Aqua-architecture as an autonomous system: metabolic components of the complete ecological cycle

Moscow Architectural Institute (State Academy), Department “Fundamentals of Architectural Design”, 107031 Rozhdestvenka st. 11/4, building 1. p. 4, Moscow, Russian Federation

^* Corresponding author: s.kizilova@markhi.ru

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of aqua-architecture’s key components, providing autonomous functioning of a floating structure as an artificial full-cycle ecosystem. The leading approach to the study is a systematic analysis of the stages maintaining the complete ecological cycle: production of primary products, energy storage, waste management and operation control. The analysis of each stage is accompanied by the examples of built and conceptual projects of architectural structures on the water from the world’s architectural practice. The research shows that it is necessary to include the production systems based on the usage of water resources at every stage. At the stage of primary products and water obtainment, it is advisable to provide aeroponic, aquaponic, hydroponic farms and water desalination plants. To obtain energy in the autonomous structure, it is necessary to organize floating solar farms, underwater hydropower and wind turbines. The disposal stage involves the installation of biogas facilities, hydro-botanical ponds and waste recycling systems. The fourth component of the full ecological cycle is smart management, the automation of which allows the whole system to function independently at any stage. Water resources can also be involved in transport and logistics processes as well as in microclimate maintenance. The materials of this study will be useful for further theoretical and practical developments in the field of eco-sustainable design in the extreme environments.