01 Fakultät Architektur und Stadtplanung

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://elib.uni-stuttgart.de/handle/11682/2

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Open Access
Agent-based principal strips modeling for freeform surfaces in architecture
(2024) Chai, Hua; Orozco, Luis; Kannenberg, Fabian; Siriwardena, Lasath; Schwinn, Tobias; Liu, Hanning; Menges, Achim; Yuan, Philip F.
The principal curvature (PC) of a freeform surface, as an important indicator of its fundamental features, is frequently used to guide their rationalization in the field of architectural geometry. The division of a surface using its PC lines into principal strips (PSs) is an innovative way to break down a freeform surface for construction. However, the application of PC networks in architectural design is hindered by the difficulty to generate them and flexibly control their density. This paper introduces a method for PS-based reconstruction of freeform surfaces with different umbilical conditions in the early stages of design. An agent-based modeling approach is developed to find the umbilics and increase the degree of control over the spacing of PC lines. This research can effectively expand the application range of PS-based surface reconstruction methods for freeform architectures.
Open Access
An assessment of the correlation between urban green space supply and socio-economic disparities of Tehran districts : Iran
(2021) Nasri Roodsari, Elmira; Hoseini, Parian
Contact with UGS (urban green spaces) is a critical element for urban quality of life and an essential aspect of environmental justice, so all citizens should be able to access UGS regardless of their social and economic condition. In this regard, several studies have shown a positive correlation between UGS justice with socio-economic status in different contexts. In recent decades, Tehran has also experienced much wider socio-economic inequalities, reflected in its spatial configuration. Therefore, this study explored the possible correlation between the UGS supply and accessibility in the 22 Tehran municipal districts and their socio-economic development level. For this purpose, UGS supply (per capita) and accessibility (areas within 800 m walking distance to UGS) indicators are used to assess the UGS justice in Tehran. The research data are drawn from official spatial and statistical data, analysed using ArcGIS. This quantitative data are converted into map layers to shape a basis for UGS assessment indicators in conjunction with socio-economic status. The findings show an unbalanced distribution of UGS in Tehran. However, the areas with highest socio-economic status are at an optimum level of UGS justice in relation to all 22 districts, but no direct correlation confirms the same results for areas with lower socio-economic status.
Open Access
Autonomous robotic additive manufacturing through distributed model‐free deep reinforcement learning in computational design environments
(2022) Felbrich, Benjamin; Schork, Tim; Menges, Achim
The objective of autonomous robotic additive manufacturing for construction in the architectural scale is currently being investigated in parts both within the research communities of computational design and robotic fabrication (CDRF) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) in robotics. The presented study summarizes the relevant state of the art in both research areas and lays out how their respective accomplishments can be combined to achieve higher degrees of autonomy in robotic construction within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. A distributed control and communication infrastructure for agent training and task execution is presented, that leverages the potentials of combining tools, standards and algorithms of both fields. It is geared towards industrial CDRF applications. Using this framework, a robotic agent is trained to autonomously plan and build structures using two model-free DRL algorithms (TD3, SAC) in two case studies: robotic block stacking and sensor-adaptive 3D printing. The first case study serves to demonstrate the general applicability of computational design environments for DRL training and the comparative learning success of the utilized algorithms. Case study two highlights the benefit of our setup in terms of tool path planning, geometric state reconstruction, the incorporation of fabrication constraints and action evaluation as part of the training and execution process through parametric modeling routines. The study benefits from highly efficient geometry compression based on convolutional autoencoders (CAE) and signed distance fields (SDF), real-time physics simulation in CAD, industry-grade hardware control and distinct action complementation through geometric scripting. Most of the developed code is provided open source.
