Exploration for Spatial Sustainability of Microalgae Façades Based on Mock-Up Cultivation Settings

Abstract

Microalgae are third-generation biomasses that can be used to extract bio-fuel with various advantages from an ecological perspective. In addition, since it is cultivated in an underwater space, it can be used as a microalgae culture space by using building facades. Architectural applications of microalgae are being carried out from various points of view in other countries such as America, Israel, and Germany. As a result, successful cases (such as Germany’s BIQ House) are emerging. However, research studies related to microalgae facade are mainly conducted in terms of culture environment and efficiency. The degree of inflow concerning external resources for a microalgae facade remains unclear. The question concerning how the environment of an indoor space where microalgae facade is installed could be changed is unclear too. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the impact of the space in which the microalgae facade was installed from the perspective of the lighting environment. This study also examined effects of creating a lighting environment compared to existing windows, applicable space, and supplementary points through mock-up tests on microalgae facade. As a result, it was found that the standard microalgae facade suggested by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) could inflow 22.7–41.3% of illumination compared to general windows. If the analysis result is compared with Korean Standard A 3011 (Normal), the microalgae facade can only be applied to spaces that do not have natural light such as ‘warehouses’ and ‘stairs’. Accordingly, it is concluded that if the microalgae facade is to be used creatively, the thickness should be thinner than the standard of patent to set the standard of comfort and consider the user’s comfort in the design stage.