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As human populations grow, so too do the needs for
innovative methods for building the structures we inhabit. As
changes in climate take effect (through unsustainable practices and excessive fossil fuel
use), the search is on for construction methods which achieve
sustainability; are sparing in the use of materials; and are light in the consumption of
energy (Loveday
2003).
This website outlines
research on the integration of structure and function in an
animal-built structure which already meets all three of these
goals: the mound of the African termite Macrotermes
michaelseni. These mounds, which are common through
sub-Saharan Africa, are respiratory devices, built from
minerals located deep underground soil
by the termites in the colony. The
mound powers ventilation of the subterranean nest by capturing
energy in wind. They are organs of colony physiology, in the
broadest sense, shaped to accommodate and regulate the
exchanges of respiratory gases between the nest and
atmosphere.
The research seeks to understand how structure and
function are integrated and embodied in the complex
architecture of these mounds. The work is intended to answer
three broad questions which will serve as both the foundation
for future basic research, and as inspiration for more
tangible and immediate innovations in architecture, structural
and environmental engineering. |
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These questions are:
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What are
the detailed architectures which underlie physiological
function in termite mounds? |
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How do
termite mounds integrate and coordinate multiple sources
of energy to perform the overarching function of colony
ventilation? |
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To what
extent can the knowledge gained about these phenomena be
applied to human construction and hence inform future
architectural and engineering construction
practice? |
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This research
project is high in adventure,
vision and multi-disciplinarity, combining elements of
mechanical/materials engineering, construction, and
entomology, and assembling a team comprised of the
world’s leading authorities in relevant fields. The
project concentrates on the
biological and engineering aspects of this collaborative
effort, to provide a better understanding of homeostasis
in termite mounds. The work will
point the way towards further research which may
eventually lead to new sustainable approaches for human
habitation and construction.
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© Copyright Rupert Soar 2004. All Rights
Reserved. ermites, Rapid Manufacturing, freeform construction,
additive manufacturing, freeform fabrication, Rupert Soar, Rapid
Prototyping, Modern Methods of Construction, Optimisation, homeostasis,
swarm robotics, cfd |
