| dc.description.abstract | Arcology is an approximately 30,000 square foot transit center located within the Ford Site redevelopment plan in St. Paul, MN. The core concept of the project lies in its incorporation of algae, a diverse group of water-based photosynthetic organisms, into the architectural framework. By exploring the vast potential of algae to provide energy, cleanse water, sequester CO2, and create a quilted mosaic of color, Arcology showcases a vision for the future of architecture that is both functionally, and quite literally, green. In this future, algae along with further research into biological sciences, help develop a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature. This relationship will allow healthy infrastructure to continually provide for the needs of an ever-changing planet and an evolving society. As the community around Arcology develops per the city plan, and the needs of its people change, the building will work together with a growing ecosystem to meet these needs and evolve with its context. In this vision, the architecture functions self-sufficiently, remaining within the resource limit of the site, and creating a positive impact on both the human, and natural systems with which it interacts. | en_US |
