Architecture as an energy factory: Pushing the envelope

Abstract

There is an increasing energy scarcity in global terms. Global energy production is, not taking dreams on account, stationary (International Energy Agency. World Energy Outlook 2011. ISBN:978-92-64-12413-4), while population demands are increasing. The centers for energy dissipation are today the cities. In the near future energy will be collected and used locally, instead in big producing centers. The proposal presented here has therefore a considerable impact in the way we must design our buildings and cities. There is an increasing need to gain self sufficiency in architecture and cities in order to move on from “cities that consume” to “cities that produce” The search for innovative alternatives is on, and includes the emerging technology of microalgae cultivated via photo-bioreactors. Architecture has become susceptible of taking on the role of a Bio-Factory for energy and food and other products. In this paper we develop a variety of proposals that involve introducing algae photo-bioreactors within architecture, which are capable of producing various amounts of bio-fuel and medicines, food and various other products, and that present an alternative to existing solar panels and photovoltaic cells.