Designing ecology. The organic as a possible paradigm of a sustainable and resilient architecture

Authors

  • Beatrice Balducci Politecnico di Milano (Italy)
  • Francesco Camilli Umeå University School of Architecture (Sweden)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/1172022

Keywords:

organic materials, ecological dynamics, sustainability, vernacular architecture, experimental research

Abstract

The integration of the organic dimension can be a strategy to reduce the impact of architecture on the environment and appears relevant to addressing the climate crisis. Positioning in a wider discussion on the relationship between man and nature, the paper shows how it is possible to broaden the understanding of the ecology of architecture, on the one hand, by looking at how some vernacular building techniques establish a relationship with living organic materials, on the other hand, through advanced architectural experiments that investigate the inhomogeneous nature of wood in order to integrate it into the project. The goal is to propose the inclusion of the organic dimension in architecture not only as a material issue but as a cultural paradigm shift where the building, rather than as an inert artefact, is interpreted as a piece of a broader and more complex ecology.

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Author Biographies

Beatrice Balducci, Politecnico di Milano (Italy)

She is an Architect and PhD Candidate in Architectural, Urban and Interior Design at the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies. In her research, she investigates design possibilities and methodologies in preparation for natural disasters, focusing on the design of hybrid and adaptable spaces.
E-mail: beatrice.balducci@polimi.it

Francesco Camilli, Umeå University School of Architecture (Sweden)

Architect and PhD, he is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. He carries out research in the field of architectural theory, with particular attention to sustainability and the social, political and cultural aspects of space transformations.
E-mail: francesco.camilli@umu.se

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Published

30-06-2022

How to Cite

Balducci, B. and Camilli, F. (2022) “Designing ecology. The organic as a possible paradigm of a sustainable and resilient architecture”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 11(online), pp. 84–93. doi: 10.19229/2464-9309/1172022.

Issue

Section

Architecture | Essays & Viewpoint