UCL Discovery

Abstract

Parasitic architecture allows the creation of flexible structures that feed off existing infrastructure offering solid answers to the problem of structural density of cities and the need of temporary accommodations. Additionally, modular systems potentially provide forms with great complexity out of simplicity. This thesis investigates the evolution of self‐sustained parasitic structures that evolve by creating aggregation forms well adapted to their hosts. The growth process of the parasite is inspired by the fungal colonies and is based on the rules of the diffusion‐limited aggregation extended to support force analysis and maintain structural stability. The hypothesis is that the modular development of forms, capable to adapt to the built environment without affecting the stability of the existing infrastructure, provides easy and low‐cost solutions for extending and rejuvenating architectural space. Moreover, the natural growth process of diffusion-limited aggregation allows an endless evolution of additional spaces within a city in respect to the character of its landscape and human’s current needs. The final findings propose new ways of space perception and introduce a strategy for exploiting space.

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