Open Access
Beyond values : how emotions, anthropomorphism, beliefs and knowledge relate to the acceptability of native and non‐native species management in cities
(2022) Straka, Tanja M.; Bach, Luise; Klisch, Ulrike; Egerer, Monika H.; Fischer, Leonie K.; Kowarik, Ingo
Managing non‐native species in cities is often controversial because these species can support both ecosystem services and disservices. Yet, how the acceptability of non‐native species management by the general public differs in relation to native species, to distance (i.e. close to residence and elsewhere) and among plants and animals is understudied. Furthermore, while values, beliefs and knowledge are often considered in this context, psychometric factors such as emotions and anthropomorphic views have received little attention. We surveyed 658 residents in Berlin, Germany, to assess (i) the acceptability of management actions differing in their severity for non‐native plants and animals compared to native species with similar traits, (ii) the influence of perceived distance of species (i.e. close to residence and elsewhere) and (iii) the predictive potential of psychometric (i.e. values, beliefs, self‐assessed knowledge, emotions and anthropomorphism) and socio‐demographic factors for this acceptability. Eradication (i.e. lethal control/removal) was generally the least accepted management action, but more accepted for non‐native than native species. Distance mattered for the acceptability of non‐native plant management with unspecified control action the most accepted management action close to residence. While values (self‐transcendence and conservation) mostly explained the acceptability of doing nothing and eradication, emotions related strongly to all management actions. Beliefs were more important than self‐assessed knowledge in relation to non‐native species management and beliefs about non‐native plants and animals were rated almost similar. Anthropomorphic views had predictive potential for plants and animals; that is, the stronger people held anthropomorphic views, the less they accepted eradication. Participants with a garden supported doing nothing with plants (native and non‐native) more than without. Results highlight the complexity of factors underlying the acceptability of management actions on species in cities. While values, beliefs and self‐assessed knowledge are important in the context of species management, other psychometric factors add to our understanding of acceptability. We conclude that awareness about different acceptability patterns related to species management can support environmental policies on biological invasions in cities. Tailoring and implementing adequate management actions can benefit from incorporating cognitive but also affective factors of the public.
Open Access
Bio-modules : mycelium-based composites forming a modular interlocking system through a computational design towards sustainable architecture
(2023) Abdelhady, Omar; Spyridonos, Evgenia; Dahy, Hanaa
In a resource-constrained world, raising awareness about the development of eco-friendly alternative materials is critical for ensuring a more sustainable future. Mycelium-based composites (MBC) and their diverse applications are gaining popularity as regenerative, biodegradable, and lightweight alternatives. This research aims to broaden the design potentials of MBC in order to construct advanced systems towards a novel material culture in architecture. The proposed design method intends to explore the design and fabrication of small-scale components of MBC to be applied in modular systems. Mycelium-based modular components are being developed to fulfill the geometrical requirements that allow for the creation of a lightweight system without additional reinforcement. The modules are linked together using an interlocking system. Through computational design and form-finding methods, various arrangements of the modules are achieved. An initial prototype of five modules is created to demonstrate the ability of the system to form various geometrical configurations as a result of the used workflow. The proposed application aims to expand the scope of the use of mycelium-based composites in modular systems and to promote architectural applications using bio-based composite materials.
Open Access
Biomimicry as a sustainable design methodology : introducing the ‘Biomimicry for Sustainability’ framework
(2022) Ilieva, Lazaara; Ursano, Isabella; Traista, Lamiita; Hoffmann, Birgitte; Dahy, Hanaa
Biomimicry is an interdisciplinary approach to study and transfer principles or mechanisms from nature to solve design challenges, frequently differentiated from other design disciplines by its particular focus on and promise of sustainability. However, in the biomimicry and biologically inspired design literature, there are varying interpretations of how and whether biomimetic designs lead to sustainable outcomes and how sustainability, nature, and mimesis are conceptualised and engaged in practice. This paper takes a particular focus on the built environment and presents a theoretical overview of biomimicry literature spanning across specific fields, namely architecture, philosophy, sustainability and design. We develop upon conceptual considerations in an effort to contribute to the growing calls in the literature for more reflective discussions about the nuanced relationship between biomimicry and sustainability. We further develop a ‘Biomimicry for Sustainability’ framework that synthesises recent reflective deliberations, as a possible direction for further theorisation of biomimicry, aiming to elaborate on the role of biomimicry as a sustainable design methodology and its potential to cultivate more sustainable human–nature relations. The framework is used as a tool for retrospective analysis, based on literature of completed designs, and as a catalyst for biomimetic design thinking. The objective of this paper is to serve as a point of departure for more active and deeper discussions regarding future biomimetic practice in the context of sustainability and transformational change, particularly within the built environment.
