Desert Living: Learning From Nature

Hey, my name is Bryce, and I am a rising senior at West Campus High School in Sacramento, California. I have always tried to involve myself in my areas of interest in high school, primarily in MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement), the CREATE program, and my school's Green Team. I have been fortunate to serve as president in all of these organizations, and you can probably see their influence in my design above, with its emphasis on innovation, adaptive architecture, and sustainability.

The CREATE program, in particular, has had a significant impact on me. In the program, we were presented with real-life design challenges and tasked with creating structures that solve these problems. We had the incredible opportunity to work with mentors from various fields, from mechanical engineering to architecture, who have guided and inspired us throughout the process. This experience truly sparked my interest in creating spaces and habitats, ultimately leading me to apply for this competition and design a space that encapsulates my passion and interests.

What really introduced me to the built environment and all of the professions within it was eye-opening. Professions like architecture have always interested me because they incorporate two of my strongest skills, art and engineering, into one. To be honest, I initially set aside this profession for the money aspect, but once the CREATE program opened my eyes to the power spaces can have on people's lives, I was instantly hooked.

This is why I am here, because I was drawn to the prospect of the creative freedom to design a space in which I believe will have the biggest impact, as well as to impart what I want to and what the natural environment wants. Through my mentorship of local architecture, I have worked and delved into the intricacy of extreme heat architecture design, learned from these structures, as well as my mentor on how to create spaces that are more than just spaces, but allow people to think and dream, allow the house to morph and arrange itself and not just be a simple box. I'll talk more about this later, but this competition was a chance to explore my interests, to learn more about the career I want to go into, and to also hopefully inspire other young people like me to do just this.

Revit/Online - 

Standard Structure:

• I would recommend Revit for the software, and use its modeling tools to create the main structure, the pangolin scales, the Kere ventilation structure, supporting columns, and every other structural wall component I made in Revit (which I will go over in the steps to follow).

Shade Canopies (8x):

• Create a custom family in Revit to represent the shade canopies that would act as adjustable wall as well as outdoor shade to continue with the left design. Ensure they are accurately placed and sized to match the design.
• I used this video to help me create them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWgvBJbHOL0

Pangolin Shade covering:

• To create this, I used a video to guide me through the process, as it was the first time I made something like this that could be adjusted and was this complex, using a complex voice system and more.
• I used this video to help me create them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV6RsZwaQpw&t=45s

Trees and Bushes:

• Revit offers a variety of tree and plant families in its library. Choose the appropriate ones that match the native plants and trees area, there were minimal so that is why if you see a tree in this project I know it is not a desert tree but in real life, it would be if I had the resources.

REVIT city Links!

• https://www.revitcity.com/downloads.php?action=view&object_id=18856
• RevitCity.com | Object | Living Plant Wall
• RevitCity.comMid Century Modern Double Vanity
• RevitCity.comObject | Generic Toilet Suite
• RevitCity.comRevitCity.com | Object | Bean Bag Chair
• RevitCity.comRevitCity.com | Object | Home Office
• https://www.revitcity.com/downloads.php?action=viewrevit&revit_l2_id=88
• RevitCity.comWooden plank table with chairs
• RevitCity.comRevitCity.com | Object | Library Book Truck
• RevitCity.comHome cinema with surround sound

Real life - Recommendations (NOT a professional here :) 

Please note that this is a generalized list, for what is needed to make this Bridge a reality (its based on my reseach and vision that you will see in the upcoming steps)

Structural Components:

• Steel beams: Used for the main support structure of the bridge.
• Concrete elements: For the bridge deck, abutments, and foundation.
• Sustainable concrete alternatives: Low-carbon concrete options, such as fly ash or slag-based mixes.
• Reclaimed and recycled materials: Salvaged timber, steel, or other materials for sustainable construction.

Motion-Filled Walkways:

• Specialized walkway materials: Choose appropriate materials for the dynamic and interactive elements.
• Interactive lighting elements: For creating an engaging atmosphere.
• Motion sensors: To detect pedestrian movement for interactive features.
• 
  

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Features:

• Eco-friendly composites: For various components that require composite materials.
• Recycled plastic or composite lumber: For benches, railings, and other elements.
• Rainwater harvesting system: For irrigation and other non-potable water needs.

Choosing the Desert: A Research-Driven Approach to Resilient Habitat Design

In order to determine that the desert provided the habitat and the most needed environment for this kind of structure in context to our current environmental conditions and climate change. To determine this I explored the multifaceted reasons for this decision that was more than just saying it was because of climate change, I drew from statistical insights and specific examples that demonstrate the necessity of desert habitats in the face of global challenges.

Environmental Imperatives and Climate Resilience

The desert, as we all hopefully know is an arid climate with sparse vegetation, however, what some of you might not know, is that the desert faces escalating challenges exacerbated by climate change. According to the United Nations, desertification ("Process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.") affects over 250 million people globally, with desert regions expanding at an alarming rate due to unsustainable land use and climate change(UNCCD, 2022). These rising temps, alows might seem insignificant, but these rising temperatures and diminishing rainfall and water scarcity, pose huge challenges to human settlements and ecosystems that call this habitat home.

Statistical Insights:

• A study by NASA's Earth Observatory shows us that global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, with desert regions experiencing more frequent and severe heatwaves (NASA, 2023).
• The World Resources Institute reports that water stress affects over 4 billion people worldwide, with desert regions particularly vulnerable due to limited freshwater availability (WRI, 2022).
• In regions like the Sahel in Africa, desertification threatens livelihoods, forcing communities to adapt through innovative agricultural practices and sustainable land management or forced out(UNEP, 2021).

Video Research Links: (Highly encouraged to watch these – they blew my mind!)

• Desert expansion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=TdUFG9Ig77Q

Image Source:

• https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/what-the-world-will-look-like-4degc-warmer/
• MDPIResistance and Resilience of Desert ...

Choosing the Desert: A Vision of Innovation and Sustainability

The decision to build a habitat in the desert was extremely hard to come to. There are so many extreme environments to choose from, some with more prevalence in our modern lives, like rising sea levels and our space exploration, and some less so. However, all are becoming more common due to this thing we call climate change. Don't know if you heard about it. So, when I came to designing and getting inspiration for this structure, I took to the web. I found this video that talked about a wide variety of extreme habitats, and it created a new vision for this habitat.

Here is what I learned, what I took away from it, and why I am telling you:

What struck me most about this video was that it drew attention to communities that are disconnected from the benefits and opportunities of the innovation economy. Just as innovation deserts lack the resources and infrastructure to foster growth and development, actual deserts present harsh environments that challenge sustainable living so how are they surviving? and it got me thinking. By focusing on creating a habitat in a desert, I aim to demonstrate how innovative design and sustainable practices can transform an "inhospitable "environment into a thriving community. Hopefully addressing, benefit, and bring attention to the potential to bring resources and opportunities to underserved areas through thoughtful planning and investment.

The speaker also talked about the experience with food deserts and their efforts to provide healthy, vegan-friendly popsicles to disconnected neighborhoods further, something that most Americans have never even thought of in their lives. Similarly, my desert-inspired habitat design incorporates natural cooling strategies and insulation to create a sustainable living environment and to allow food to grow and not only provide for the people inside but also the people and the communities around it.

The concept of asset maps mentioned by the speaker also relates to my habitat design and is something that drew me to the desert. Just as asset maps help communities navigate and utilize available resources, my design aims to map out and utilize the unique features of the desert environment, by using the unique characteristics of the plants and animals that live here to their full advantage and embracing the environment and celebrating its characteristics.

Link to IMPORTANT video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AseQwmAk1Zw

Inspiration is arguably one of my favorite parts of creating spaces and habitats like these, mainly because it introduced me to different firms with different specialties. Architecture that goes beyond what we see as regular architecture, but truly transforms how we see spaces, how we interact with each other, how we move, and ultimately affects almost every aspect of our lives. Like art, which is more than just a painting that most people see, through this exploration I gain appreciation and knowledge, and it fills me with excitement and inspiration.

