Bottom-up control begins at the molecular level through manipulation of the basic component, the nanobot. At the nanometer scale one will see convergent assembly lines generating nanobot components fueled by carbon split from CO2, and driven by carbon based nano-processors1. These self-replicating nanobots are chained together by nanotubes which simultaneously provide a way of transporting the newly formed nanobot parts. As the nanobots begin to emerge, their spatial orientation is mapped through a recursive Lindenmeyer System2.
After the nano-system develops into a structure quadrillions of nano-processors link, and the basic structural form becomes static. Top down control factors now begin to manipulate the basic form. The inhabitants can decide what kind of spaces are needed inside their dwelling. And if, over time, their needs change, the house can change as well. That brings us to the question of what the building becomes whenever no one is home. Does it still need to be a house?
The structure is inherently a-contextual while remaining site specific as it transforms to find the best solution for that particular place and time it inhabits. It takes shape based on precipitation, temperature, wind speed, and sun position3. If there is a heavy rain, the structure will deform into a capillary system with rivulets leading to a collection pit to collect rainwater. This capillary system would also allow for air and waste to pass through. Whenever the temperature changes, the surface area will adapt accordingly. If the temperature dips, then a surface will thicken to collect heat. The dwelling will also adjust to allow for other passive systems, such as solar heating, thermal mass effect, natural ventilation, direct evaporate cooling, and indirect evaporate cooling. The net result is a building that can exist in any environment through adaptation to present climatic conditions.
The third major factor in the formation of the structure involves a peer-to-peer connection with other structures. The dwelling can connect with other dwellings locally, regionally, and globally in order to obtain the optimum configuration. If one house works better than another, then that person can share that formation with everyone else on the network, and others can choose to upgrade using the information. This also provides a chance for urban planning. If the structures can share data, then they can work together to form whole neighborhoods, or even cities.
1 10-10 details of the nanobot systems are currently in 3dsmax production. Images of this work will be posted as they arrive
2 An operating Lindenmeyer System has been implemented in 3dsmax and the emerging forms are being evaluated for potential. It has not yet been possible to implement the L-System in Generative Components. Is it possible to develop an L-sys in that environment?
3 The parametric capabilities of Generative Components makes it a desirable place to explore climatic interaction with our form. Without an L-system in GC, we are attempting to recreate our form in that platform using exported point data as scaffolding. Currently the team is also working on creating a solar-path in Generative Components. Another possibility is the combination of an L-Systems script with a script that incorporates climatic conditions–this will enable our structure to grow naturally to the surrounding environment. Finally, how exactly will the remaining climate data be scripted?
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