Biokinetics by Drew Kauffman and Mani Karami

In their project Biokinetics, University of Florida School of Architecture M.Arch graduates Drew Kauffman and Mani Karami explore kinetic design systems as they apply to photobioreactor facade systems powered by algae growth. The duo, working under their project advisors Professor Lee-Su Huang (chair) and Professor Jason Alread (co-chair), experiment with a series of material studies to help create this new system.

They share, "With an emphasis on digital fabrication technologies including thermoforming, 3D printing, and CNC routing, Biokinetics advances the complementary disciplines of algae cultivation and facade design." Archinect connected with the two as they discuss the details of their research as well as their entrance into professional practice after graduating during a pandemic.

Archinect's Spotlight on 2020 Thesis Projects: 2020 has been an extraordinarily challenging year for architecture graduates. Students were displaced as schools shut down, academic communities had to adapt to a new virtual format, end-of-year celebrations were canceled or changed dramatically, and now these students are graduating into an extremely challenging employment market. To support the 2020 class we're launching a summer series of features highlighting the work of thesis students during this unique time of remote learning amid COVID-19. Be sure to follow our 2020 thesis tag to stay up to date as we release new project highlights.

Biokinetics is a project that utilizes kinetic design to optimize algae growth in a photobioreactor facade system [...] This project also incorporates a new photobioreactor module to improve the systemic aeration, circulation, and agitation of the algae culture.

Please describe your thesis.

Biokinetics is a project that utilizes kinetic design to optimize algae growth in a photobioreactor facade system. Select algae species are being developed in laboratory settings for use in products including medicine, food, and plastics. Depending on the species and growing conditions, algae can double in biomass every 24 to 48 hours while sequestering approximately twice their weight in CO2 from the atmosphere. Additionally, algae-derived biofuels allow a building to meet most of its own energy needs, making algae a valuable and versatile tool in the fight against climate change. 

Commercial algae strains typically grow best between 20 and 30° C, but Florida often exceeds these temperature constraints. In addition, Florida receives many times the amount of sunlight required to maximize algae growth. By integrating an automated, actively responsive microcontroller and actuator with a kinetic shading module based on the principles of origami, this system adapts to rapidly changing growing conditions.

Testing methodologies include a variety of material studies for both photobioreactor and shading module design. The shading system’s geometry, massing, and orientation is informed by tests run with DIVA, a daylighting and energy modeling plug-in for Rhino and Grasshopper. Empirical data is provided in real-time with integrated digital temperature sensors connected to Arduino microcontrollers, which control the shading system while also monitoring environmental conditions and system performance.

This project also incorporates a new photobioreactor module to improve the systemic aeration, circulation, and agitation of the algae culture. The basic module, comprising photobioreactor, structural, and shading layers, works in a vertical loop with water pumped to the top before circulating down by gravity. Because the system is modular, it can be scaled up or down to buildings of any size. Energy consumption is minimal, and because more than 99 percent of the water is recycled during the continuous, passive harvesting process, water consumption is also minimal. 

Although this project was designed to work in the Florida climate, its adaptability makes it well suited to a wide variety of climates. With an emphasis on digital fabrication technologies including thermoforming, 3D printing, and CNC routing, Biokinetics advances the complementary disciplines of algae cultivation and facade design.

How did your project change as studios transitioned to remote learning?

We began collaborating in April 2019, but most of the early research and discussions happened over the phone and by email. In the fall, Drew attended the University of Florida’s study abroad program in Vicenza, Italy while Mani continued his studies in Florida, and it wasn’t until January that we started working together in person. Because of this set up we were already well prepared to work separately when the university shut down in March. We were also fortunate in that we were able to complete the bulk of our physical fabrication before most businesses closed up at the end of March. We did have to scale down our physical model, but it would have been a different story if the pandemic had hit a month earlier. To minimize our exposure, we assembled the prototype during a marathon week, but we mostly relied on Zoom every day for the final two months.

Any tips for students as they continue to work on their thesis/final research projects?

Working collaboratively was the single best decision we made for our master’s research project. Picking the right faculty for our committee was a close second. We presented our research to the UF Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department early on in the process and received key feedback, and we also worked closely with Matrix Seating, a local thermoforming company, to ensure our photobioreactor fabrication was a success. We recommend surrounding yourself with faculty and professionals who complement your particular skillset, and if you can get them invested in and excited about your project, even better.

How architecture as a profession adapts to this challenge will indicate whether the industry can help solve looming issues like climate change.  

As recent graduates experiencing the direct effects of the pandemic, how do you feel about the architecture industry right now? 

We’re both ecstatic to have jobs. Still, we’re under no misconception that our personal stories are representative of the profession at large. The scope of the pandemic with 150,000 deaths (and counting) in the US and many millions unemployed, not to mention our nation’s long overdue reckoning with racism, is nearly beyond our ability to fathom. How architecture as a profession adapts to this challenge will indicate whether the industry can help solve looming issues like climate change.