To organize my thoughts for this section, I created a slideshow that goes through some design features and projects that really inspire me, highlighting elements and the more impactful parts I took from each project. Here are some I want to highlight:

SLIDESHOW - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TUY5YLlBzpVhVUMwLjPdM4oNS8_Dl4XuzR4gEh-M5MA/edit?usp=sharing

Once I decided I wanted my structure to exist and be resistant to extreme heat, I began looking for similar architecture that achieves this beautifully and creatively. Here are some examples I found: Doolittle House in Joshua Tree.

What I really enjoyed about this architecture is how it integrates the desert ecosystem into its design. This includes designing facades similar to desert plants or positioning the structure in relation to local habitats. This is something I wanted to incorporate into my design: designing it after the natural environment of the desert, integrating the characteristics of animals that can survive in extreme heat, and using these adaptations to create the most optimal habitat for humans.

This led me to search for which plants or animals I could design my habitat after. Eventually, I discovered the Welwitschia plant. Welwitschia mirabilis can survive for hundreds of years in the arid desert by absorbing water from sea fog and deep groundwater. Welwitschia plays a key role in the desert ecosystem, providing food for various animals and local peoples.

Form and Function

The overall structure of this habitat is designed after the Welwitschia Leaf Arches, inspired by the unique leaf structure of the Welwitschia plant, which thrives in desert environments. The plant’s leaves form natural arches that are both functional and efficient in extreme conditions. This is what drew me to this plant. I saw a chance to make the structure more than just a compound.

Here is some of what I learned from my research and why I ultimately chose this plant as the basis for my structure's design:

Maximum Shade

The arches are designed to create extensive shaded areas beneath them. In a desert environment, where direct sunlight can cause extreme heat and discomfort, providing shade is crucial. The arch shape ensures that a significant area is protected from the sun at all times of the day, thereby reducing heat gain and making the space beneath much cooler. A quote that resonated with me is: "The leaves shade the soil underneath the plant, slowing water evaporation and protecting the root system, which consists of a taproot and some lateral roots." This is crucial in extreme heat as every drop of water is essential, especially if I want to make it self-sustaining, which is the ultimate goal.

Guided Airflow

The arch design also plays a crucial role in directing airflow. In deserts, natural breezes can be harnessed to aid cooling. The Welwitschia Leaf Arches guide these breezes through the structure, enhancing ventilation and contributing to a cooler microclimate underneath. This natural ventilation reduces the need for artificial cooling systems, which can be energy-intensive. Embracing the natural features and climate instead of trying to transform them improves efficiency and reduces costs.

Material Composition

The material composition of the Welwitschia Leaf Arches is something I found fascinating and wanted to incorporate into my design. These materials are specifically chosen to optimize insulation and cooling, which is essential for maintaining comfortable conditions in extreme desert environments.

Reflective Materials

Reflective materials are utilized to reduce heat absorption. These materials reflect a significant portion of the sun’s radiation, preventing excessive heat buildup within the structure. As seen in the quote: "Only about 56% of the global radiation is absorbed by the thick leathery leaves. The energy loss due to convection is of the same order of magnitude as the reflection, and it is about the same in the portions of leaf on and above the ground."

Absorptive Materials

Alongside reflective materials, absorptive materials are used strategically to manage heat. These materials can absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, balancing temperature fluctuations and contributing to a more stable internal climate. "The portions of the leaf which were kept above the ground had leaf temperatures which were only 4-6° C above air temperature. In the leaf portions which were in contact with the ground, leaf temperatures were 6-12° C above air temperature (absolute maximum 51° C)." This insight was crucial in deciding the material composition and the ultimate decision to design the structure after this plant.

Insulation

The combination of reflective and absorptive materials enhances the overall insulation of the structure. Effective insulation is crucial in the desert to protect against both extreme daytime heat and significant nighttime temperature drops. The materials ensure that the internal temperature remains relatively stable, providing comfort to occupants. From this quote, "It is a very effective insulator, and by producing a corky bark from a young age, the young plants are thus protected from overheating in hot sunny conditions as well as from fire," I gathered that using natural insulation can capture the cold of the night and last through the day while protecting against potential fires.

Why Welwitschia?

Choosing the Welwitschia Leaf as a design principle was an easy and effective decision after my research. I was truly struck by the significance of this plant, sometimes called the "ugliest plant in the world," and the potential of designing structures inspired by natural forms that have evolved to thrive in similar conditions. The Welwitschia plant is well-adapted to survive in some of the harshest climates on Earth. Its leaf structure offers several natural benefits that are directly applicable to human-designed environments in the desert.

Here are the four main pillars that led me to this decision:

1. Adaptability: The leaf arches mimic the adaptability of the plant, allowing the structure to thrive in extreme conditions by leveraging natural solutions for shade and cooling.
2. Efficiency: The design maximizes efficiency by using the shape and material properties to manage heat and airflow naturally, reducing the need for artificial climate control systems.
3. Sustainability: By utilizing materials and designs that work with the environment rather than against it, the complex promotes sustainability. It minimizes energy consumption and harnesses natural processes for temperature regulation. This also applies monetarily, as using natural forms and structures makes it not only cheaper but self-sustaining.
4. Resilience: The natural features of the Welwitschia plant provide insights into creating resilient structures that can withstand extreme heat and other harsh conditions.

By incorporating these principles, the design embraces and adapts to the natural environment rather than fighting against it.

Sources:

https://www.kew.org/plants/welwitschia-mirabilis

https://pza.sanbi.org/welwitschia-mirabilis

https://www.britannica.com/plant/tumboa

https://www.jstor.org/stable/4216019

https://www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-welwitschia-mirabilis/#:~:text=The%20large%20leaves%20of%20the,means%20less%20demand%20for%20water.

https://english.elpais.com/usa/2021-08-16/welwitschia-genetics-unveil-the-secrets-of-the-immortal-plant.html

Bio-Mimetic Cooling Facade

During my research, I came across a graduate student's project that inspired me with its use of innovative materials. This project featured a bio-mimetic cooling facade inspired by the shell of the Namib Desert Beetle. This facade harnesses the desert air and optimizes its potential, demonstrating that even minor changes in material composition can have significant impacts. By learning about the Namib Desert Beetle and its unique adaptations for extreme heat, I aimed to incorporate similar features into my design, enhancing the self-sustaining aspect of the habitat, especially in an environment where water is scarce.

Inspired by Namib Desert Beetles

The Namib Desert Beetle has evolved remarkable adaptations to survive in some of the hottest climates on Earth. One key adaptation that particularly drew me to it is its ability to collect moisture from the air. This natural strategy can be mimicked in architectural design to enhance water collection and cooling, aligning perfectly with my goal of creating a self-sustaining habitat.

Moisture Collection:

• Exterior Surfaces: The exterior surfaces of the habitat are designed to mimic the beetle's ability to collect moisture from the air. These surfaces are treated or textured to encourage condensation of atmospheric moisture, particularly during cooler periods such as early mornings and late evenings. The design incorporates a hydrophobic coating inspired by the beetle's shell. This coating helps the roof collect humidity from the air and channel the water to the underlying building and ground, creating a very localized form of rain.
• Water Direction: Once moisture condenses on these surfaces, it is directed towards water collection systems through a series of channels and grooves, integrated into the natural structure of the Welwitschia-inspired arches. This collected water is funneled into underground storage tanks for cooling and filtration, contributing to the complex's water supply and enhancing its self-sustainability. This process harvests water from the desert air, storing it underground before piping it back into petal-style sinks for consumption.

Integration with Advanced Water Management: This water collection process complements the natural water management system, which I will discuss later, enhancing the overall efficiency of water harvesting in the desert environment and embracing its unique characteristics.

