Design Research - MArch Thesis 2024

The Urban Biome

The Urban Biome project is comprised of two elements: Firstly, the environmental philosophy and theoretical implications, and secondly, the application of this philosophy in sustainable infrastructure in response to humanitarian disaster as both a short term reaction and a method to improve the long term resilience of the areas.

The Urban Biome was originally written as a Masters of Architecture Thesis in 2023/4

Part 1: The Urban Biome

Overview

This Thesis explores the function of natural spaces in the support and recovery of people and communities from post-disaster trauma within the urban environment. Through the application of the urban biome theory, this Thesis examines strategies through which nature can be integrated within the urban fabric to ensure the symbiotic human-nature relationship is retained.

Research has shown that in impacted spaces such as the post-disaster environment of Kahramanmaras, Türkiye even a small quantity of natural space and a minimum exposure to natural space of approximately 120 minutes a week can have a significant positive effect upon individuals’ recovery and community restoration. It was noted that where there was a complete absence of natural space, there was a notable rise in trauma and loss in communal support networks.

This Thesis proposes that access to nature is essential for recovery from trauma and development of communities. It postulates that, through the reconsideration of the city as an urban biome and by reconnecting the natural world and the human realm, there can be a significant improvement in the human and natural condition found within post-disaster environments

To Read the full Thesis, Please click here for a full PDF copy.

Urban Design + Architecture

Part 2.1: Integrating the Urban Biome

Integration through all scales of construction and times, from directly post disaster to long term urban regeneration and infrastructure.

Architecture

Part 2.2: Resilient infrastructure and community spaces

Proposal for a more resilient and sustainable local infrastructure. Through the use of planters to produce food, produce water through natural filtration and distilation and produce electricity through biomess generators, the seismically safe structure proposes to act as a support pillar for the local community in times of disaster.