Building Biology

BUILDING BIOLOGY & ECOLOGY

Homes or dwellings can be seen as organisms. The term third skin accurately describes the intimate relationship between humans and their living space. It vividly illustrates how closely we are interrelated with our living environment and also in how many ways we are dependent on it. We define building biology as the study of the holistic interrelationships between humans and their living environment. In the lack of bio-logic principles, housing needs could not be met sufficiently, thus building culture and art cannot improve itself, and housing becomes simpler, soulless and irresponsive. As a discipline building biology carries a cultural and biologic meaning, having a scope without limit, can rather be qualified as interdisciplinary.

In our days, we are spending 90% of our lives in closed artificial environments, or indoors that became the most important environs determining our health. Building biology, organizes inner spaces with the target of keeping us healthy. This approach, that can also be defined as ‘prudence for health risks’ prevails in communities where environmental consciousness is spread to the grass root level. Building biology requires designing a building that will not sicken us, instead of being obliged to treat a psychological or physiological illness caused by the building.

BUILDING BIOLOGY APPLICATIONS

Conceptually based on 25 principles building biology in its application considers sustainable building materials, acoustic insulation, human health oriented indoor climate, air quality, psychological compatibility, besides environmental health, energy efficiency and water cycles and geological suitability of the construction area. Besides architecture and interior design carried out within the mentioned context, building biology also includes inspections of present buildings using the Standard of Building Biology Testing Methods (SBM). All testing results, instruments and procedures are documented in a final written report. In case potential problems are identified, an effective remediation strategy is presented.

MAJOR ELEMENTS AFFECTING OUR HEALTH

Building materials and design

Furnitures

Electrical installation

Paints and polishing

Floor covering

Electrical home appliances

Building and insulation materials

Air conditioning and heating systems

The 25 guiding principles
of building biology

Building biology is about creating healthy, beautiful, and sustainable buildings in ecologically sound and socially connected communities. In the selection of materials and the design of living environments, ecological, economic, and social aspects are considered.

Healthy Indoor Air

Supply sufficient fresh air and reduce air pollutants and irritants

Avoid exposure to toxic molds, yeasts, and bacteria as well as dust and allergens

Use materials with a pleasant or neutral smell

Minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields and wireless radiation

Prefer radiant heat for heating

Thermal & Acoustic Comfort

Strive for a well-balanced ratio between thermal insulation and heat retention as well as indoor surface and air temperatures

Use humidity-buffering materials

Keep the moisture content of new construction as low as possible

Use natural, nontoxic materials with the least amount of radioactivity

Optimize room acoustics and control noise, including infrasound

Human-Based Design

Take harmonic proportion and form into consideration

Nurture the sensory perceptions of sight, hearing, smell, and touch

Maximize daylighting and choose flicker-free lighting sources and color schemes that closely match natural light

Base interior and furniture design on physiological and ergonomic findings

Promote regional building traditions and craftsmanship

Sustainable Environmental Performance

Minimize energy consumption and use renewable energy

Avoid causing environmental harm when building new or renovating

Conserve natural resources and protect plants and animals

Choose materials and life cycles with the best environmental performance, favoring regional building materials

Provide the best possible quality of drinking water

Socially Connected And Ecologically Sound Communities

Design the infrastructure for well-balanced mixed use: short distances to work, shopping, schools, public transit, essential services, and recreation

Create a living environment that meets human needs and protects the environment

Provide sufficient green space in rural and urban residential areas

Strengthen regional and local supply networks as well as self-sufficiency

Select building sites that are located away from sources of contamination, radiation, pollutants, and noise

* Bu sayfada yer alan yapı biyolojisi ve ekolojisi tanımı ve 25 temel ilke, Alman Yapı Biyolojisi ve Sürdürülebilirlik Enstitüsü'nün ortaya koyduğu yaklaşım ve içerik doğrultusunda And Akman tarafından Türkçe'ye çevirilerek Enstitümüzün kullanımına tahsis edilmiştir. Buradaki içeriğin birebir kullanılması durumunda Yapı Biyolojisi ve Ekolojisi Enstitüsü veya And Akman'nın kaynak gösterilmesi uygun olacaktır.