Evaluating Design using Lifes Principles

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to reflect and compare the designs made using the biomimetic
Life Principles. By using the guide, it can help better develop the design to be more sustainable and
viable. Each principle will be reviewed and consideration of modifications to the design to reflect more
LPs will also be looked upon.
Design Description: The design is a geothermal based circulatory system for the home. The main
functions are to regulate temperature and provide comfortable living conditions while reducing energy
consumption. Water will be pumped through a series of underground pipes, acting as the main source
for thermal-exchange. The water will then be circulated through a hydro membrane between the walls,
channeling any radiant heat away from the walls.
One page illustration:

Emily Simnam
07/30/15

MCAD MASD: Biomimetic Design

Assignment 9.1a

Life Principles

How it does reflect LP

How it does not

reflect LP

Recommended
Design Modification

LIFE ADAPTS AND EVOLVES

Locally Attuned and Responsive
(Runs on information)

Emily Simnam
07/30/15

The system will use

a computerized
program that tracks
daily temperature,
sun location and
seasons.
Work load will be
reflected on radiant
MCAD MASD: Biomimetic Design

Assignment 9.1a

Integrates Cyclic Processes

Resilient

intensity of the sun.

24 hr. cycle
Follows the seasons
of the year.
Cycles water
through the design
Uses weather data
Works more within
hotter areas
Maintains integrity
of the structure
from the
environment
Compensates for
certain areas of the
home that is in need

Redundant

Decentralized and Distributed

If water flow backed

up or low flow, no
way of reaching
areas
No back up system,
if design fails.
No secondary part
to compensate for
overloads.

Only one design

No variations of the
system
One purpose

Works with in each

wall.
Targets own space.
If one area needs
more help, then
other sides will
supply enough flow
to the area.

Diverse

Cross-pollination and Mutation

Feedback Loops

Emily Simnam
07/30/15

Create veins that

can reach to the
designated areas.
Malleable
membrane that can
create veins and
then retreat back
to normal.
Create back up
HVAC system

Include basic to
complex designs
Take into account
the type of home
Different materials

Constant research
and development
Include new
technology and
innovations
Develop with new
materials
Thermal sensors
indicating changes
in temperature
MCAD MASD: Biomimetic Design

Assignment 9.1a

Learns and Imitates

Antennae, Signal and Response

Tracks and
optimizes energy
consumption based
on daily readouts
Learns to prevent
temp. changes
learns where the
most heat will
appear during the
day
Preventative action
Changes flow
according to best
optimal levels
Thermal sensors
Water and pressure
levels
Blinking lights
indicating any
problems

Free Energy

Resourceful and Opportunistic

Simple Common Building

Blocks

Shape Rather than Material

Emily Simnam
07/30/15

Will have to use

generator to pump
water through the
system
Use homes
electricity

solar power
air pressure
(capillaries)
gravity

Use recycled
materials
Re-purposed
materials
Parts can be taken
apart and re-used
Walls and piping
will be made to snap
together and if one
piece is
malfunction/broken
then can easily
replace.
Self-cleaning inner
membrane
Simple joining
techniques
Geothermal piping
system will be
designed for optimal
thermal exchange
underground
MCAD MASD: Biomimetic Design

Assignment 9.1a

Cellular and Nested

Inner membrane
shape to circulate
water and retention
Geometric shaping
will provide a strong
structure and max.
storage
Standards and
design plans will
possess the same
components
Every worker will
have the same
training and
knowledge to
maintain the
system.

How it does reflect LP

Life Principles

How it does not

reflect LP

Recommended
Design Modification

LIFE CREATES CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO LIFE

Optimizing Rather than
Maximizing

Leveraging Interdependence

Emily Simnam
07/30/15

Like honey bees, the

system will optimize
its energy input and
needs according to the
needs of each area.
Increased water flow
between the walls will
appear in high areas of
heat
Circulation in other
areas will lower once it
reaches a balance
comfortable
temperature.
System will collect rain
water
Excess water in the
system will be fed
through a sprinkler
system feeding
necessary gardens or
MCAD MASD: Biomimetic Design

Assignment 9.1a

Using Benign Manufacturing

Using Multi-Functional Design

Fitting Form to Function

Recycling All Materials

Fostering Cooperative
Relationships

Self-Organizing

Using Life-Friendly Materials

Emily Simnam
07/30/15

plants
Water collected can be
used for other
household activities
Prefabricating sections
Modular pieces
Sustainable
manufacturing
Insulation, closed air
tight envelope
Filtration, water
membrane, mesh
Protection from
overheating, decaying
of materials
Wood, piping inner
membranes will be
recyclable.
Specialized vendors
will be contacted to
properly dispose or repurpose materials.
Water in the system
will not be
contaminated and can
be used for other
activities.
Working with energy
companies to offer
discounts
State and federal
incentives
Community outreach
Constant daily records
of changes
Preventative actions
Each individual section
will be aware of other
sections and work
accordingly to optimize
the system.
Plant-based wood
glues
Sustainable wood
sourcing
Non-lead piping
Natural polymers, silk
mesh
MCAD MASD: Biomimetic Design

Assignment 9.1a

Using Water-Based Chemistry

Using Self-Assembly

Adhesives will be plant

or soy based
Non-toxic solutions in
any manufacturing
portion of the design
Chemical compound
that easily break down
to simple components
and returned to nature.
-

Emily Simnam
07/30/15

Will have to
physically fix any
malfunctions or
issues
No self-healing
properties

MCAD MASD: Biomimetic Design

Will have to create

a white cell that
can heal and fix
any leakages or
breaks within the
inner walls.

Assignment 9.1a