Off-campus UMass Amherst users: To download campus access theses, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your UMass Amherst user name and password.
Non-UMass Amherst users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this thesis through interlibrary loan.
Theses that have an embargo placed on them will not be available to anyone until the embargo expires.
Access Type
Open Access
Document Type
thesis
Degree Program
Architecture
Degree Type
Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
Year Degree Awarded
2012
Month Degree Awarded
May
Abstract
The relationship and connection between architecture and nature is one that has brought forth many questions, criticisms, and solutions. Today there is a new form of design that was introduced several years ago which requires modern man to look at the natural processes found in nature for inspiration. These processes have been around for decades but only recently has their true potential begun to emerge. The question is, can we take the philosophy behind natures living organisms and use them to aid in the development of mankind? We can and it is called Biomimicry.
This thesis will explore the natural processes found in two specific organisms, the Human Body and the Namaqua Chameleon. These processes will be used to influence the design and function of a medical research, manufacturing, and therapy facility that focuses on advanced robotic prosthetics. By mimicking a variety of elements from nature, the final composition will not only respond to the activities within the building, but also to the surrounding environment. It is intended for this building to relate to both Massachusetts General Hospital and the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. This project displays how Biomimicry can be used as an integrative architectural design component in order to achieve complete unity between the building, the users, and the environment.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/2820720
First Advisor
Kathleen R. Lugosch
Second Advisor
Stephen Schreiber