$100,000 Grant into Biophilic Spaces - The 4 Research Projects
The American Institute of Architects, (AIA), Upjohn Research Initiative has announced that $100,000 in research grants will be divided between four projects studying 3D printing, biodiversity and biophilic spaces. It will be judged using a double-blind peer review process and each project is expected to reach completion within an 18-month time period. Learn more about these research projects below:
The Impact of Biophilic Learning Spaces on Student Success
Led by Mary Anne Akers PhD (Morgan State University) and James Determan FAIA (Hord Coplan Macht), the study's goal is to provide 'evidence of the link between biophilic design and student success'. Researchers will study the correlation between incorporating natural elements into a learning space and enhanced cognitive performance.
Biophilic Architecture: Sustainable Materialisation of Microalgae Façades
Kyoung-Hee Kim, PhD (University of North Carolina at Charlotte), plans to study a microalgae façade, which is a 'sustainable building system based on the synthesis of bioclimatic, biomimicry and biophilic design approaches'. This will develop sustainable building practice further by creating alternatives to current building materials.
Biodiverse Built Environments: High-performance Passive Systems for Ecologic Resilience
Leading this project is Keith Van de Riet, PhD (University of Kansas). The team will be looking into developing the category of 'high-performance passive systems to include biodiversity as design criteria in both architectural and landscape structures'.
Tilt Print Lift - Concrete 3D Printing for Precast Assemblies
Wesley McGee and Tsz Yan Ng, both from the University of Michigan, will act as the principal investigators for this project. They will delve into the development of 3D concrete printing technologies and how they can be used to create prefabricated concrete panels for complex wall assemblies