Open Access
Computational optimisation of urban design models : a systematic literature review
(2024) Tay, JingZhi; Ortner, Frederick Peter; Wortmann, Thomas; Aydin, Elif Esra
The densification of urban spaces globally has contributed to a need for design tools supporting the planning of more sustainable, efficient, and liveable cities. Urban Design Optimisation (UDO) responds to this challenge by providing a means to explore many design solutions for a district, evaluate multiple objectives, and make informed selections from many Pareto-efficient solutions. UDO distinguishes itself from other forms of design optimisation by addressing the challenges of incorporating a wide range of planning goals, managing the complex interactions among various urban datasets, and considering the social-technical aspects of urban planning involving multiple stakeholders. Previous reviews focusing on specific topics within UDO do not sufficiently address these challenges. This PRISMA systematic literature review provides an overview of research on topics related to UDO from 2012 to 2022, with articles analysed across seven descriptive categories. This paper presents a discussion on the state-of-the-art and identified gaps present in each of the seven categories. Finally, this paper argues that additional research to improve the socio-technical understanding and usability of UDO would require: (i) methods of optimisation across multiple models, (ii) interfaces that address a multiplicity of stakeholders, (iii) exploration of frameworks for scenario building and backcasting, and (iv) advancing AI applications for UDO, including generalizable surrogates and user preference learning.
Open Access
Cross-sectional 4D-printing : upscaling self-shaping structures with differentiated material properties inspired by the large-flowered butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora)
(2023) Sahin, Ekin Sila; Cheng, Tiffany; Wood, Dylan; Tahouni, Yasaman; Poppinga, Simon; Thielen, Marc; Speck, Thomas; Menges, Achim
Extrusion-based 4D-printing, which is an emerging field within additive manufacturing, has enabled the technical transfer of bioinspired self-shaping mechanisms by emulating the functional morphology of motile plant structures (e.g., leaves, petals, capsules). However, restricted by the layer-by-layer extrusion process, much of the resulting works are simplified abstractions of the pinecone scale’s bilayer structure. This paper presents a new method of 4D-printing by rotating the printed axis of the bilayers, which enables the design and fabrication of self-shaping monomaterial systems in cross sections. This research introduces a computational workflow for programming, simulating, and 4D-printing differentiated cross sections with multilayered mechanical properties. Taking inspiration from the large-flowered butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora), which shows the formation of depressions on its trap leaves upon contact with prey, we investigate the depression formation of bioinspired 4D-printed test structures by varying each depth layer. Cross-sectional 4D-printing expands the design space of bioinspired bilayer mechanisms beyond the XY plane, allows more control in tuning their self-shaping properties, and paves the way toward large-scale 4D-printed structures with high-resolution programmability.
Open Access
Dog walkers’ views of urban biodiversity across five European cities
(2020) Fischer, Leonie K.; Kowarik, Ingo
Contact with nature makes people feel better, live healthier and act more environmentally-friendly. We hypothesized that dog walking, an omnipresent people–nature interaction in cities, translates to a more positive view of urban nature and, subsequently, to more support for conservation initiatives. Insights into such positive side-effects of dog walking are relevant for dog-related urban policies that often focus on negative impacts of dogs (e.g., health risks, disturbance of wildlife). Based on a field survey in five European cities (N = 3717), we analyzed if people who walked dogs regularly valued four urban ecosystem types (park meadows, wastelands, streetscapes, forests), and the plant species diversity within, differently from other people. Opposite to our hypothesis, participants from both groups valued urban ecosystems and their biodiversity very similarly across the cities. Thus, our study does not confirm that regular dog walkers value natural elements more than other people. It thus remains an important challenge for urban planners to balance services and disservices of dog walking in urban greenspaces.
Open Access
Factors affecting the social acceptance of agricultural and solar energy systems : the case of new cities in Egypt
(2024) Marzouk, Mai A.; Fischer, Leonie K.; Salheen, Mohamed A.
