Media appearances and popular science
Could termite tunnels inspire climate-smart buildings?
Swedish architect David Andreen seeks inspiration for new building techniques in termites, hoping to find less energy-intensive ways to regulate temperature in buildings.
Reuters reportage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvKWpXqrFlE
Termiter inspirerar till framtidens bostäder
I Lund arbetar ett forskarteam med att försöka skapa framtidens bostäder – inspirerade av termiter. – En av framtidens stora utmaningar är energianvändningen. Där har vi mycket att lära av termiterna, säger David Andréen, ansvarig för forskningen.
https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/skane/termiter-inspirerar-till-framtidens-bostader
https://www.svtplay.se/video/e36RVJL/lokala-nyheter-skane/ikvall-18-33
2023-10-18
No A/C? No problem, if buildings copy networked tunnels of termite mounds
The mounds that certain species of termites build above their nests have long been considered to be a kind of built-in natural climate control—an approach that has intrigued architects and engineers keen to design greener, more energy-efficient…
Full article on Arstechnica's website
2023-05-26
Termites could inspire energy efficient air conditioning
Quirks and Quarks with Bob McDonald, CBC Radio
A new study has closely mapped air circulation in termite mounds to see if there are lessons to be learned for human building practices. Termite mounds are usually found in hot, dry environments but must maintain steady temperatures and humidity on the inside through natural air flow. David Andreen, a senior lecturer in architecture at Lund University in Sweden hopes termite mounds will show the way to more comfortable buildings without using environmentally and economically expensive air conditioning. His study was published in Frontiers in Materials.
2023-06-10
Les termites, champions de l’optimisation thermique
Architectes autodidactes depuis des millions d’années, les termites ont développé des méthodes de construction à l'épreuve des températures extrêmes.
Full article on La Recherche's website (in French)
2023-06-29
Arquitectura viva: las termitas inspiran los edificios del futuro
En el mundo existen aproximadamente unas 2.000 especies de termitas, algunas de las cuales son conocidas por sus genuinas dotes de ingenieras.
Full article on National Geographic's website (in Spanish)
2023-06-01
Termite mounds may one day inspire 'living, breathing' architecture
Termites are often thought to be structural pests, but two researchers have taken a slightly contrarian viewpoint.
Full article on Popular Science's website
2023-05-29
Termite mounds reveal secret to creating ‘living and breathing’ buildings that use less energy
By Mischa Dijkstra, Frontiers science writer Macrotermes termite mound in Namibia. Image credit: D. Andréen Scientists studied the ‘egress complex’ of Macrotermes michaelseni termites from Namibia, which appears to promote moisture regulation an…
Full article on Frontiers Blog's website
2023-05-26
Swedish architects use 3d printing technology to develop novel 'Meristem Wall'
The architecture sector has combined functionality and aesthetics once more with the 3D printing of an innovative new wall using additive manufacturing technology developed by Voxeljet.
Designed by Swedish architects David Andreen and Ana Goidea, the Meristem Wall is...
Full article on the website of 3d Printing Industry
2021-12-09
(Not) Just another print of a wall
3D printing’s integration into architecture is no longer a novelty. The advantages that additive manufacturing offers architects are also widely known. Complex geometries can be realized more easily, costs can be saved, and functionalities can be integrated directly into designs and construction plans.
This integration of functions, however, can be taken even further. The Meristem Wall, a project at Lund University led by two Swedish innovative architects David Andreen and Ana Goidea, takes functionality to a new level without compromising on aesthetics.
Full article on Voxeljet's website