Micro-Textured Surfaces:

• 3D-Printed Textures: By creating micro-textures on the exterior surfaces using 3D printing technology, the surface area is significantly increased. This larger surface area facilitates more efficient heat dissipation, spreading out the heat rather than concentrating it.
• Airflow and Passive Cooling: The textured surfaces promote better airflow around the building. The bumps serve multiple purposes, helping to cool the structure naturally.

Source:

• zackandscottkarmachameleons - WordPress.comNamib Desert Beetle: Frost Control ...
• WIREDThis Self-Filling Water Bottle Mimics a ...
• Idea of the work. (A) Specific hydrophobic surface of desert beetle... | Download Scientific Diagram

Central Core: Inspired by Fennec Fox Burrows

While the Welwitschia plant provided an excellent basis for my design, it couldn't be replicated in every part of the structure. I sought to incorporate other natural adaptations from organisms that thrive in extreme habitats, making my design more adaptive and versatile than the Welwitschia plant alone. This search led me to the Fennec Fox, a fascinating animal known for its ability to live in extreme heat, primarily due to its burrows.

Partially Underground Design

The Fennec Fox digs extensive burrows to escape the desert heat. Inspired by this, I designed the central gathering space and underground storage system of my structure to emulate these natural cooling strategies. By embedding the habitat partially underground, the design harnesses the natural cooling features provided by the ground, leveraging the unique advantages of the desert environment.

Minimizing Heat Gain: In the desert, direct sunlight causes intense heat gain. By placing part of the habitat underground, the structure is shielded from the sun’s direct rays, significantly reducing heat absorption.

Natural Insulation: The earth provides excellent natural insulation. By partially burying the central core and other features of this structure underground, the design leverages the earth's thermal mass to maintain stable indoor temperatures. This concept, which I learned in my AP Environmental Science class (thanks, Ms. Bestegen!), is crucial for creating a sustainable habitat. The underground portion remains relatively cool during the day and retains warmth at night, reducing the reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems.

A quote that encapsulates this idea is: "There are a couple of platforms and hidden spaces to give our foxes a sense of burrowing. In the wild, fennec foxes sleep in burrows during the day to avoid the heat." This inspired me to incorporate similar features in my design to create a comfortable living environment by using natural strategies to adapt to the desert's extreme heat.

By integrating these natural elements and strategies, the structure not only sustains itself using the environment but also enhances its uniqueness, creating a habitat that is efficient, sustainable, and adaptive to extreme heat.

Sources:

• https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/fennec-fox
• https://study.com/academy/lesson/fennec-fox-facts-classification-habitat.html
• https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/fennec-fox-fact-sheet/
• https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/species-spotlight-fennec-fox

Adaptive Shell Structures

Once I designed the Welwitschia Leaf arches to be unique and creative, I knew something had to go in between these arches to provide better design, airflow, and resilience. Positioned between the Welwitschia Leaf arches, these structures offer dynamic insulation and ventilation, inspired by the natural adaptations of pangolins, animals that can survive extreme temperatures due to their adaptive shell-like scales.

Key Features:

Positioning: Between the Welwitschia Leaf Arches

The Adaptive Shell Structures are strategically placed to maximize their functional and environmental benefits.

Enhanced Shading and Cooling:

• Supplemental Shading: Positioned between the arches, the adaptive shells provide additional layers of shade, enhancing the overall cooling effect created by the Welwitschia Leaf Arches.
• Ventilation Management: These structures help regulate airflow between the arches, contributing to a more controlled and cooler microclimate. Allowing them to be adaptive and open and close when temperatures are ideal is crucial in extreme heat, as it's more than just trapping heat; it's about ventilation and the movement of air between hot and cool areas.

Integration with Existing Design:

• Complementary Design: The adaptive shells complement the natural and biomimetic design of the leaf arches, creating a cohesive and integrated architectural solution.
• Functional Symbiosis: By working in tandem with the leaf arches, the adaptive shells enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of the structure.

Inspired by Pangolins: Dynamic Insulation and Ventilation

The design of the Adaptive Shell Structures draws inspiration from pangolins:

"Pangolins are one of the most trafficked mammals in the world. Despite their friendly temperament and inability to cause significant harm to humans, they are trafficked for their scales, meat, and blood. In compliance with our studio’s core philosophy, we sought to create an installation that could successfully spread artistic awareness against poaching of these fascinating creatures. The primary brief handed by ‘OneistoX’ was to design in order to educate the upcoming generation."

"Where temperatures can vary drastically between day and night, pangolins use their scales to shield themselves from both searing daytime heat and freezing nighttime cold. By burrowing and rolling into a ball, they create a microenvironment that is more stable and less extreme compared to external conditions."

Adjustable Shading and Airflow:

• Automatic Adjustment: The dynamic nature of the scales ensures that shading and airflow are automatically adjusted throughout the day and night, providing optimal thermal comfort.

Sources:

• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-38689-x
• Scales Provide Flexible, Strong Protection — Biological Strategy — AskNature
• Pangolin Gridshell - Anthony Spick Engineer
• Art imitates life. Ant Studio champions the cause against… | by Lalit Hira | Medium

You might have seen this in my initial research slideshow, but I fell in love with the work of KÉRÉ Architecture. They design buildings for climates like this, using natural materials and involving people in the construction process, embracing individuality. There are so many special aspects to their structures, but I was particularly drawn to the roofs, especially those in the image above. They seem to levitate from the top, but once I read about the architectural benefits of this design, I knew I wanted to incorporate it into my own.

Here's what I learned and what I wanted to incorporate into my design. I hope you fall in love with this architectural group like I did!

Ventilation of the Ceiling/Leaves: Inspired by KÉRÉ Architecture

Designing an effective ventilation system for an extreme heat habitat in extreme environments is crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor conditions, and this is what KÉRÉ Architecture does in such a beautiful way. The ceiling/leaves of the complex are inspired by the innovative approaches of KÉRÉ Architecture, incorporating advanced ventilation techniques that enhance airflow and cooling within the building.

Inspired by KÉRÉ Architecture: Roof and Ventilation Design

KÉRÉ Architecture is renowned for its innovative use of natural ventilation and cooling in its designs, often drawing inspiration from traditional African architecture. They create buildings that are not just walls and ceilings but have a purpose, meaningful architecture. By using these principles in my design, the ventilation system for the ceiling/leaves of the complex is both efficient and sustainable.

Ventilated Roof Design:

Elevated Roof Structure: Similar to KÉRÉ Architecture's designs where they elevate their ceilings, the roof of the complex is elevated above the main structure, creating a gap that facilitates natural airflow. This allows hot air to rise and leave the structure.

Openings for Airflow: Strategic openings are incorporated into the roof design to allow hot air to escape and cooler air to flow in, facilitated by the elevated roof. These openings are positioned to harness prevailing winds, enhancing natural ventilation in the desert climate.

Double Roof System:

Layered Design: I also wanted to incorporate the concept of a double roof system consisting of multiple layers, creating an air gap between the outer and inner layers. This design helps insulate the building and reduce heat gain, while allowing for natural airflow.

Air Circulation: These spaces between the layers also allow for continuous air circulation, dissipating heat and cooling the interior spaces naturally without the need for large air conditioning units that waste energy.

Ventilation Through Leaf Arches - how it is adaptive to my structure

The Welwitschia Leaf Arches play a critical role in the ventilation system, inspired by the rod-like structures seen in KÉRÉ Architecture. This is exactly what I wanted to replicate for all the reasons above and more!

Airflow Channels:

Integrated Channels: The leaf arches are designed with integrated channels that guide air through the structure/arches. These channels direct cool air into the interior spaces while allowing hot air to escape through the channels, resembling the structure and nature void of the pangolins' adaptive facade.

Natural Ventilation: The shape and positioning of the leaf arches maximize natural ventilation by capturing and directing airflow through the building, reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems. This aligns perfectly with my goal of using the natural structure of the environment while embracing the desert climate.

Material Selection: Through my research, I also learned about the material composition of these buildings. One similarity that I wanted to emulate in these arches and throughout is using materials with high thermal conductivity for the leaf arches, further enhancing their cooling effect. These materials quickly dissipate heat, preventing the buildup of hot air.