Can the building sector become productive and, in parallel, help create livable spaces? Agricultural and solar energy systems can contribute to the building sector’s transformation; however, research on these systems has mostly focused on technological development and achieved gains, while overlooking a key driver of success, which is social acceptance. Only recently has the discussion on social acceptance of the systems gained momentum revealing that their adoption, especially in residential sectors, is bound to end users. Therefore, using a quantitative, survey-based, case study approach, we investigated what influences the social acceptance of end users, i.e., the residents of residential buildings in Egyptian new cities. Based on UTAUT - a Technology Acceptance theory - seven underlying factors were tackled using a statistical contingency analysis (SPSS, n = 274) to test their association with (a) social acceptance of agricultural and solar energy systems and (b) the sociocultural background of the residents. Results revealed that social acceptance of the systems was associated with factors like the expected effort for implementation, concerns and anxieties about the systems, external supporting conditions, and social influences – while surprisingly, it was not associated with the expected performance of the systems, their perceived costs, and the need for financial support. Most studied factors showed associations with the sociocultural aspects, except for the expected effort and perceived cost of solar systems and financial facilitations of both systems, which proved to be completely independent of the sociocultural background of the residents. The conducted analysis and concluded insights about the underlying factors behind social acceptance have not been previously covered in detail for the two systems in comparison, especially for the case of new Egyptian residences. The study findings can support relevant stakeholders such as policymakers, suppliers, engineers, etc. in triggering the social acceptance of the systems in Egypt and contexts of similar settings.
Open Access
Flood resilience assessment from the perspective of urban (in)formality in Surat, India : implications for sustainable development
(2023) Jamshed, Ali; Patel, Chirag; Puriya, Anshul; Iqbal, Nimra; Rana, Irfan Ahmad; McMillan, Joanna M.; Pandey, Rajiv; Altaf, Shahbaz; Mehmood, Rana Tahir; Saad, Umair bin
Urbanization has resulted in increasing the pace of informality, specifically in developing countries like India. Informality is taking place at locations that are exposed to various hazards, and therefore, resilience building of both informal and formal settlements is needed to achieve sustainable development. Resilience assessment is key in defining appropriate area-specific resilience measures. Given that, this research assesses the resilience of formal and informal settlements of Surat city in India and presents implications for sustainable development. To assess resilience, an indicator-based approach was taken, using a household survey to collect the data. Analysis suggests that the resilience of formal and informal settlements is significantly different. Key differences were found in physical and institutional resilience, where informal settlements were found to be significantly less resilient than formal settlements. Several measures, such as gender-sensitive education and livelihood programs, as well as mobile water and sanitation, have positive implications for sustainable development. Overall, the study can guide disaster managers and policy makers to adopt a strategic and more targeted approach to strengthen resilience and achieve sustainable development.
Open Access
Functionalizing building envelopes for greening and solar energy : between theory and the practice in Egypt
(2022) Marzouk, Mai A.; Salheen, Mohamed A.; Fischer, Leonie K.
The building sector is one of the most resource-intensive industries. In Egypt, buildings consume 60% of electricity, produce 8% of CO2 emissions, and anthropize agricultural land, peri-urban and urban landscapes. To compensate for these consumption patterns, building envelopes can become productive in terms of greening and energy production. This encompasses the implementation of productive building systems that include (a) greening systems such as building-integrated vegetation and agriculture systems and (b) solar energy systems such as building-applied and integrated photovoltaics. For Egypt, the transformation toward more productive buildings still lacks a holistic understanding of their status and implementation requirements. This paper undergoes a comprehensive analysis of the two systems’ classifications, benefits, challenges, and implementation aspects based on a thorough assessment of 121 studies and 20 reports addressing them. This is coupled with a contextual analysis using questionnaires (n = 35) and semi-structured interviews (n = 13) with Egyptian experts and suppliers. Results showed that a large variety of systems is studied in literature and exists in the local market. Among the most purchased productive building systems in the Egyptian market, according to experts, are hydroponics (selected by 75% of respondents), planter boxes/pots (50%), roof-mounted photovoltaic panels (95%), and solar water heaters (55%). The main benefits of greening and solar energy systems are identified as enjoying the greenery view (95%) and reducing energy expenses (100%), respectively. The high initial cost was considered the main barrier for both systems. Multiple commonalities between the two systems in terms of spatial and environmental applicability aspects (e.g., accessibility and safety, net useable area, sun exposure, wind exposure) and environmental performance aspects (e.g., energy demand and emissions reduction, heat flow reduction) were identified. Lastly, we highlight the importance of analyzing integrated solutions that make use of the identified synergies between the systems and maximize the production potentials.
