Date of Submission
Spring 5-7-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Jade Yang
Secondary Advisor
Razvan Voicu
Abstract
The rise of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 presents significant opportunities for the architecture industry to incorporate advanced technologies into its design and construction processes. However, the full potential of these technologies in architectural design has yet to be fully explored. This thesis, ‘Spatial Autonomy: Exploring Industry 4.0 and 5.0 Trends in Architectural Design,’ aims to investigate the ability of buildings to function autonomously through the integration of smart technologies. This exploration focuses on how Industry 4.0 and 5.0 trends can optimize building performance, creating more comfortable and enjoyable experiences for users, while also enhancing efficiency and sustainability. It examines the emerging questions: How to design in response to these technologies? What constitutes a design framework for integrating Industry 4.0 and 5.0 into architectural design, and how can this framework be applied to future projects?
As digital, cloud, and AI computing demands increase globally, current data centers, which contribute to 0.3% of global CO2 emissions, are primarily designed to meet existing demands rather than anticipating and creating a more balanced relationship between demand and environmental sustainability. This thesis challenges this norm by proposing the design of a data center integrated within a mixed-use complex that adheres to the principles of Industry 5.0, emphasizing environmental and social health. This approach advocates for the integration of systems at the onset of the design process, proposing that early incorporation can significantly enhance the benefits of these advanced technologies. The research seeks to redefine the data center not just as a static structure but as a dynamic, responsive, and sustainable architectural form that functions as a closed feedback loop with its urban environment, dynamically interacting with and adapting to its human and ecological context.
In conclusion, ‘Spatial Autonomy’ not only explores but also aims to redefine the process of designing in the digital age, setting a precedent for a more harmonious integration of cutting-edge technologies into architectural design. This thesis illustrates the potential for buildings to be not merely static structures but dynamic environments that intelligently respond to user needs and contribute actively to environmental sustainability.