New Book on Microalgae Building Design

M​icroalgae architecture has gained awareness for its biotechnical potential to achieve net-zero energy output? while also promoting ecological sustainability and occupant well-being. Microalgae Building Enclosures: Design and Engineering Principles, by Kyoung Hee Kim, provides design, engineering, and the biotechnical guidelines that need to be considered for symbiotic relations among the built environment, humans, and ecosystems.

Part I of the book introduces the theoretical background of microalgae as a bioremediator and future energy system and their potential roles toward sustainable and healthy built environments.

Part II exemplifies interventions and multiple benefits of microalgae systems in product, architecture, urban, and infrastructure applications across the globe including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and North America.

Part III explains the design and engineering criteria, biotechnical design requirements, and various performance metrics for this emerging architecture.

Finally, Part IV investigates potential construction applications in low-rise buildings, high-rise buildings, and energy-efficient retrofitting. The book also includes international case studies within various building types and climates.

As one of the first books to comprehensively cover this developing area, Microalgae Building Enclosures is a source for professionals and students looking to expand architectural discourse on nature integrated building systems to achieve the triple bottom line.

The author, Kyoung Hee Kim, PhD, AIA, NCARB, is a practicing architect, engineer, and entrepreneur. She is an Associate Professor of the School of Architecture and the Director of the Integrated Design Research Lab at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Kim, a registered architect in North Carolina, is the founder of Ecoclosure, a university spin-off, and a design principal at Hui Kim Design and Architecture (HK DnA) based in Charlotte, NC. As a facade consultant at Front Inc (2007–2017), Professor Kim engaged in over 50 institutional, cultural, residential, commercial, and governmental projects around the world.