Open Access
Heat stress adaptation within informal, low-income urban settlements in Africa
(2022) Laue, Franziska; Adegun, Olumuyiwa Bayode; Ley, Astrid
Climate projections indicate that persistent high temperatures and related heat stress will become a common experience in the future, across Africa. It is, therefore, important to understand challenges that might result from increasing extreme heat conditions, and how humans within urban centres can adapt. In this article, we provide a review that considers the experience of poor urban residents with extreme temperatures and adaptation strategies in relation to low-income, informal urban contexts in Africa. Our analysis is carried out across four focus countries: Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt. Only cursory insights exist in the context of informal settlements. We found that heat stress remains an overlooked topic in comparison to other climate change adaptation needs. Evidence shows that adaptation strategies varied and differed in framing, scale, and applied methods across the contexts. Adaptation strategies dominantly examine a broad variety of alternative building measures and, to a lesser degree, greening/nature-based strategies. It is important to highlight heat stress as a cross-cutting, focal topic in urban research in relation to informal settlements and generally broaden the spectrum. It is worthwhile to pay special attention to strategic actions and research designs that foresee win–win and co-beneficial options for local urban communities.
Open Access
Home food gardening : benefits and barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Santiago, Chile
(2022) Cerda, Constanza; Guenat, Solène; Egerer, Monika; Fischer, Leonie K.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people live in an unprecedented way. This includes severe impacts on people's health and wellbeing such as stress, reduced physical activity and loneliness due to confinement. In parallel, people had to find ways to secure their food, with fresh food especially scarce in some regions due to lockdowns and restricted flow of goods. As in previous massive crises, the practice of home food gardening seemed to have increased during this pandemic. Yet we largely do not know which parts of society took to home food gardening, in which urban setting home food gardening was practiced, and to which extent this practice contributed to people's daily livelihoods during the pandemic. In this case study we explore (a) who practices home food gardening, (b) the garden characteristics, and (c) the main perceived benefits and barriers bound to home food gardening during the pandemic. We set up an online questionnaire targeted at the population of Santiago de Chile, for which we received 305 responses. Our results clearly show that the possibility of being in contact with nature and feeling less stress through practicing home food gardening were the most significant perceived benefits, while lack of or inadequate space to garden and limited knowledge on home food gardening were the main barriers. These findings highlight for the specific context of a metropolitan region in South America that access to gardens and green space could contribute to a just urban society. Likewise, the practice of home food gardening can be a relevant tool to cope with the adverse consequences of the pandemic by informing public initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles during this and future crises contexts and also in the awaited “ordinary” times.
Open Access
Informing the design of urban green and blue spaces through an understanding of Europeans' usage and preferences
(2022) Jakstis, Kristen; Dubovik, Maria; Laikari, Arto; Mustajärvi, Kaisa; Wendling, Laura; Fischer, Leonie K.
In light of global climate change and the biodiversity crisis, making cities more resilient through an adjusted design of urban green and blue spaces is crucial. Nature‐based solutions help address these challenges while providing opportunities for nature experiences, and providing cultural ecosystem services that support public health. The COVID‐19 pandemic and its associated stressors highlighted the interrelated socio‐ecological services provided by nature‐based solutions like urban green and blue spaces. This pan‐European study therefore aimed to enhance the socio‐ecological understanding of green and blue spaces to support their design and management. Using an online survey, green and blue space preferences, usage, and pandemic‐related changes in greenspace visit and outdoor recreation frequencies were examined. Greenspace visit and outdoor recreation frequencies were associated with respondents’ (N = 584 from 15 countries) geographical location, dominant type of neighbourhood greenspace and greenspace availability during the pandemic, but not greenspace perceptions or sociodemographic background. Greenspace visit and outdoor recreation frequencies were generally high; however, Southern Europeans reported lower greenspace visit and outdoor recreation frequencies both before and during the pandemic than Northern Europeans. Many Southern Europeans also reported having few neighbourhood greenspaces and low greenspace availability during the pandemic. The most common outdoor recreational activity among respondents before the pandemic was walking or running with the most frequently stated purpose of time spent outdoors being restorative in nature (i.e. relaxing or calming down). Most Europeans had positive perceptions of green and blue spaces with preferences for structurally diverse and natural or unmanaged green elements. This highlights the importance of accessible green and blue spaces both in everyday life and during times of crisis. Stakeholders, their preferences, and regional and cultural differences should be included in the co‐design of urban green and blue spaces to maximize their potential for both people and nature.
