Date of Submission
Spring 5-6-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Arief B. Setiawan, Ph.D.
Abstract
There has always been a connection between biology and architecture. Michael Pawlyn, in Biomimicry in Architecture, coined “biomechanical designs” to describe structural techniques derived from creatures. This study investigates chitin-based creatures. Crustaceans, insects, and microscopic organisms all have exoskeletons in nature. With a focus on crabs, other crustaceans and bugs, this study examines and evaluates the formal characteristics of chitin-based organisms. The architectural creations of OXMAN, NOX, which was founded by Lars Spuybroek; and Lebbeus Woods are among those that are analyzed and studied due to their inspiration from living things. They follow functional effectiveness in nature, which is why their study, experiments, and conclusions are so comparable. It examines works at the nexus of geometry, biology, and architecture to produce a distinctive design language that encompasses design efficiency and pushes design to its possible limit. Creating architecture derived from these creatures becomes applicable across design programs, through the adaptability of modular shell systems, various intentional building legs (columns), and unique adaptation to on demand site conditions. Buildings become inhabitable organisms.
Included in
Architectural Engineering Commons, Architectural Technology Commons, Art and Design Commons, Audio Arts and Acoustics Commons, Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons, Biology Commons, Biotechnology Commons, Construction Engineering Commons, Film and Media Studies Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Theatre and Performance Studies Commons