Please add to our community thinking by posting a few inspirational analogies of your own between the systems that you typically find in biological organisms and similar systems that we often (or should) find in buildings.
Think creatively about all the systems and features that allow creatures to survive, thrive, and adapt to their environments!
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There are parallels between biological analogies and architectural systems in terms of structure, architecture, operation, design, mechanical systems. As an engineer hoping to be have some elements of architecture and design after this course, I see the similarities of how to create physical environments that are resilient and sustainable by comprehending the facts, rules and principals of biological processes. Although an HVAC system is a mechanical device intended to control indoor air quality, the human body is a sophisticated biological system with extraordinary flexibility and self-control. But comparing the two systems can make it clearer how crucial it is to balance, efficiency, and comfort in both built and natural environment. The following are some instances of biological analogs for building systems:
Functionality | HVAC System | Human Body |
This system has controls for interior temperature by adjusting air temperature as necessary. | While the human body controls body temperature through cooling (sweating) and warming (shivering) mechanisms. | |
Regulates humidity to keep people comfortable and avoid problems with moisture. | Uses processes like respiration and sweating to regulate the amount of humidity inside the body. | |
To maintain interior air quality, clean, filtered air is distributed throughout the structure. | Comparable to air circulation, the body transports oxygen-rich blood to tissues and organs. Also discussed on 1.0..A Welcome to 120/220B Class Overview video one can think about their breathing system including the way that we get fresh air into our system and then we exhaust all air so this is like an air handling unit - where our lungs are that unit that takes the air in and then it is going to be also distributed through our arteries the way that is distributed in a system through the ducts (Rodriquez, 2022, 1.0..A Welcome to 120/220B Class Overview, 3.47) | |
Uses ventilation, which is comparable to exhaling, to remove contaminants and stale air. | Removes waste and toxins through breathing, urine, and other physiological processes. | |
Components | Air conditioners, ventilation ducts, air filters, thermostats for temperature control, heat pumps or furnaces for heating, and air conditioners for cooling are examples of components. | The heart (pump), lungs (respiratory system), sweat glands (cooling system), and skin (temperature regulator) are some of the components. |
Control Systems | Managed by a thermostat or building automation system that keeps an eye on humidity, temperature, and air quality and modifies ventilation, heating, and cooling as necessary. Furthermore, the thermostat connects to both the condenser and the furnace, which houses the control board. The control board is the central nervous system. One remarkable aspect of human biology that functions without conscious thought is the central nervous system. All the equipment must cooperate with the HVAC system. A central nervous system is necessary for the effective cooling and heating of a house. Occasionally, a fried central nervous system necessitates replacing it. | Controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which responds to both internal and external stimuli to control involuntary processes including heart rate, breathing, and sweating. Reinforcing this point, as stated during discussion with Glenn Katz and Raman Voorthis, most creatures use the nervous system including a lot of sensors to detect what's going on and informs your on the health and status of the human system. (Voorhis, 2022, 1.0..A Welcome to 120/220B Class Overview, 5.09) |
Energy Efficiency | Energy-efficient HVAC systems maximize energy utilization and cut expenses by utilizing cutting-edge technologies like programmable thermostats, energy recovery ventilators, and variable-speed motors. | The body minimizes waste and inefficiencies by making effective use of the energy from food and oxygen to power metabolic processes and carry out bodily activities. |
Maintenance and Care | System needs routine maintenance to guarantee optimum performance, longevity, and efficiency. This maintenance includes duct cleaning, filter replacement, and system inspections. | The human body needs a healthy diet, regular exercise, rest, and medical attention to preserve health and wellbeing. Preventive treatment and regular checkups are also necessary to address any problems. |
Adaptability | With the use of intelligent building controls and automation system, HVAC systems can adjust to external circumstances and user preferences. | The physiological reactions of a process known as vasoconstriction, and thermoregulation allow the body to adapt to variations in temperature, humidity, and physical demands. |
Reference
Mission Air-condition Plumbing.; (2023). The case for a 21st-century battleship. Retrieved Jan 12, 2024, from https://www.missionac.com/blog/learn-ac-compare-to-human-body/