Open Access
Meeting sustainable development goals via robotics and autonomous systems
(2022) Guenat, Solène; Purnell, Phil; Davies, Zoe G.; Nawrath, Maximilian; Stringer, Lindsay C.; Babu, Giridhara Rathnaiah; Balasubramanian, Muniyandi; Ballantyne, Erica E. F.; Bylappa, Bhuvana Kolar; Chen, Bei; De Jager, Peta; Del Prete, Andrea; Di Nuovo, Alessandro; Ehi-Eromosele, Cyril O.; Eskandari Torbaghan, Mehran; Evans, Karl L.; Fraundorfer, Markus; Haouas, Wissem; Izunobi, Josephat U.; Jauregui-Correa, Juan Carlos; Kaddouh, Bilal Y.; Lewycka, Sonia; MacIntosh, Ana C.; Mady, Christine; Maple, Carsten; Mhiret, Worku N.; Mohammed-Amin, Rozhen Kamal; Olawole, Olukunle Charles; Oluseyi, Temilola; Orfila, Caroline; Ossola, Alessandro; Pfeifer, Marion; Pridmore, Tony; Rijal, Moti L.; Rega-Brodsky, Christine C.; Robertson, Ian D.; Rogers, Christopher D. F.; Rougé, Charles; Rumaney, Maryam B.; Seeletso, Mmabaledi K.; Shaqura, Mohammed Z.; Suresh, L. M.; Sweeting, Martin N.; Taylor Buck, Nick; Ukwuru, M. U.; Verbeek, Thomas; Voss, Hinrich; Wadud, Zia; Wang, Xinjun; Winn, Neil; Dallimer, Martin
Robotics and autonomous systems are reshaping the world, changing healthcare, food production and biodiversity management. While they will play a fundamental role in delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals, associated opportunities and threats are yet to be considered systematically. We report on a horizon scan evaluating robotics and autonomous systems impact on all Sustainable Development Goals, involving 102 experts from around the world. Robotics and autonomous systems are likely to transform how the Sustainable Development Goals are achieved, through replacing and supporting human activities, fostering innovation, enhancing remote access and improving monitoring. Emerging threats relate to reinforcing inequalities, exacerbating environmental change, diverting resources from tried-and-tested solutions and reducing freedom and privacy through inadequate governance. Although predicting future impacts of robotics and autonomous systems on the Sustainable Development Goals is difficult, thoroughly examining technological developments early is essential to prevent unintended detrimental consequences. Additionally, robotics and autonomous systems should be considered explicitly when developing future iterations of the Sustainable Development Goals to avoid reversing progress or exacerbating inequalities.
Open Access
Mycomerge : fabrication of mycelium-based natural fiber reinforced composites on a rattan framework
(2022) Nguyen, Mai Thi; Solueva, Daniela; Spyridonos, Evgenia; Dahy, Hanaa
There is an essential need for a change in the way we build our physical environment. To prevent our ecosystems from collapsing, raising awareness of already available bio-based materials is vital. Mycelium, a living fungal organism, has the potential to replace conventional materials, having the ability to act as a binding agent of various natural fibers, such as hemp, flax, or other agricultural waste products. This study aims to showcase mycelium’s load-bearing capacities when reinforced with bio-based materials and specifically natural fibers, in an alternative merging design approach. Counteracting the usual fabrication techniques, the proposed design method aims to guide mycelium’s growth on a natural rattan framework that serves as a supportive structure for the mycelium substrate and its fiber reinforcement. The rattan skeleton is integrated into the finished composite product, where both components merge, forming a fully biodegradable unit. Using digital form-finding tools, the geometry of a compressive structure is computed. The occurring multi-layer biobased component can support a load beyond 20 times its own weight. An initial physical prototype in furniture scale is realized. Further applications in architectural scale are studied and proposed.
Open Access
Perceptions of building-integrated nature-based solutions by suppliers versus consumers in Egypt
(2024) Marzouk, Mai A.; Salheen, Mohamed A.; Fischer, Leonie K.
