- Biophilic Mitosis: Regenerative Ecosystems By Parametric Design
- Mitosis creates regenerative ecosystems by a parametric design tool following biophilic and user-centric design principles.
- Project: Biophilic Mitosis
- Location:
- The Netherlands
- Architects:
- GG-Loop
- Design Team: Gianmarco Daniele, Chelsea Fu, Giacomo Garziano
- Typology:
- Housing
- Plot: 22,110m²
- Images: Hexapixel (Mitosis-XL), GG-Loop (Mitosis-XS)
Text excerpt from information provided by the architects
To bring regenerative collective habitation to all scales of development, Amsterdam architecture practice GG-loop, sharing the vision with Arup, is developing Mitosis: a modular building system created by a parametric design tool following biophilic and user-centric design principles. Mitosis creates regenerative ecosystems with a positive ecological footprint. It balances the technical benefits of an environmentally conscious construction with the qualities of an organic and healthy environment in which its residents coexist harmoniously. Mitosis generates urban clusters using prefabricated timber and bio-based modules that are cost-efficient and flexible in its construction.
Image © GG-loop with Hexapixel
With its biophilic design principles, Mitosis is applicable to diverse urban scales, ranging from off-grid single family detached houses to high density mixed-use urban developments. It generates experiential spaces that respect both the environment and its direct inhabitants, reconnecting both in a balanced ecosystem.
Informed by the influential Japanese Metabolism movement born in the 60’s, Mitosis explores how buildings can grow, evolve, heal and self-sustain, similar to human bodies, as well as use biological metaphors to design buildings capable of regeneration, resilience and self-sufficiency. With the parametric design tool, Mitosis is generated based on specific conditions and performance indicators, making it capable of extension and flexibility, with its framework of smaller components that can be added or replaced.
Image © GG-loop with Hexapixel
Bio-Based Materials
Wood remains one of nature’s most regenerative and adaptable materials that can be harvested. Because it stores CO2 rather than producing it, wood is one of the most environmentally friendly materials used for large scale constructions. Therefore, the urban clusters of Mitosis are made from prefabricated CLT, a type of composite wood material derived from advanced engineered timber, and other bio-based materials, such as natural fibres for insulation, wax and waterbased paint for coating, bio-resins for flooring. Depending on the scale of Mitosis, a hybrid construction consisting of CLT + concrete and steel can be adopted. Lightweight and easy to assemble, prefabricated timber speeds up construction time and reduces risks and worksite’s general impact on its surrounding. This solution translates also into cost efficiency.
Image © GG-loop with Hexapixel
Using natural materials in internal spaces, helps decrease occupant stress, contributes to a comfortable internal climate, and can reduce exposure to high vapour pressure indoors. 8 Mitosis not only considers the outdoor and indoor environmental quality, but also the logistics and suppliers. The materials for Mitosis are naturally sourced and certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Mitosis follows rating programs such as WELL Building Standard and Living Building Challenge. By consciously choosing materials that capture carbon and using resources more efficiently, Mitosis constructs a net-positive built environment that produces more energy than it consumes and uses resources in a circular way.
Image © GG-loop
Urban Fabric
Mitosis’ urban fabric references the typical Dutch city centers. Streets and canals following different grid systems generate corner buildings with irregular triangular shapes, which became a trademark of the Netherlands’ historical urbanism. Furthermore, the configuration and material of these wooden buildings affect its interior, generating flexible, comfortable and dynamic spaces.
Image © GG-loop
Form
The distinct shape of the individual modules is integral to the functionality of Mitosis. Each individual module has been shifted into a rhomboid shape. Stacking these modules creates large areas for shared outdoor living, with each unit having at least one terrace. The overall volumes and internal layouts are organized following specific internal and external conditions of the site.
Image © GG-loop with Hexapixel
Adaptibility
In order to determine the size of the model, the existing plot is first analysed, then the pedestrian and green paths within the area are calculated. The amount and typologies of dwellings and public functions are determined within the program and local regulations, as well as the maximum heights of the buildings and building index. Then a model is generated based on the calculation and simulation of parameters related to specific conditions of a given site. Based on these metrics, the model goes through an iterative process till the optimal solution is provided.
Image © GG-loop with Hexapixel
Scalability
Due to its flexible structure and grid formation, Mitosis is able to host a variety of typologies that is malleable and customizable to the resident’s needs. It is applicable to diverse urban scales, ranging from single family units to high density mixed-use urban clusters that incorporate public functions such as education, leisure, wellness and retail. The vertical connections are placed externally to connect the units and terraces, creating a continuous ribbon of outdoor ‘cloyster-like’ spaces, fostering a sense of openness, belonging, protection and privacy for residents.
Image © GG-loop with Hexapixel
Image © GG-loop
Mitosis takes into account the calculation and simulation of parameters related to specific conditions of a given site, such as solar radiation, wind impact, privacy, population density, common spaces index, and vertical connections.
GG-loop’s goal is to develop an architectural solution that “gives back” to the Planet and can serve as a benchmark for the real estate and urban development sector. Sharing the same vision as Arup, GG-Loop works to inspire and provide healthy sustainable living communities and net-positive impacts on ecology and society. By working with the natural environments rather than against it, the natural balance and health of the planet can be restored.
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