Intrinsic Logic of Nature

Intrinsic Logic of Nature

The most exercised and famous system currently practiced in Western culture is the grid. The grid is a framework of spaces guided by parallel and perpendicular crossings. A less systematic design prominent in other cultures is the practice of the non-conforming, otherwise known as free-form which is encouraged by tradition and culture. Refugee housing that are built follow the grid system pose as being efficient to refugees. This system is desired by individuals who create them but not necessarily by those who will be living in them. Refugees settling in Uganda come from the free-form system and feel their displacement further in these housing systems. Although both systems have their respected pros and cons, a conformity of the pros for both would establish an effective housing prototype for refugees. The configuration that can achieve this is biomimicry is a design based off of the intrinsic logic of nature.

The pros of the recognizable grid framework is its ability to organize and evenly distribute massive amounts of content, making it extremely favorable in densely populated countries. Organized and even distribution promotes easy expansion, rapid production and an understandable layout to its users. Cons of this system besides being stifled in creativity are the limitations in flexibility and identity for the individual. Any growth or personal desires are altered to fit within the grid’s guidelines.

If the grid in this argument is the thesis, then the free-form behaves as the antithesis. Advantages of this design is the freedom and flexibility it strongly diffuses. As a result of this flexibleness, the identity of an individual, family, neighborhood and culture customizes their surroundings accordingly. Disadvantages of this approach is its difficulty in comprehension mainly to those who are not accustom. In addition, there is no standard construction. This creates difficulty in assembly and recreation of this design. Those who do not want to face these issues tend to adopt the grid system.       

One example you can take from nature is the shell of the armadillo. Using end points that are fixed on a rotating axis that fan out, a light, transportable and compactable housing prototype can be built. This vertical rotation structure can be made out of wood framing and any waterproof paneling. The overlaps of the panels are able to provide ventilation and prevent any water penetration.

Nature’s concept of being nested can promote a housing type with the same structure as the armadillo shell. Orthogonal in form and not as easily transportable, the house can be made out of plywood sheets or composite panels that can expand to the users needs. The overlap of the planes in this design provide the opportunity for multiple clearstories and ventilation.

Taking inspiration from the structure of a shell, a wood structure fixed on end points rotating horizontally can create another housing type in Uganda. This option could behave as a transportable unit or a base for a more permanent settlement that can be built off of. Panels here would allow for apertures to be punched through in the location and size as desired.

Analyzing nature on a micro scale, cellular blocks contributes to a housing option. Blocks of made out of clay or mud can be formed to create a desired shape such as a dome. This construction is systematical and comprehensible, allowing anybody to build it. Issues with the modular dome shape is that it does not provide any flexibility and that it would not allow proper ventilation and light due to the dependency of each block in the structure.

The use of nature’s material of rammed earth can establish a fast, reusable and lasting construction. As soon as compacted the forms can re-used. It would permit for a cheap and aesthetic solution. Although rammed earth would only be able to construct walls, a clearstory window can be constructed for efficient light and ventilation, topped off with a tin roof. This option of housing would be beneficial with South Sudanese refugees in Uganda since rammed earth and tin is plentiful in Uganda.