Requested research

Literature review: Analyze global examples and strategies of integrated nature-based solutions in low-cost housing across different climatic, hazardous, and socio-economic contexts.

Design and structural analysis: Design, develop, and analyze housing concepts that incorporate nature-based solutions, with a focus on structural performance in pre- and post-disaster settings.

For architects: Explore spatial designs and strategic construction approaches for low-cost housing that integrate nature-based solutions in hazardous contexts.

For engineers: Define parameters, structural requirements, and practical rules of thumb for technically integrating nature-based solutions into houses that are resistant to floods, cyclones, and earthquakes.

Background: nature-based solutions

Nature-based solutions are approaches that are inspired and supported by natural systems. They are cost-effective, provide simultaneous environmental, social, and economic benefits, and strengthen resilience. By working with nature to address societal challenges, these solutions benefit both human well-being and biodiversity.

Applications may include:

• Design nature in: Using natural materials and ecologically sound construction methods, and incorporating farming systems to grow food as part of the housing structure.
  
  

• Design water in: Creating closed-loop systems for rainwater harvesting, greywater filtering, aquaponics, and crop irrigation.
  
  

• Design energy in: Applying and integrating natural strategies for cooling, heating, and ventilation.

All these elements must be integrated into housing designs through close collaboration between designers and engineers, ensuring an optimal balance between usability, functionality, and structural integrity.

Further action

This assignment is ideally suited for at least two participants, including a (product) designer or architect, and a civil, environmental, or structural engineer.

Interested? For more information or to set up a meeting, possibly as a final-year thesis opportunity, send us an email. We’d be happy to discuss how you can contribute meaningfully and gain valuable lab and research experience.