Environmental analysis and ecosystemic design. Survey, critical issues and application solutions

Authors

  • Chiara Catalano Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
  • Andrea Balducci Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/11222022

Keywords:

biodiversity, architecture, project, nature, parametric design

Abstract

Fragmentation, environmental degradation, and habitat loss, due to urbanization and the consequent development of infrastructure, put a great deal of pressure on biological diversity and the functioning of ecosystems. In the coming decades, the ecological footprint of urban areas is set to increase, exacerbating the effect of climate change. In this context, urban development projects represent an excellent opportunity to experiment and implement new solutions which promote biodiversity. This work investigates, on the one hand, how aware designers are of solutions that aim to support biodiversity, and on the other hand, how spatial analysis and the adoption of parametric procedures can optimize cooperation between ecologists and designers from the early design stages.

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Author Biographies

Chiara Catalano, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

Architect and Urban Ecologist, she is a Researcher and a Member of the Green Space Development Research Group, where she carries out research on urban vegetation models and the implementation of green infrastructures. Her latest research project is aimed at the ecosystem design of the building envelope conceived as a habitat capable of hosting wild flora and fauna.
E-mail: cata@zhaw.ch

Andrea Balducci, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

Environmental Engineer, he holds an MSc in Environment and Natural Resources. He collaborated with the Green Space Development Research Group of the Institute of Natural Resources Sciences of the ZHAW and gained work experience during an internship at the green building company Hydroplant AG (Switzerland) and the studio Laura Gatti (Italy).
E-mail: andrea.balducci044@gmail.com

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Design approach and typologies evaluation (credit: Catalano and Balducci) – AGATHÓN 11_2022

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Published

30-06-2022

How to Cite

Catalano, C. and Balducci, A. (2022) “Environmental analysis and ecosystemic design. Survey, critical issues and application solutions”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 11(online), pp. 246–257. doi: 10.19229/2464-9309/11222022.

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Section

Architecture | Research & Experimentation