Fund a sustainable future: The Bio-Buildings Challenge

27 September 2023

Piotr Gierszewski

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Beacon for a Sustainable Future

The need for sustainable principles in architecture and engineering has never been more urgent, in a world grappling with the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation. Awe-inspiring marvels like the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower and the Burj Khalifa, stand as testaments to humanity’s relentless pursuit of innovation, technological advancement and architectural grandeur. But how do we channel this ingenuity towards a sustainable future?

Enter the Bio-Buildings Challenge. Our proposal for a new, ambitious challenge prize seeks to revolutionise public building design by integrating bio-fabricated components and nature-inspired systems.

Inspiration from Iconic Structures

From the Taj Mahal’s profound expression of love and grief to the Statue of Liberty’s symbol of freedom, architecture has the power to inspire and unite, whereas modern achievements such as the International Space Station serve as a reminder of humanity’s collaboration and cooperation toward a shared goal.

Architecture can have an equally powerful – and critical – impact in the context of the climate crisis. The Bio-Buildings Challenge seeks to embody the concept of generational collaboration by encouraging visionary designers, architects, scientists, and entrepreneurs to come together and create sustainable, living testaments to human ingenuity.

This ambitious challenge is envisioned as a £10m programme of challenge prizes incentivising the design of futuristic but functional public buildings that are made of bio-fabricated components and powered by nature. The winning designs will be the first-of-their-kind integration of natural materials and systems. At the heart of the Bio-Buildings Challenge lies the vision of carbon-negative buildings that actively contribute to environmental preservation. By absorbing carbon and providing essential services like shelter, water purification, and electricity generation, bio-buildings will be much more than conventional structures; they will be living ecosystems that nurture the planet.

Three Archetypes for a Sustainable Future

The proposed Bio-Buildings Challenge would unfold over three years, each focusing on different aspects of sustainability and our connection to nature.

Year One: Nature Connection

During the inaugural year, the challenge will concentrate on designing spaces that foster a deeper connection with the natural world. Leisure centres, community spaces, museums, and animal sanctuaries are among the potential projects that will offer serene environments for people to play, learn, and unwind while respecting and celebrating nature.

Year Two: Sustenance

Year two will embrace circular design principles, emphasising the creation of garden eateries that grow, brew, or prepare nutritious food and drinks for visitors. These spaces will serve as both sources of nourishment and examples of sustainable food systems.

Year Three: Regeneration

The final year of the challenge will explore regeneration, pushing the boundaries of architecture to create structures that treat waste and generate valuable resources like clean water and green electricity. These innovative designs will also offer essential services such as restrooms, mobile charging points, and eco-friendly lighting.

Natural Components: A Priority for a Sustainable Tomorrow

While the Bio-Buildings Challenge recognizes the need for some exceptions, such as electronics for research or safety, the emphasis will be on integrating natural components and systems into the designs. Whether it’s building structures with self-healing concrete, powering them with microbial fuel cells, or ventilating with natural wind and thermal buoyancy, bio-buildings will showcase the potential of bio-fabricated and nature-inspired solutions.

The Bio-Buildings Challenge represents a visionary endeavour that has the potential to revolutionise the future of architecture and construction. By embracing sustainable practices and harnessing the power of nature, these bio-buildings will serve as beacons of environmental consciousness and inspire future generations to cherish and preserve our planet just as the architects of ancient and modern marvels have done before us. Together, we can build a greener, cleaner, and more harmonious future for humanity and the Earth we call home.