Ecological Design NR 107

Design: What is it? Design is used to make plans or arrangements that help solve problems in our world We are all designers and use design everyday and in all parts of our life Design must be based on intent, what do want to accomplish? What kind of world do we intend to live in?

Ecological Design Based on ecology/biology Uses the living world as the matrix for design Follows the laws of nature Must be sustainable if we hope to sustain human life on this planet!

“Ecological Design: The design for human settlements and infrastructures that incorporates principles inherent in the natural world in order to sustain human populations over a long span of time. Adapts the wisdom and strategies of the natural world to human problems” -Nancy and John Todd

The New Alchemy Institute The New Alchemy Institute was a small group of people who were some of the first to develop, promote, and practice ecological design. Took on the challenge of creating a self sustainable community.

Agriculture Organic Farming Integrated Pest Management Crop rotation Composting Tree planting

Solar Algae Ponds 5ft x 5ft transparent tanks used to grow fish Extremely low energy input compared to other meat production Viable solution for protein production Also produced hydroponic vegetables

Education The natural world should be used as an outdoor classroom Out of the box, non-linear thinking must be promoted Must teach respect for the nature and ecological limits

Architecture Minimal ecological footprint Energy efficient Recycle materials Natural materials Integrate all aspects of our daily lives (school, work, play)

Living Machines Treat waste water naturally Use ecosystems self regulation process to remove harmful chemicals and bacteria Proven to work better than any current waste water treatment Many located all over the world including South Burlington

Technology Current technology is produced without any basic philosophy which has caused the development of many harmful products Instead technology should be developed to help promote environmental and human health

EcoVillage Communities designed around the principles of ecological design Beginning to develop all over the world Show potential for sustainability and excellent environmental and human health

Living Machine/Eco Machine

What are Living Machines? A different way of think about water treatment Designing with technologies that are not harmful or toxic to the environment Machines that uses different ecology systems to treat water

Primary Functions Treating municipal and industrial wastewater Restoring contaminated bodies of water Also can grow food, generate energy, clean the air, heat and cool buildings

Bring together all kingdoms of life Design Rule #1 Bring together all kingdoms of life

What does that mean? bacteria algae micro-organisms numerous species of plants and trees snails fish other living creatures

http://www.oceanarks.org/ecodesign/

http://www.oceanarks.org/ecodesign/

http://www.oceanarks.org/ecodesign/

http://www.oceanarks.org/ecodesign/

Eco-Cells

Eco-Restorers Employing low energy and cost effective methods of purifying wastewater, removing pollutants and digesting sludge Ideal for situations where little land is available or tourist attraction

Lake Restorers Large scale Ecologies on floating rafts treatment of waters and biological solids in ponds, lagoons (including wastewater treatment lagoons) and slow-moving water bodies, such as canals

Floating Platforms

City of Emmen Zoo, Netherlands

El Monte Sagrado Resort

The Living Roof Once installed, needs little or no maintenance Regenerates itself Protects against UV radiation, thermal shock, high winds and oxidation Blocks some ambient noise Natural cooling system Reduces heat loss from building in cold weather Absorbs carbon Dioxide & rain water

The Gap Remodeling Second most energy efficient building in the state of California Beats California’s energy requirements by 30% Living Roof Raised floor for air flow Many windows provide exceeding amount of natural lighting

Ford Motor Company Sky Lights to let in natural light during the day They are frosted to cut out glare and thermally insolated “Living Roof” roof of building covered with growing plants Longer roof life (at least twice as long) Wetlands to be habitat to birds and insects and to control runoff Mezzanines were designed to keep workers safely off the floor when walking from place to place. Phytoremediation was the process used to neutralize toxins in the soil.

The IBM Facility Two buildings that wrap around courtyard Many windows Upper levels have balconies, terraces, and gardens Water course from level to level

Ingredients in products are tested for carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, toxicity, etc. Also tested for health criteria such as: bioaccumulation, heavy metal content, and aquatic toxicity

Since design influences all aspects of our lives it Since design influences all aspects of our lives it has a great effect on the environment and human health Over Population Ecosystem Stability Oil Depletion Biodiversity Loss Waste removal Water Quality Food Security Mental health Physical health Malnutrition Spread of diseases