Environmental Architecture

Abstract

An unbalanced relationship currently exists between man and nature. However, humans are beginning to realize if this uneven relationship continues, it will mean the ultimate demise our world as we know it. This investigation seeks to produce architecture which is in balance with nature. To do this the architecture must act as a living system in diverse ecological environments. If architecture can organize as a living system it will no longer exist as an object on the landscape, rather the architecture will be experienced as an interrelated process essential to the functioning whole. When natural living processes and cultural and social processes combine, a truly environmental architecture may arise. To explore the idea of environmental architecture, a project is proposed as testing grounds. The Midway Thermal Laboratory and Interpretive Center is this project. The site is the Midway Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, WY. The results have produced architecture which is both interactive and responsive to its unique local environment. The architecture provides not only a functional lab space, but also allows the user to experience dynamic space in a dynamic environment.