Integration with Adaptive Shell Structures - how it is further mechanical and embraced

The ventilation system of the ceiling/leaves is seamlessly integrated with the Adaptive Shell Structures, creating a comprehensive approach to climate control.

Coordinated Airflow:

Dynamic Ventilation: The adaptive shells, with their ability to open and close, work in tandem with the ventilated leaf arches to optimize airflow. When the shells open, they allow additional air to flow through the arches, enhancing overall ventilation.

Sources:

• Loci ArchitectureLoci Architecture
• Architectural Record2022 Pritzker Laureate ...
• The Pritzker Architecture PrizeThe Pritzker Architecture Prize

Based on my research above and knowledge of physics (thanks Ms. Shroader), I've created an airflow diagram inspired by the KÉRÉ Architecture ventilation system, the Fennec Fox burrow system, and the adaptive facade of the pangolin. These diagrams show how the warm air enters the structure, is naturally cooled, and is then released due to the architectural elements.

Below are the key points and images explaining the airflow system:

1. Natural Ventilation and Heat Escape: The first image shows how warm air escapes the building naturally. Inspired by the KÉRÉ Architecture roof design, this system used the basic principle that hot air rises. As warm air accumulates inside the structure, it moves upwards and escapes through vents in the roof, promoting a natural cooling effect.
2. Cool Air Entry and Distribution: The second image illustrates how the airflow in the interior space is naturally cooled. By integrating elements from the Fennec Fox burrow system, cool air is drawn into the lower parts of the structure. This cool air spreads throughout the building, lowering the overall temperature and creating a comfortable environment.

Central Core and Structural Support: The third image depicts the concept behind the central core and structural support of the design. The central core is scaled to facilitate the upward movement of warm air, aiding in its escape from the structure. This almost acts like a natural air conditioning unit that uses no electricity! Here is a video on where I got the inspiration: https://youtu.be/620omdSZzBs

Sources:

• https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/11/3/100
• Underground Tubes for Passive Cooling | Desert Wilderness Community
• Solaripedia | Green Architecture & Building | Projects in Green Architecture & BuildingGreen Architecture & Building ...
• WikipediaPassive ventilation - Wikipedia

Another component that I found during my inspiration exploration was this link: Underground Skyscraper that Heals the Scars of Open Pit Mining.

What caught my attention about this design is how it utilizes natural ground cooling, using the natural environment to its benefit. The component that caught my attention the most was the "solar chimney." This chimney not only helps ventilate the air but also acts as a self-regulating air conditioning unit that does not require energy.

Solar Chimney Details

Here is a brief description of how it works. To learn this, I actually contacted the designer of this building, as you can see, the website did not have a ton of info. We had a great conversation, and I learned so much!

The chimney structure is designed to absorb solar heat, warming the air inside the chimney. As the air inside the chimney heats up, it becomes less dense and rises. This rising hot air creates a low-pressure zone at the base of the chimney. Cooler air from the outside is drawn into the building through intake vents at the bottom to replace the rising hot air. This creates a continuous cycle of air movement that does not rely on mechanical systems and is natural, which is what I wanted.

Natural Ground Cooling

In addition to the solar chimney, the design incorporates natural ground cooling, which is already a component that I wanted to add through the Fennec Fox design.

• As you can see in my sketch and also the design graphic from the website, the lower levels of the chimney are integrated into the ground, taking advantage of the earth's stable temperature to naturally cool the structure. While the sun beams on the building, the ground remains stable. The ground's thermal mass helps maintain a consistent internal temperature, reducing the need for artificial cooling and heating.

This habitat is in a changing environment, so I wanted the habitat to be adaptable as well, meeting different needs, services, and tasks to respond to the climate. To achieve this, I didn't want people to demolish structural walls every time they needed to shrink or expand rooms. I put on my brainstorming hat to find a solution where these rooms could be easily expanded or made smaller without extensive physical or material labor.

The concept includes modular living pods that offer flexibility and adaptability, essential for dynamic and sustainable living in extreme environments.

How it Works:

Here is the system that I thought of and why I decided to implement it into the structure. The modular living pods are designed with sail-like structures that can be easily installed and adjusted using industrial carabiners. These sails act as flexible walls, allowing the interior space to be customized without significant structural changes.

Installation:

• The living pods are equipped with a series of anchor points or tracks along the ceiling and walls where the industrial carabiners can be attached. The sail-like structures, made of heavy-duty fabric that i breathable and will still alow the flow of air, have reinforced edges with "grommets" or loops that fit securely onto the carabiners.

Adjustability:

• The sails can be attached or detached from the carabiners quickly, allowing for easy reconfiguration of the space that almost anyone who can climb a ladder can do. These structures can be overlapped or layered to provide different levels of privacy or to create segmented areas within the pod.

Flexibility:

• This system allows residents to adapt their living spaces based on their current requirements. For instance, during the day, the sails can be adjusted to create an open, communal area, and at night, they can be repositioned to form private sleeping quarters. Also If the number of occupants changes, the sails can be rearranged to create additional rooms or merge spaces to accommodate larger groups.

Storage:

• When not in use, the sails can be easily removed, folded, and stored in compact spaces within the pod. Because they are made of durable fabric, they can withstand frequent handling and storage without damage. This ensures that the living pods can be quickly adapted to changing conditions without requiring permanent modifications or significant physical effort.

Water Management in Extremely Hot Environments/Habitats

When we think of the desert, one of the first things that come to mind is the lack of water, often conjuring images of camels or people dying of thirst. This perception presents a significant challenge for designing sustainable habitats in such environments. While it might seem ideal to simply bring water into these spaces, extreme heat and sandstorms make this transition inconvenient, expensive, and inefficient.

Below are some components related to water management that I want to incorporate:

Fog and Dew Harvesting Combined with Shade Coverings

In desert environments, fog and dew can be significant sources of water. Although we might think it's always sunny in these environments, the atmosphere holds a lot of moisture that can be utilized. Integrating fog and dew harvesting with shade structures can optimize the utility of these resources.

Mesh Nets for Shade and Moisture Collection:

Mesh nets can serve dual purposes:

• Moisture Collection: Designed to capture atmospheric moisture from fog and dew, the mesh nets collect water droplets that condense on their surfaces. The collected water then drips down and is funneled into underground storage tanks via a system of channels and pipes. These nets are coated with chemicals to increase condensation efficiency. The most optimal mesh netting, made from stainless steel filaments the size of three to four human hairs, can capture up to 10% of the moisture in the air.
• Shade Provision: These nets provide essential shade, reducing the ambient temperature and creating more comfortable outdoor spaces for people while protecting buildings from excessive heat.

Underground Storage Tanks:

The water collected from these nets and other sources is directed into underground storage tanks, inspired by the burrowing strategies of the Fennec Fox.

• Storage Efficiency: Underground placement keeps the water cool and minimizes evaporation, ensuring a reliable supply for various uses within the habitat.
• Water Purity: These tanks can be equipped with filtration systems to ensure the water remains clean and safe for consumption and other uses.

Efficient Use and Recycling of Water

Efficient use and recycling of water are essential in desert habitats where every drop counts.

Low-Flow Fixtures:

Installing low-flow taps, showerheads, and toilets reduces water usage. For example, the average faucet runs 2.2 gallons per minute, while low-flow models run 1.5 gallons per minute, potentially saving a home 700 gallons of water a year.

Water Purification:

Purification systems ensure that water remains safe for consumption, allowing the recycling of greywater (wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry) after proper treatment.

Source:

• Fast CompanyThese Massive Floating Nets Capture Fog ...
• WIPOPioneering fog-harvesting technology ...
• CNNFog catchers' make water out of thin ...

This is a simple diagram explaining how the water collection and storage system will work. Just so you know, this is not to scale; the storage tanks will be much larger in real life to allow for maximum self-sufficiency.

