Xerilith

Project details

Programme

Year 2

As climate change increases rainfall and temperature fluctuations, the static role of architectural boundaries becomes questionable. From protective dividers between the exterior and interior to spatial conditions that can host microenvironments, Xerilith aims to investigate the realm of hybrid spatial conditions by bridging computer-aided design and manufacturing through bio-integrated design strategies. Architecture should not simply be a wall but a point of contact between the exterior and interior where micro-climates can be shaped in architectural skins. This research critically assesses the three primary environmental factors of xeric environments: temperature, wind, and moisture. The project contextualises the research by exploring the concept of Xeric arcology in ‘the line’, located in Neom, Saudi Arabia.

Students

Computational Design

Computational Design Agenda

How can we optimise desert morphologies driven by environmental data?

Procedural Mapping

A series of fractal scripts were designed to interact with site forces such as the wind velocity and solar radiation derived through CFD analysis.

Solar Radiation Analysis on Bricks

Using solar radiation analysis to determine aperture sizes for brick modules.

Brick Design Iterations

Iterations were developed to enhance the performative interface of the brick through the use of crevices, protuberances and pores to establish controlled micro-climates in architectural skins.