday buildings, sites, or cultural landscapes worldwide as described in the first paragraph of this document. Proposals should include a title, proposal (no more than 200 words), and a one-page CV Accepted presenters will be expected to follow general guidelines regarding poster dimensions but must design, print, and present their posters at the conference. If you have any questions about the poster session, please contact Posters Committee chair, Jose Vazquez (jose.vazquez@mdc.edu). THE DEADLINE FOR POSTER PROPOSALS IS DECEMBER 1, 2024 Proposals and CVs should be emailed as a PDF attachment to the posters committee (posters@vafweb.org). All proposals received will be acknowledged. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your poster within one week of its submission, please contact Posters Committee chair Jose Vazquez. More info here: https://lnkd.in/eGtgKSEP

Architects use ancient practice and modern technology to create remarkable living structure: 'Pushing the boundaries of regenerative design' An ancient practice is getting an assist from modern technology thanks to nonprofit architecture and urban design research group Terreform One. While the results might seem "strange," as outlined by Fast Company, they are equally beautiful and intriguing as developers eye cleaner ways of building living spaces and other structures. For architect Mitchell Joachim, this meant designing Fab Tree Hab, which is made from growing trees — an idea he says goes back to illuminated manuscripts from biblical times. https://lnkd.in/e_QxyvEW #architecture #architectureanddesign #building #construction

Take a look at my recently published article on the alternate reality of human existence without architecture. I often imagine a world without architecture, and this very thought has always driven my passion for this field. Architecture gives form and meaning to our world; without it, our life and existence are indeed, nothing. Let's explore this alternate reality- a world devoid of architecture with me. #architecture #articlewriting