Can Building-Integrated Nature-based Solutions (BI-NbS) reach their full potential in the Global South? In the Egyptian context, BI-NbS are relatively new with an identified gap between the high potential in theory and low implementation rates in practice. To bridge this gap, the study conducts an in-depth investigation of BI-NbS market conditions to reveal the current trends in the residential buildings market in Egypt. It also identifies the gaps and overlaps in the perceptions of the suppliers and consumers of BI-NbS. Results reveal that the residential sector sales mainly target high-income groups yet very limited and dominated by rooftop systems. Suppliers advocate for high-tech systems over low-tech systems, whereas consumers prefer the latter. The perceptions of suppliers and consumers mostly align regarding the basic aspects such as the production and operation preferences as well as the anxieties and concerns about the relatively new BI-NbS in this regional context. However, they diverge in key aspects affecting market penetration such as implementation conditions, aims, and barriers. Accordingly, the study identified the gap between suppliers and consumers, and outlined recommendations, directed to suppliers and policymakers, for improved market development and local implementation of BI-NbS in emerging markets of the Global South, such as Egypt.
Open Access
Plants as inspiration for material-based sensing and actuation in soft robots and machines
(2023) Speck, Thomas; Cheng, Tiffany; Klimm, Frederike; Menges, Achim; Poppinga, Simon; Speck, Olga; Tahouni, Yasaman; Tauber, Falk; Thielen, Marc
Because plants are considered immobile, they remain underrepresented as concept generators for soft robots and soft machines. However, plants show a great variety of movements exclusively based on elastic deformation of regions within their moving organs. The absence of gliding parts, as found in the joints of vertebrates and insects, prevents stress concentration and attrition. Since plants have no central control unit (brain), stimulus-sensing, decision-making and reaction usually take place noncentrally in the hierarchically structured materials systems of the moving organs, in what can be regarded as an example of physical intelligence. These characteristics make plants interesting models for a new group of soft robots and soft machines that differ fundamentally from those inspired by animals. The potential of such plant-inspired soft robots and machines is shown in six examples and is illustrated by examples applied in architecture and medicine.
Open Access
Rubble Works: Einsatz digitaler Technologien für das Planen und Bauen mit gemischten mineralischen Bau- und Abbruchabfällen
(Stuttgart : ICD Universität Stuttgart, 2025) Svatoš-Ražnjević, Hana; Wyller, Maria; Schad, Eva; Menges, Achim
Dieser Bericht stellt die Ergebnisse des Forschungsprojekts Robots//Reuse vor, das von der Forschungsinitiative Zukunft Bau gefördert wurde. In diesem Forschungsprojekt untersuchten David Chipperfield Architects Berlin und das Institut für Computerbasiertes Entwerfen und Baufertigung an der Universität Stuttgart die Wiederverwendung von Bauschutt, indem sie untersuchten, wie Material, Techniken und digitale Technologien kombiniert werden können, um Bau- und Abbruchabfälle für die zeitgenössische Architektur relevant zu machen. Bau- und Abbruchabfälle (CDW) sind Europas größter Abfallstrom und ein erhebliches globales Problem. Trotz des zunehmenden Interesses und Engagements für die Materialgruppe findet sie nicht in ausreichendem Maße ihren Weg zurück in die Architektur. Die derzeit am weitesten verbreitete Recyclingpraxis für Bauschutt ist die Zerkleinerung zu sekundären Zuschlagstoffen. Um eine zirkuläre Nutzung von Baumaterialien zu erreichen, müssen sowohl kosten- und zeiteffiziente Technologien entwickelt werden, die eine Wiederverwendung ermöglichen, als auch eine architektonische Ästhetik, die Nutzer, Investoren und Architekten dazu veranlasst, mit diesen Materialien zu bauen. In der Vergangenheit war die Wiederverwendung von Baumaterialien gängige Praxis, und viele anerkannte Architekturprojekte wurden z. B. aus wiederverwendetem