Rethinking To protect the beeline — ‘To Bee’ Design Challenge by UNI
To Bee or Not to Bee
It is a lesser-known fact that one-third of the world’s food production is dependent on bees. Bees are flying insects that are the most prominent pollinators in the wild. They are generally associated with the ability to produce honey, but this is done only by honey bees, which are just one of the 16,000 known species of bees.
The social species of bees live in hives that produce beeswax, royal jelly, pollen, and so on, for pollinating crops. Beekeeping for honey has been practiced since ancient times. Bee pollination is essential for not just ecology but the economic development of nations, and this has made apiaries or bee yards more popular.
But the population of bees has been declining in the last few years. The pace of disappearance is consistent with mass extinction and at this rate, many species may vanish within a few decades. This loss will pose a huge problem for humans, as it is estimated that if the bees go extinct, the human species can survive only four more years.
Can the realization of the impact of the loss of bees on humankind, change our approach to life?
Protecting and nurturing
The number of beehives has dropped by more than half of their original quantity. Natural causes such as parasites and invasive species aside, the major cause for their decline is human activities. Global warming, harmful pesticide use, and urbanization have affected the population of bees living in every part of the world.
Packs of bees, both domesticated and wild, are disappearing at an alarming rate. The issues of climate change and biodiversity loss are interconnected. The clustering of humans in dense cities has left no space for greenery to grow and thrive. Due to this loss of habitat, some bee colonies try to reside in human colonies but are seen as disruptions due to their swarming nature.
The commercial value of bees has pushed people to practice beekeeping, maintaining bee colonies in artificial hives. This production has ensured the survival of some species. But exploitation and improper construction of these hives can cause negative effects on the bee population in apiaries.
How can we preserve and nurture the remaining bee population through collective effort?
Brief of the competition
Apiaries are well-established businesses but their output must be monitored to ensure the well-being of the resident bee colonies.
Aside from financial gain, the role of apiaries in growing bee numbers in nature must be advocated.
Brief: Design a bee center that will focus on rehabilitating the dwindling population of bees.
In this facility, the bees will inhabit natural habitats recreated by humans, in semi-open enclosures. These habitats will be maintained with artificial technology, if and when needed. The bees will have the freedom to build their hives and produce at their own pace. The visitors will be able to interact with bees under supervision.
The center will aim to preserve, preach and spread awareness among the local population, regarding the loss of bees in wildlife. Sustainable strategies must be adopted to create a healthy environment for both the bees and the visitors. The center will be symbolic of the shift in preservation techniques where bees are enabled to grow and live naturally, with the least human intervention.
Design objectives
- Access — the segregation and integration of spaces must be strategic to ensure that no harm is caused to the bee population and human visitors, especially during their close interaction.
- Balance — the functionality, operations, and experience must be balanced for the inhabitants of the facility (bees and humans)
- Landmark — the aesthetic of the center must be able to attract visitors and promote bee cultures
- Sustainability — reduce the negative impact of design on the environment, by improving building performance, reducing waste, and ensuring comfort for occupants
- Context — the design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic, and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.
Site
The United States is home to about 4000 species of bees. North Carolina is a state in the US that harbors over 500 species of native bees. It has a humid, subtropical climate that is favorable for the production of crops like cucumber, apples, berry crops, and others, all of which are dependent on insect pollination. Honey bees are particularly important in the state.
The site is located in Asheville. The city has employed many sustainable and environmental initiatives to reduce emissions, pollution, and carbon footprint.
Surrounded by green pastures, forests, and lakes, the location would act as an ideal location for a bee nurturing center. It is also surrounded by other local industries such as wineries which would benefit from bee-manufactured products like honey and other pollinators.
Site area — 10,695 sqm
FAR — 1.0
Ground coverage — 50%
Height restrictions — 12 meters
Coordinates — 35°33'23.3"N 82°33'27.5"W
Area program
The programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design program.
Visitors centre: entrance gallery, information desks, lounge ~ 200 sq.m
Natural bee enclosure (urban farm) ~ 2000 sq.m + Viewing gallery/deck ~ 400 sq.m
Apiary: hive protection, production and cultivation ~ 800 sq.m
Research facility: laboratories, study areas, library ~ 1000 sq.m
Development cell: health facilities for bees, by-product extraction, etc.~ 600 sq.m
Product management: storage, treatment/filtration, packaging ~ 600 sq.m
Workshops: for promoting community bee-keeping ~ 600 sq.m
Public facilities ~ 800 sq.m
- Restaurant/cafeteria ~ 200 sq.m
- Open air theatre ~ 400 sq.m
- Market and shops ~ 200 sq.m
- Landscaping features like a green roof, terrace gardens, etc.
Administration: offices, meeting rooms, lounge, storage/archives, etc. ~ 200 sq.m Circulation (30% of built area), Services, and Parking
Originally published at https://uni.xyz.
Originally published at https://uni.xyz.
