Modularity / Hives and Cells
If we look at organisms like bees and wasps whose populations grow rapidly in hives, we can incorporate features of their natural modularity (hexagonal units for honeycombs) to improve building resilience during significant changes in capacity demands. The same goes for plant cells that allow plants to grow rapidly in response to plentiful nutrients.
Passive Gaseous Exchange / Stomata
I’m curious if buildings can utilize some form of permeable membranes or filtration in the building envelope to resemble stomata in plants, which are the tiny pores in plant tissue that allow for gas exchange. Architectural respiration systems that resemble plants could be the solution to many energy-related challenges.
Read more: https://www.prototypesforhumanity.com/project/stomata-space-architecture-as-a-respiratory-system-2/
Demand Side Management / Hibernation
Can the building dramatically reduce its energy demand when capacity is very low, perhaps on the weekends, WFH days, or during pandemics? Similar to how bears hibernate in response to lack of food in winter months.
Read more: https://www.carbonxgen.com/portfolio/building-hibernation-and-covid-19-response-guide/
Passive Vertical Water Pumping / Xylem
Can buildings utilize natural gradients to move mass and energy? Similar to how the xylem transports water up to the top of the plant due to transpiration.
The science behind xylem flow: https://organismalbio.biosci.gatech.edu/nutrition-transport-and-homeostasis/plant-transport-processes-i/
Other Ideas:
Geothermal Heating & Cooling - Tree Roots