The system utilizes the Namib beetle's collection method, combined with simple physics, to demonstrate how water will be collected and stored using just the facade of the building and the small bumps found on the Namib beetle's shell. This innovative design will help ensure efficient water harvesting by mimicking the beetle’s natural water collection strategy.

Also, the storage talk uses natural cooling for the ground to keep the water not burning hot.

Shape-Memory Alloys: Smart Material Use on the Adaptive Pangolin Shell

Like the Numb Beetle design that I incorporated to collect water for the facade of the leaf arches, I also wanted the adaptive pangolin-designed malleable facade to serve a dual purpose. When I researched how this could be a possibility, I was struck by the technology behind SMAs (Shape-Memory Alloys) to enhance their functionality and responsiveness to temperature variations.

HERE is a link to a video that shows how they work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvw7_a2gU24

Here is what I learned and why I wanted to incorporate it into my design:

Shape-Memory Properties:

• Temperature Sensitivity: SMAs can change shape based on temperature changes. This property is harnessed to create scales that adjust their position automatically. But why is this important in my structure? The only drawback of the pangolin adaptive facade is that naturally, it would not be 100% airtight. In extreme heat, this is not ideal. While I wanted a system to mitigate this risk, it would be infeasible to allow this to happen 24/7, especially when it is not wanted. This is why I wanted to use SMAs—because when it gets to extreme heat, when it is needed for the habitat to be 100% closed off from this heat, the alloys would allow the mobile shingles to close, preventing air from escaping or entering as easily.
• Durability and Efficiency: SMAs provide a durable and efficient mechanism for the opening and closing of the scales, ensuring long-term functionality and minimal maintenance.

Automatic Adjustment Mechanism:

• Responsive Shading: As temperatures increase, the SMAs expand, causing the scales to open and increase shading and ventilation. As temperatures decrease, the SMAs contract, closing the scales to retain warmth.
• Energy Efficiency: This automatic adjustment reduces the need for manual interventions or energy-consuming systems, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the complex.

Source:

• COMSOLThe Elephants of Materials Science ...
• ResearchGatePrinciple of shape memory alloy (SMA ...
• ResearchGateShape memory alloy (SMA) flexural ...

Since I ultimately wanted the Welwitschia plant to be the basis of my design, I aimed to incorporate the plant’s features in many ways beyond just the arches for the building. One significant aspect is the Welwitschia plant flowers, which symbolize resilience and new life—qualities I hope this project will provide.

In desert ecosystems, sunlight is abundant and water is scarce. Integrating solar tree canopies inspired by the Welwitschia plant flowers offers a sustainable solution to harnessing solar energy. This approach allows the space to be powered by a symbol of new life, capturing the sun's energy and embracing the unique characteristics of the desert.

Here’s how this bio-inspired design can be implemented. I'm not a professional, so don't trust me 100%, but I did hours of research, so I am credible in some sense:

Mimicking Welwitschia Plant Flowers

Canopy Structure Inspired by Welwitschia Flowers

• Design Concept:
• The canopy structures emulate the branching and flowering patterns of the Welwitschia plant. These structures are designed to maximize solar energy collection by optimizing the orientation and arrangement of solar panels.
• Functional Mimicry:
• Similar to how Welwitschia flowers adapt to capture sunlight in the desert, the canopy’s solar design enhances solar energy capture efficiency by being in the form of the plant's flowers. The natural growth patterns of these flowers provide multiple surfaces for solar panels, ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the day and from almost any angle.

Organic Photovoltaics: Efficiency and Flexibility

Flexible Solar Cells Mimicking Photosynthesis

• Technology:
• Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are used as flexible solar cells integrated into the flowers' unique structure. Unlike traditional solar panels, these cells mimic the efficiency of photosynthesis, converting sunlight into electricity efficiently.
• Adaptability:
• OPVs are lightweight and flexible, allowing them to conform to the curved surfaces of these unique flowers. This design flexibility optimizes solar energy capture and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structure, which is necessary but not the ultimate goal of this structure.

Advantages in Desert Environments

• High Efficiency:
• Organic photovoltaics are particularly suited for desert environments due to their ability to operate effectively in high temperatures and low-light conditions.
• Durability:
• The materials used in OPVs are durable and resistant to environmental factors common in deserts, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.

This is my sketch sheet! Here, I brainstormed ideas on how to integrate all the elements mentioned above, ensuring they work together harmoniously without negatively affecting the user experience.

I focused on how these systems will function, how air and heat will flow through them, how light will enter or be blocked, and how I could use the natural forms and functions of desert plants and animals to create a unified, sustainable habitat that can exist in this extreme environment with minimal to no outside or artificial assistance.

From this, you can see that I went more in-depth on certain aspects, but this is essentially an overview of what the structure will look like, how people will move around, and how air and heat will flow. I delved into the Welwitschia plant design, the Kere ventilation system, the structural design and support, the natural air conditioning unit with the center support, the adjustable room design to maximize privacy and ventilation, the pangolin shell adjustable sun and air design, and an overall floor plan showing how people will move around and how the areas are designated.These elements can be adjusted to meet the evolving needs of the desert environment. I also explored the underground storage area and how the numb shell works and is intended to store items in these tanks.

The next couple of slides go over how I created the challenging aspects of this design, from the Pangolin-adaptable shade system to the KÉRÉ Architecture. I hope from my description and insights that you can do the same. So for the next couple of slides, I will go over how I made the major components of this design in Revit.

For this project I used Revit. And thank god I did because I believe it gave me the opportunity to show my vision as clearly as possible compared to some other programs. Despite this not being my first time using this platform, It also acted as a challenge to figure out tools I had never used before, commands I didn't even know existed and so much more. 

Note: Due to a lack of storage and other technical barriers, I was unable to create some small features that I wished to create, but despite this, I strongly believe you will still be able to see, I vision that I had, and hope it allows you to put your feet inside my shoes and see what I see in my mind. 

It's a journey, so buckle in!

Creating the Kéré-inspired roof was a challenging process for me. To be honest, it took forever. I don't know what was wrong with how I was doing it, but constructing the truss was probably the most difficult part of the design.

Firstly, I tried various methods without any help from YouTube, attempting to create the trusses with walls and other techniques. I tried everything I could imagine. There wasn't an exact match for what I ultimately wanted to create, so I combined a few videos and, after at least 5 hours of work, I finally designed what I have now.

Here's how I constructed it and what I learned in the process so you can do it more easily and avoid the mistakes I made:

Setting Up the Family

1. Open Family Editor:

• I went to the 'Family' option, selected 'English' from the list of templates and chose 'Generic Model Pattern-Based'.

Drawing the Truss Shape(Image 2)

1. Drawing Reference Lines:

• I went to the South Elevation, used the ‘Create’ tab, selected ‘Reference Line’, and started drawing the reference lines for the truss shape. Drawing these lines involved creating a triangular shape by connecting a series of lines. This triangular shape forms the basic framework of the truss. As you can see in the images above, the cool thing about this part is that you can create the shape of your choice!

Assigning Parameters (Image 3)

1. Assign Offset Parameter:

• I selected the points, went to the properties panel, and assigned an offset parameter. I created a new parameter named 'Offset' and set it to 2 meters. This parameter controls the spacing between points.

1. Create Reference Lines:

• I connected the points with reference lines. These lines will be used to create the truss geometry. Creating these lines involved drawing straight lines between the adaptive points.

Modeling the Truss (Image 4)

1. Draw Lines for Truss Shape:

• In the 'Create' tab, I selected 'Line' and started drawing the lines connecting the points to form the truss shape. Here you create the series of connected lines that outline the truss.

1. Create Solid Form:

• I selected the reference lines, went to 'Create Form', and chose 'Solid Form'. I adjusted the thickness and material properties as needed to create a realistic truss component, these are the beams that make up this system.

Copying and Adjusting

1. Copy Components:

• I selected the components, used the 'Copy' tool to duplicate them, and placed them (the trusts) in the correct positions. This was placing them along the divided surface.

