The Bartlett
Summer Show 2022
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Mealworm Tower

Project details

Programme
Unit Unit 6
Year 4

In the current emergency climate crisis that the UK as well as the whole world faces, it is imperative that radical changes in the way buildings are designed and where materials and foods are sourced from are carefully considered. Cultural theorist Charles Jencks argued that architecture should make a healthier human environment, raising an interesting conversation about whether a building can not only just be considerate of its neighbours, but also provide for and nurture them. Considerate architecture is a common sight, but not many contribute to their local and wider community through energy production or providing public spaces that are safe yet exciting.

Similar to how a caterpillar morphs into a butterfly in a lifespan yet has evolved into the plethora of species we see today; architecture too should be able to adapt to suit different occupational uses within a generation but have the capacity to adapt for future climates or even species of occupants. The Grimshaw Architects designed building used as a cadaver for the project serves as a prototype for this reuse style of architecture, where its previous use has become obsolete in its current context.

Programme Section Schematic

The loops and connections between the programme elements are condensed into four main sections: biogas generator, biopolymer growing and manufacture, insulation growing and manufacture, and manufacturing the 'chitoslab' itself.

Rearing a Biopolymer

Mealworms are able to digest polystyrene without any adverse effect to their health, which leads to the concept of a closed loop biopolymer. By mixing other compounds into the plastic, it can become a bioluminescent and air filtering material.

Chitoslab Application

The whole building can be constructed using only ten bespoke moulds which are repeated, connected, and finished inside. The gaps between joints act as service channels for electricity or light-weight ventilation ducts.

Mealworm Farm

This room of birth and rebirth within the modules reflects the clinical white interior of a hospital. The forest of modules is connected to a ventilation system that extracts carbon dioxide from the farm and distributes it to the hemp farm.

The New Epoch

If humans were to vanish from existence, the building will decay from weathering. Eventually, the 'chitoslab' will collapse and rot into a compost that will provide sustenance for plants and trees to take over and rewild.

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The Bartlett
Summer Show 2022
01 – 16 July 2022
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