Waste in the Brick Industry
Research Manifesto for Odds and Mods (MIT) | In collaboration with Mara Diavolova
In the realm of brick manufacturing, understanding the factors and processes that contribute to brick waste, undervalued or excess stock, and "seconds" is crucial for optimizing production efficiency and sustainability. This research manifesto aims to identify the key elements in the manufacturing process that lead to these forms of waste and to examine other waste streams typically produced during brick production.
The manifesto also explores strategies to add value to waste bricks, enhancing their usefulness in architectural applications. Additionally, it will investigate potential factory and process improvements that could reduce the incidence of waste bricks from the outset, thereby promoting more sustainable manufacturing practices. By addressing these aspects, the research seeks to contribute to the development of more efficient and eco-friendly brick manufacturing methodologies..
Exploring the potential sustainable principles of Vernacular Architecture in large scale construction.
Dissertation in Architecture
The challenges of the 21st century where it is a time of dramatic changes on a social scale as well as a technological scale, sustainability ought to be given more importance. Vernacular principles have always respected nature and are climate conscious to a great extent. They reflect the culture and tradition of a community at large and are most importantly contextual. While preserving the local identity they have proved to be sustainable in all aspects. Vernacular buildings are the perfect example to see how architecture has evolved according to human needs creating an ecological balance. This paper aims at identifying and understanding the broad principles in traditional and vernacular architecture that can be incorporated by designers and architects across the globe while also integrating the onset of new
technology to create appropriate buildings that are suitable to a particular context.
In the course of this paper I have highlighted the importance of a composite type of construction through the case studies that have been chosen. The case studies are an example of how two different buildings are constructed under the same circumstances but yield different end products. In conclusion the importance of composite construction is highlighted. The idea is to attempt to develop a matrix or a set of guidelines that would cater to sustainable construction in the present-day scenario.
The Coffee Mug
Mapping out the life cycle of a ceramic coffee mug. Media: Ink on paper
Building with, and For Algae.
Algae Retrofitting in Architecture.
This research paper addresses the pivotal question of whether it is more environmentally and economically sustainable to design structures with a shorter lifespan or to create structures that are enduring and long lasting. Given the construction industry’s substantial contribution to the global carbon emissions, this study examines the economic, environmental, social and logistical aspects of these divergent strategies and explores ideas that can mitigate such issues. The paper underscores that it is imperative for structures to evolve into dynamic entities capable of adjusting to the changing environmental needs, challenging the conventional notion of rigid and unalterable buildings. This discussion extends to the integration of living materials, prompting considerations about the embodied carbon of such materials and whether repeated replacements equal or surpass the operational embodied carbon of structures. Focusing on the façade as a critical aesthetic and functional aspect of a building, the research proposes the idea of a living envelope that can act as a retrofit for existing buildings. Questions arise about the role of the façade in supporting building energy and embodied carbon, potentially extending the life span of the building. Retrofitting with natural and durable materials such as algae, emerges as a promising solution to enhance energy efficiency and create ecologically regenerative structures. Drawing on historical examples of retrofitting, the paper notes the measures taken by various institutions to increase and maintain the life cycles of structures, like forts and palaces. The discussion highlights the different types of retrofitting, including seismic strengthening, insulation, heating and cooling, influencing the choice of materials. Lastly, the research investigates and navigates through diverse facets of sustainable construction, advocating for a paradigm shift towards adaptable building practices. The exploration of living materials, retrofitting strategies and the historical context enriches the discourse on the construction industry’s role in mitigating climate change and its challenges. This paper aims to illustrate how a designer or maker can integrate these systems onto existing buildings and integrate these biological agencies into their design process. This paper serves as a list of case studies, and research from numerous journal and articles demonstrating the incorporation of emerging biological tools into current design methodologies. These examples shed light on the evolving landscape of design and how these methodologies may need to adapt to effectively harness the potential biology in the creative process.