1. Adjust Dimensions:

• I adjusted the dimensions of the components to ensure they fit correctly in the shape I wanted. I changed the size of the steel elements to 200 millimeters to replicate what I found in the KÉRÉ trusts. This step ensures that the truss elements are properly sized and aligned.

Creating the Form (Image 5-6)

Create Solid Form:

• I selected the lines that formed the truss shape that I wanted, I used the same shape of the leave, importing it from my project, this would allow the trust system to be in the form of the leaf. Then, I went to the ‘Create Form’ option and chose ‘Solid Form’ to generate the 3D shape. This converts the 2D lines into a 3D object.

Dividing the Surface (Image 7)

Divide Surface:

1. I selected the form, then, I went to 'Divide Surface' in the 'Modify' tab. This divides the surface into a grid that can be manipulated.

Change Surface Pattern:

• In the properties panel, I changed the pattern to 'Rectangular'. Then, I adjusted the layout to a fixed distance. I set the horizontal and vertical grid spacing to 2 meters. This creates a regular pattern on the surface, this si a really important step to load in the trust system correctly.

Loading into Project (Image 8 and 1)

1. Load Family:

• I loaded the completed truss family into the project by clicking 'Load into Project'. This imports the truss into the project environment, which has your form design, of the leave of the shape fo your choice

1. Place Truss:

• In the project, I selected the truss family and placed it in the desired location. I adjusted the position and orientation as needed to fit the project design.

After over five hours of work, I finally completed it. I learned the importance of setting up proper reference planes, defining parameters for flexibility, and testing adjustments to ensure the truss updates correctly. This experience taught me to be patient and resourceful, using available tools and resources efficiently.

Here is how I created the pangolin scales movable facade system. Compared to the truss system, this was way less complex, at least for me. It was still challenging, but having made the truss structure, I used very similar principles to create this, so it ended up taking way less time, which I was stoked about. Here is how I created it in a step-by-step so you can apply this to your project!

Creating the Adaptive Family

1. Start with Adaptive Family:
2. First, I created a new adaptive family. What I learned was that adaptive families are great for showing the relationship between points because we can manipulate them flexibly. This is really important especially for later load this into a pattern-based family.
3. Placing Points:
4. I placed four adaptive points in the family. This is really important, so pay attention, so you don't have to redo this point of life five times as I did. I placed point one, then two, three, and four. This order matters when we place this adaptive family into the pattern-based family because it determines the connectivity and behavior of the points.

Connecting Points

1. Drawing Reference Lines (image 4):
2. Next, I connected points one and two with a reference line. I then connected points two and three. These reference lines this is basically creating the basic shape fo the pannel. l.
3. Creating the Arc:
4. Now, I wanted to create an arc between these points to make it look like the pangolin shell. We need a true arc, not a spline, trust me.

Finding the Center Point for the Arc

1. Establishing Midpoints:
2. To find the center of the arc, I created reference lines between points one and three, and points two and four. Then, I added midpoints to these lines, revit makes it super easy so look for the midpoint tool that Revit provides.
3. Drawing Perpendicular Bisectors:
4. Using the midpoints, I drew perpendicular bisectors. Where these bisectors intersect is the center of our arc.

Creating the Adaptive Circle

1. Creating an Adaptive Circle (image 3): \
2. I made another adoptive family specifically for a circle that will eventually be divided by the void to create the shell. I placed two adaptive points and created a circle with one point as the center and the other on the circumference. I set a radius parameter equal to the distance between these points to maintain flexibility.

Loading and Placing the Circle

1. Loading the Circle Family:
2. I loaded this circle family into the original adaptive family. I placed it at the points we identified earlier, ensuring it adapts to changes correctly, to create the form I wanted by taking a ways part of it because of the circle family

Forming the Solid

1. Creating a Solid Form:
2. I used the circle that we just loaded in tto create a solid form with a thickness of 200mm. This will form the basic structure of our panel, thickness depends on your project

Cutting the Void

1. Creating a Void:
2. To refine the panel shape to look like the scale of a pangolin, I created a void. I drew more reference lines and used the void form to cut out the unnecessary parts of the solid, giving it a precise, clean shape and i used a reference phot in the pangolin secion that I talked about earlier.

Adjusting for Overlap

1. Offsetting Points for Overlap:
2. To ensure our panels overlap correctly, I added an offset point from one of the original points. This involved placing a new point, offsetting it by the desired amount, and using it as the new host for the circle ( this was the first time i did anything like this and it is super fun and complex and was super rewarding ot get it right)

Finalizing the Panel

1. Recreating the Form with Offset (Image 2):
2. With the new offset point, I recreated the solid form and applied the void cut again to make it look like the scales. This ensures the panels overlap perfectly when placed together.

Loading into Pattern-Based Family

1. Loading into Pattern-Based Family (Image 1):
2. I then loaded this refined adaptive family into a pattern-based family. I used the "place on face" option to ensure correct placement and alignment on any surface.

The in-place mass pattern follows the same steps for the trust system. You need to create the mass system in your ideal shape; mine was the remaining fill in the leaf section. Then, I edited that and divided the section into rectangles, then loaded it into the family of the adaptive shell-like structure.

Since I want to thrive in this habitat and make it self-sustaining, or at least able to withstand long periods of extreme heat, sandstorms, or other natural challenges that might prevent easy access to food, it's crucial to focus on food production. Food is a fundamental part of our lives, providing essential nutrition. I want to instill this importance into the habitat, making it functional enough for people to grow their own food. The goal is self-sustainability, benefiting both individuals and the community as a whole. It shouldn't feel closed off from the outside but rather integrate with nature, providing fresh, green, natural food even in extreme environments.

However, growing fresh food in a closed habitat, isolated from the natural environment, is not as easy as it seems, and i think we all know that if we think back to our early 9th-grade biology years. Simply placing a large garden bed indoors won't suffice, although I wish it could. This led me on a search for how I could make this happen, how to grow plants in the desert.

Cooling Systems:

Phase Change Materials (PCMs): Integrate PCMs in walls and floors to absorb and release heat, stabilizing indoor temperatures. As I mentioned in the adaptively pangolina shade coin would use this tech, how will it play in cooling system, by using this intention is by helping to absorb and release health, it naturally helps stabilize the temperature between what is needed. Advanced Insulation:

Aerogel Insulation: Another super innovative tech that I learned about and I decided to innovate into this build is the use of Use aerogel, a highly efficient insulating material, to minimize heat transfer. The super cool thing about this insulation that is innovated into the walls and crack where insulation is needed, is that Aerogel insulation is a good choice because it nearly neutralizes all three methods of heat transfer: convection, conduction, and radiation. The resistance to convective transfer is given by the fact that air does not circulate in the material structure, which I don't know about you but it's pretty cool, and it uses the natural mature off the surface to help the structure and does not need for extra energy-intensive cooling systems. Reflective Insulation: Apply reflective coatings on windows and walls to deflect heat. A this like a mentioned earlier is another big aspect of my design especially on the leave design where the nimby beetle bubs are have this martial to help insula the garden and the overall envoemt form the outside heat by eflecting the heat, not absorbing it.

(Image 2) Hydroponics and Aeroponics Getting into the garden specifically, I wanted to use stuff that is innovative and new, and has been proven to succeed, and would allow to be self-sustaining. Here is what I learned, this is something I am super interested in so if anyone knows other innovative tech in the real I would love recs.

Hydroponic Systems:

(image 3) Closed-Loop Hydroponics: Recycle water and nutrients within the system to reduce waste. This is really something I wanted to innovate because it decreases the need for more resource-intensive things and uses the plants and their natural environment own resource and using them again, which is beautiful. One of the main things I wanted to incorporate in this because from my studies of environmental science which I have mentioned earlier, because of all the water there is waste do it evaporation and other things, which I wanted to help mitigate against, because in deserts water does not come easily, so reducing the need for it and using it for its full putation is crucial.

