rethinking design - Spatial Design@Massey

The Habitat 2020 building is envisioned for China, and radically alters our perception of a structureʼs surface. Theexterior has been designed as a living skin, rather than a system of inert materials used only for construction andprotection. The skin behaves like a membrane, which serves as a connection between the exterior and interior of thehabitat. Alternatively, the skin may be considered as the leaf surface having several stomata, cellular openingsinvolved in gaseous exchange and transpiration in plants.Phillips Design ProbesThe surface would allow the entry of light, air and water into the housing. It would automatically position itselfaccording to the sunlight and let in light; thus electricity for lighting would not be needed during the day. The air andwind would be channelled into the building and filtered to provide clean air and natural air-conditioning. The active skinwould be capable of rainwater harvesting where water would be purified, filtered, used and recycled. The skin couldeven absorb moisture from the air. The waste produced would be converted into biogas energy that could be put todiverse uses in the habitat.(Http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/07/09/habitat-2020-off-the-grid, July 9, 2008)