Holz, Stein und Ziegel gebaut. Diese Projekte zeigen sowohl das große als auch das vielfältige ästhetische Potenzial der Wiederverwendung. Allen gemeinsam ist jedoch die Abhängigkeit von der manuellen Verarbeitung. Erfahrene Handwerker und Handwerkerinnen wählten gefundene oder übernommene Bauteile und Elemente aus, passten sie an und setzten sie sorgfältig in die neue Architektur ein. Heute übersteigt das Ausmaß der Massenproduktion und des CDW-Problems das Ausmaß, in dem eine Handwerkerin oder Handwerker arbeitet. Die hohen Kosten, die mit der Verarbeitung nicht standardisierter und unregelmäßiger Materialien verbunden sind, sind neben den Hindernissen in Bezug auf die Materialqualität, die Bauvorschriften und der Logistik eine der größten Barrieren für die Wiederver-wendung von Bauabfall in der Architektur. Die neuesten Fortschritte im Bereich der Robotik und des Scannens ermöglichen es jedoch, die Technik vom manuellen Aufwand zu entkoppeln und neue Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten zu eröffnen. Die Entwicklung der Fertigung - von der traditionellen handwerklichen Produktion zur Massenproduktion und dann zur individuellen Massenfertigung -weist auf eine Zukunft der flexiblen Automatisierung hin. Hierwerden komplexe Fertigungs- und Montageprozesse mit nichtstandardisierten Materialien in Bezug auf Zeit, Kosten und Energieverbrauch ebenso effizient sein wie die Herstellung neuer Materialien. Nebender Automatisierung bestehender Verfahren bieten digitale Technologien auch die Chance, völlig neue Verfahren zu entwickeln. Zwar wurde das Potenzial der Verknüpfung von CDW mit neuen Gebäudetechnologien bereits in anderen Forschungsprojekten untersucht, doch scheint es im Vergleich zu den großen Mengen dieser Art von Abfällen wenig Forschung zu geben. Ziel des Projektes ist es, durch die Kombination von Fachwissen aus Praxis und Wissenschaft zu erforschen, wie eine Synergie zwischen Material, Werkzeugen und Ästhetik im Lichte von vier übergreifenden Forschungsfragen erreicht werden kann: Wo liegen die derzeitigen Grenzen computergestützter Design- und digitaler Fabrikationsprozesse, die zur Verarbeitung und Montage nicht standardisierter Baumaterialien eingesetzt werden? Welche digitalen Entwurfsprozesse könnten für das Bauen mit wiederverwendeten Baumaterialien geeignet sein? Wie kann der Einsatz computergestützter Design- und digitaler Fabrikationsmethoden die Wiederverwendung von Baumaterialien für Architekten, Unternehmen und Nutzer in Bezug auf Ästhetik, Skalierbarkeit und Effizienz attraktiv machen? Wie können wir die Lücke zwischen des architektonischen Entwurfsprozesses und der aktuellen akademischen Forschung zur Wiederverwendung von Baumaterialien schließen? Inspiriert von traditionellen Handwerksmethoden und neuen Technologien haben wir die Forschungsfragen und neue Möglichkeiten für die Gestaltung mit wiederverwendeten Materialien sowohl auf theoretischer als auch auf praktischer Ebene untersucht. Das Projekt gliederte sich in eine historische Vorstudie zur Wiederverwendung in der Architektur und eine Fallstudie, die sich spezifisch auf Schutt konzentrierte. Mithilfe von Methoden, die von der Analyse traditioneller und zeitgenössischer Wiederverwendung und mauerwerksbezogener Techniken bis hin zur Materialklassifizierung und Prototyping reichen, entwickelten wir verschiedene Ansätze, wie man über Schutt nachdenken, mit ihm umgehen und ihn gestalten kann. Eine Richtung, Jammed Rubble, wurde zusammen mit Konzepten für die robotergestützte Platzierung und Schüttung von Schutt eingehend erforscht. Bei dem Projekt handelt es sich um ein konzeptionelles Grundlagenforschungsprojekt, das zwar nicht die Entwicklung fertiger Lösungen, zertifizierbarer Bausysteme oder kompletter robotergestützter Arbeitsabläufe zum Ziel hat, jedoch einen Ausgangspunkt für die Wiederentdeckung des Potenzials der Wiederverwendung von wiedergewonnenen Materialien mithilfe digitaler Werkzeuge bietet. Das Gesamtergebnis des Projekts ist eine Reihe von Arbeiten - Rubble Works, die keine endgültige Lösung für die Herausforderungen von Schutt bieten, sondern einen Ausgangspunkt für die Wiederentdeckung ihres Potenzials darstellen.