Custer, Jordan (Minneapolis College of Art & Design)

Evolutionary Architecture


When did we become content with the world as destructive as it is?

This question has no easy answer. My green research project will strive to show how:

• Architectural design and engineering has hit a point of contentment and conformity when advancements in technology and technique have finally seemed to surpass our creative drive.



• One time costs using improved building techniques and materials ARE beneficial when considering the entire life of the structure and the community. Materials that serve multiple purposes cut down on consumption.
  
  
• The realization that the current norms of architecture are seriously starting to have a negative impact on the ecology of an area and the ‘mental-patterns’ of its inhabitants. We are at a cultural hurdle where it is necessary to incorporate/utilize the existing ecosystems before we choke off too much of the earth and it disappears.
  
  
• We are subconsciously encouraging uniformity and not encouraging the public to expand their knowledge and imaginative potential with “cookie-cutter” architecture.
  
  
• We have the ability to utilize the building to assist in powering itself by harnessing the natural forces present around the structure. With serious energy problems on the horizon, why not prepare our buildings to adapt and respond by using different, cleaner, more abundant forms of energy. This will help avoid the dagger of a spike in energy costs.

Within my research, I have divided it into several sections:

EVOLUTIONARY ARCHITECTURE DOGMA

An in depth summary of Eugene Tsui's theory of revolutionizing design by taking lessons from nature. Evolution has had millions of years of refining and perfecting its forms and processes, we can learn from this.

COMPARATIVE CASE STUDIES

Comparing existing and conceptual buildings that implemented Evolutionary architecture against conventional structures of the same/similar purposes.

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILES

Discovering who is involved and would benefit most from this information, then creating profiles cataloging their priorities, incentives and ethics when it comes to designing.

PSYCHOLOGICAL/SOCIAL IMPACT OF ARCHITECTURE

A list of reasons why conventional architecture has subtle negative effects on our psyche, physical health, ant the ecology of the planet.

GENSLER'S RESPONSIBILITY

Gensler, Having global influence in the design community, has an opportunity that many design companies do not. This page will propose ideas that Gensler can implement to create truly unique, desirable and sustainable architecture.

So please continue on to the Flash portion of my post to learn more about how we can jump-start our design evolution once more.