(image 4) Fogponics: An advanced form of aeroponics where nutrient-laden mist is used, further enhancing water efficiency, this is something I learned about that I had no idea existed, especially not using soil this is crucial to getting the nutrient that is vital for these plants to form and for the consumer to get all the nutrients they need. and also the water saving capability is crucial to my consider.

Here is a quote on these two systems that blew me away: "Hydroponics saves between 70-90% more water than soil, as water is recirculated and reused. There are additional benefits: Crops may yield up to three times that of traditional gardening. For nutritional value, hydroponic vegetables may contain up to 50% more A, B, C and E vitamins than conventional crops."

Water Management Water Recycling - we talked about this a little in an older section of the building but it has an equal role in just the area of the plant, as mentioned earlier literally every drop is crucial:

Greywater Systems: Filter and reuse water from showers and sinks for irrigation. This is crucial it the steps above in particular to not wasting the earth., especially since the nurture material from waste can be super beneficial Vertical Farming Modular Vertical Systems:

Stackable Hydroponic Towers: Use modular, stackable towers to maximize space efficiency and scalability. this not only allows for more grow as it provides, increase year and more efficient growing. Living Walls: Integrate vertical gardens into walls, which can also help insulate the building., by absorbing the heat and using it to grow, while also benefiting the cooling in we need in this environment.

Lighting and Energy Efficiency LED Grow Lights:

Full-Spectrum LEDs: As I mentioned above light would not be accessible at every hour of the day especially those hot ones so this is crucial to the successful growth of these plants. Using LEDs that provide a full spectrum of light, closely mimicking natural sunlight and enhancing plant growth. Smart Lighting Systems: Integrate with sensors to adjust light intensity and duration based on plant needs and ambient light. Would allow for the most effective energy usage for this system why benefiting and maximizing the plants growth.

Sustainable Soil Management Composting Systems:

(image 5) In-Vessel Composters: Use enclosed systems to efficiently break down organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, combing Bokashi Composting: An anaerobic fermentation process that produces compost more quickly and with less odor. which is crucial for indoor spaces

SOURCES:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/phase-change-material

https://shannonglobalenergy.com/a-look-at-aerogel-as-insulation/

https://byjus.com/biology/difference-between-hydroponics-and-aeroponics/#:~:text=Hydroponics%20is%20a%20method%20of,exposed%20to%20nutrient%2Drich%20mist.

https://gardenculturemagazine.com/what-is-closed-system-hydroponics/

https://www.trees.com/gardening-and-landscaping/fogponics

https://waterwisegroup.com/greywater-education/how-can-i-use-greywater/

https://agrotonomy.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-regular-aeroponic-tower-garden-and-the-high-density-tower-garden/

https://www.blackdogled.com/blogs/education/how-full-spectrum-led-grow-lights-work#:~:text=LED%20lights%2C%20on%20the%20other,stages%20of%20their%20growing%20cycle.

http://www.ecovrs.com/en/products/in-vessel-composting/ridan-composter/

Creating the floor plan - who knew defining the spaces would be harder in circular form than in rectangular? This was more challenging than I thought and required more planning than I am used to because of its circular design. It was definitely more challenging in terms of measurements, alignment, but in this case, the mirror tool was my best friend.

I primarily used the model line tool that Revit has for this, then later went in with the actual walls and used the alignment tool to make sure they conformed to the structure of the wall. I used basic room measurement knowledge that I found on the web to make them the standard square footage, but again, these are adjustable walls marked out of the adjustable system I talked about earlier.

Here are the rooms that I included. Much of it is open floor plan, but I will still consider those as rooms:

Sleeping Rooms: Since this is a compound of sorts and will need to be accessible and have the capacity for multiple people to be in it at the same time to perform research, seek shelter, and much more, these rooms are quite large. They are almost double the standard size, more like master-sized rooms that can be equipped with bunk beds to allow more people to live in them. Overall, there are 4 rooms that can hold four people each, but again, these can be adjusted.

Bathroom/Storage: This is a crucial component in a habitat like this. There will be extra room and storage for water and the system underneath the ground. On top of the ground, making it easily accessible, there are two storage rooms located by each of the bathrooms, which again have plenty of storage and space for the plenty of people that live here.

Open Concept Kitchen: This is crucial to the design to have a big kitchen that can not only cook for the people inside the structure but also for the local communities around it when resources might dry up. This space includes industrial appliances that are all electric, powered by the structure itself, as well as a large table that can easily sit 15 people with the capacity for even more.

Plant/Self-Sustaining Garden Area: This area is equipped with the hydroponics system that can easily grow food for more than 30 people. I hope this will not only help provide fresh fruits and vegetables for the habitat itself but also for the local community.

Gym/Rec Space: If this is a habitat in the desert and with the goal of being a compound when temperatures are unbearable and uninhabitable, and with the basic knowledge that exercise is crucial to our health, I wanted this to hold a special space in the structure and allow its inhabitants and the community around it to use this area when the outside temperature does not allow safe recreational activities.

Gathering Space: All the rooms revolve around the central gathering space, where people can come, relax, read a book, watch a movie (if Starlink allows it), and really just enjoy themselves. This is a space for the people of this habitat to come together with the local community, have a good time, and escape the temperature outside.

This is the shade sail-like structure that I used firstly to finish the leaf structure and provide shade outside, as well as to create the adaptive walks that can be reconstructed easily.

Step 1 - Creating the Canopy Family:

I began by creating a metric generic model adaptive family in Revit for the shade covering. This allowed me to have control over the dimensions and shape of the canopy. I used the point element tool to place points in the desired shape of a rectangle, making them adaptive to ensure flexibility. Then, using the spline tool, I connected these points to form the initial structure. To achieve the wavy and natural look I envisioned, I added more points along the connector lines and used the spline tool again to create the desired curves. This process allowed me to design a visually appealing and dynamic canopy with its curved edges.

Step 2 - Creating Curved Edges (image 3):

Continuing from the previous step, I added additional point elements to the newly formed lines and connected them to shape the curved edges of the canopy. This step was crucial in achieving the sail-like appearance I aimed for, as it added fluidity and elegance to the overall design. The interplay of the curved edges with the straight lines gave the canopy a unique and artistic touch.

Step 3 - Generating a Solid Form (image 4):

After finalizing the canopy design, I selected the lines representing the structure and utilized the "create a solid form" feature in Revit. This process converted the intricate lines and curves into a solid, three-dimensional form, bringing the canopy to life in the digital model. The 3D representation allowed me to visualize the final result and make any necessary adjustments before incorporating it into the project.

Step 4 - Importing and Placement:

With the canopy family created and its 3D form generated, I imported it into my main project file. I carefully aligned one point of the canopy to the first level of the structure, ensuring a stable connection. To enhance the canopy's aesthetics and functionality, I strategically attached the other two points to nearby trees. This placement not only provided the desired sail-like look but also allowed the canopy to offer shade to the stage area for most of the day and additional shade to surrounding areas, enhancing comfort for various activities throughout the day.

To be honest, I nearly had a meltdown because I couldn't get my computer to render. I lacked sufficient storage space on my computer and also had an insufficient amount of memory available. As a result, my computer simply refused to start the rendering process. It was incredibly frustrating and stressful, especially since the project was due the next day, and I had spent the entire week trying to figure this out and setting up the rendering space.

It really gave me a look inside the profession, as deadlines were closing in and the project was not going the way I needed it to. I knew I could figure this out, so I put my thinking cap on. While setting up my rendering settings, I discovered a button labeled "Rendering in the Cloud." I had no idea this feature existed in Revit, and it honestly saved my project. It allowed me to render the images with minimal storage space required. Without this newfound tool in Revit, I wouldn't have been able to produce something I am proud of.

So no one else has to go through the journey I did, here's a little information on Revit's cloud rendering:

What is Cloud Rendering?

Cloud rendering is a process where the heavy lifting of rendering tasks is offloaded from your computer and its memory and capacity to remote servers operated by cloud service providers. In Revit, I was allowed to render my images fast and very high quality, another thing cloud rendering allows you to perform complex and high-quality renderings without the need for extensive computer storage. Another thing that you can do is work on your project while is rendering which was extremely benecificl.

