The National Science Challenges were established in 2014 and aim to tackle the biggest science-based issues and opportunities facing New Zealand. The Challenges bring together the country’s top scientists to work collaboratively across disciplines, institutions and borders to achieve their objectives.
https://www.sftichallenge.govt.nz/our-research/projects/seed-projects/
Biomimetic buildings for climate change adaptation: future generation of facades
Dr Negin Imani Victoria University of Wellington2021 ($200,000)Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design
Buildings account for 40% of total global energy consumption. If they could adapt to their surrounding environment, this would reduce their energy use and contribute significantly to climate change mitigation. A building façade that mimics biological adaptation (Bio-ABF) would have the ability to adapt to variable climatic conditions. This would reduce total energy consumption. This project will develop a conceptual Bio-ABF framework using computer modelling based on plant thermal adaptation strategies.. It will then develop a computational technique to evaluate the energy performance of the exterior of the building. The digital module will be tested through a physical model.