S.ARCH 2021

The 8th International Conference on Architecture and Built Environment with Architecture AWARDs

A DATA-DRIVEN HYBRID LANDSCAPE INFRASTRUCTURE – Sara PEZESHK, Shahin VASSIGH

Topic: T5 Built Environment

Abstract

This paper describes a solution to protect the coastal areas from the impacts of climate change

including rising sea levels, extensive coastal erosion, frequent flooding, and depopulation of

marine species. The paper presents a project that provides a sustainable approach for the

design of a protective modular system to create resilient shorelines using digital technology,

sustainable material, and innovative manufacturing technique. The aim is not only to control

coastline erosion but also to collect sediment, filter stormwater runoff, and increase

biodiversity.

The methodology used for developing the module in the data-driven hybrid landscape

infrastructure is based on an algorithmic workflow inspired by the inherent code of nature. In

addition, it uses collected multilayer environmental data sets and climate data, including wind

velocity, water turbidity levels, and solar radiation.

During the project development, several prototypes were produced using additive and

subtractive manufacturing methods. The material selection is prioritized, in order to minimize

greenhouse gas emissions and improve marine life habitat. The composition will be evaluated

for its performance against wind and water forces as well as its overall effect on the existing

marine wildlife ecosystem.

Keywords: Data-driven Landscape, Algorithmic workflows, Robotic fabrication, and Resilient Infrastructure