Why is Cloud Rendering Useful?

1. Reduced Hardware Requirements: Cloud rendering eliminates the need for "high-performance hardware" on your computer - especially if your computer has limited storage memory.
2. Faster Processing Times: Another very very beneficial benefit of this software is it reduceed the overl rending time. This can be a lifesaver when facing tight deadlines or upcoming requirements like i was.
3. Efficiency and Convenience: With cloud rendering, you can also continue working on other tasks while the rendering process takes place in the background which also reduces the time in this way, allowing you to render and prepare other images in the meantime.
4. High-Quality Outputs: Cloud rendering has the best rendering that I have ever seen, it is more reliable and consistent compared to the usual rendering software.

How to Use Cloud Rendering in Revit

1. Prepare Your Model: Ensure your Revit model is ready for rendering. Set up your scene, lighting, materials, and camera angles as needed. At this step, you can also go into the toolbar on the left side, scroll down to the rendering area, then pick the quality of render that you usually get, and decide which light you want to choose. I chose High and would recommend this setting for most, if not all, projects.
2. Access the Cloud Rendering Feature:

• Open your Revit project and go to the "View" tab.
• In the rendering settings dialog, look for the option to use "Cloud Rendering." it has a black and whit log and is right next to the general render software.

1. Configure Settings:

• Adjust the rendering settings according to your preferences. You can choose the image quality, resolution, and other requirements, which are not exactly like normal but if you do the step to prepare your model it actually adds more options.

1. Submit for Rendering:

• Click on the "Render in Cloud" button to submit your job. The rendering will be processed on Revit's cloud servers.
• You can monitor the progress of your rendering and receive notifications once it's complete through super helpful email. and also open the tab on Autodesk, to get your renders and change some settings.

HERE IS A VIDEO YOU CAN USE: Cloud Rendering in Revit Tutorial - PRO Rendering

Image 1 - Rec/Workout Area

This area is designed to give the community an opportunity to work out in a climate-controlled environment, allowing them to get vital exercise when it's too hot outside. It is equipped with all-electric equipment, efficient for all types of cross-training.

Image 2 - Bedroom Example

This is just an example. There is plenty of room to add more beds or adjust the layout with the adjustable walls. This room can easily adapt to the needs of the people inside and provide shelter for everyone.

Image 3 - Bathroom Example

This is also just an example. There is enough room for more sinks and stalls, allowing for greater accommodation.

Image 4 - Kitchen

This fully electric kitchen is able to provide for the community inside this habitat. It features state-of-the-art, energy-efficient appliances and has seating available.

Image 5 - Self-Sustaining Garden

This garden is vital for the survival of this environment. As mentioned earlier, natural and fresh vegetables are scarce in these types of climates. This area is designed for efficient production of fresh produce.

Image 6 - Center Gathering Area

This area is meant to bring people together and remains extra cool due to its underground location, utilizing the natural cooling properties of the ground.

This project was a grueling challenge, to say the least. However, I learned so much from it that I would do it all over again, even though that seems super cliché, I am serious.

To put it simply, my computer was not on my side. I don't know what happened, but it had no storage or memory, so it seemed like every process took 15 minutes longer than it should have. This is in part why I am competing in this competition—to get a new computer for architecture that I can use for college when I graduate high school next year. Initially, I saw this as an opportunity to save for college, as we all know, college is not cheap. Seeing my sister go through it, I want to get started early to put less pressure on my future self and my parents. But honestly, I would do this project again for no real reason, because of how much I learned about the design process, the natural desert environment, Autodesk software, and our interaction with such an environment.

But this opportunity ended up being so much more than just computer struggles. Firstly, it helped me discover and delve deeper into something that gives me joy: pushing the boundaries of a simple box and making a habitat that is more than just a habitat in an extreme environment. My habitat did not undermine or complain about the beauty of our natural environment but instead embraced it and celebrated these unique characteristics. It makes me excited just thinking about it. Three months ago, I would never have thought I would delve into the world of futuristic tech and architecture that is one with nature, the natural environment, and the plants and animals that live in these crazy habitats. How to use Autodesk software to create something beautiful and so much more—from technical skill to pure knowledge. I feel like I have a sub-minor in all these fields because of this project, and I will be forever thankful for this opportunity to explore this, challenge my sanity, skill, and knowledge, and push myself.

Using Revit never stops to amaze and surprise me: I have been using Revit and other Autodesk software for about three years now in high school, and I would like to say I am practically a pro at Revit at this point, but after this project, that could not be farther from the truth. I am still a novice, but a novice in training. This project was more than just placing a couple of walls, a bed, and some Revit city downloads. It was a whole process that was extremely difficult but rewarding. I learned so much about Revit rendering, mass, void, and other technical skills I never thought existed, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the development of such amazing and powerful tech. So, thanks, Autodesk software. Your software is crazy cool.

Who thought it was harder to design a circle than to design in the shape of a square? Let me tell you, it’s so much more challenging and confusing, and it pushed me to the brink of failure at a couple of points, if I am going to be honest. But to push my knowledge and skills as a student and hopefully someone with a future in the built environment, I know not all buildings are going to be perfect squares. So, I was excited for the challenge and grateful for the little software things that made it easier through Revit.

As I delved into researching, I realized the impact architecture can have on a community and an environment. It would be so easy to block a box down and have a hundred AC units, but would you want to live in that? And how much harm would that cause to you and the environment around it? As you all know, a huge emphasis of my project was to create a habitat that embraced the desert environment and used it and did not neglect it. I used natural elements from nature, plants, and animals, and it blew my mind in this exploration. These animals are crazy, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to explore this environment that I knew so little about. There is more than just camels, and I learned so much more about these plants that are structured in ways where they use the desert to thrive, use it to collect water, insulate themselves, and this was brilliant. I learned so much more than this, and I would encourage you to do this as well.

Learning about airflow and civil engineering, having this project in the desert, a huge part of it was cooling. As a result, I had to do a ton of research into how to design a structure that does not need a ton of energy to generate air conditioning but instead used the natural environment and special ventilation to cool and heat the building, even though heating would rarely be used. This would arguably be one of my favorite parts of this project. It's interesting because I think in our modern world, our air conditioning plays such a role in our lives, and at least in America, we think it's insane that Europe does not have a ton of air conditioning. The role that airflows can play and be used to benefit the building and make it more efficient, sustainable, and coexist with the natural environment is fascinating.

But above all, this project has shown me the true magic of architecture—the power to bring people together. This habitat is not just a structure but about the connection this building has with its surroundings. I wanted this structure not just to serve a purpose but to provide for people and use the natural solutions of animals and plants, replicating them in architecture to create a structure that blended creativity, imagination, sustainability, practicality, and used the natural environment to its advantage.

If you have any questions about the design, my idea, the vision, Revit, how it works, the flow, why I did something, my research, etc., just let me know. I would love to answer them!

Also, on the other hand, if you think something could be better, if there is an area that needs improvement, or if you have any recommendations about anything, I would also love to learn. This process has been a huge learning experience, so anything you would like to add will be a huge help for me to learn and grow.

I honestly have not spent so much time and put so much into a single project before, but at the end of the day, this is not a "competition." It was a learning experience where I got to explore a field that I have learned to love and appreciate more than ever. This Habitat is not just about building a space people can live in; it is about fostering change, bringing people together, creating a sense of community, and empowering communities.

To the Instructables team,

I have searched far and wide for something like the community you have fostered here and I have come up short, so thanks so much for what you do and the community of driven, passionate, and creative individuals you have created. Like most people in the world we live in today, it's hard to find hope for the future, but after looking at the projects and the people who get to show their creativity and be themselves, you allow for this. I can confidently say because of this and because of what I have seen in the Instructables community, I do have hope for our future, and it's slowly growing because of you all.

Thanks,

Bryce Merrill