Ontology of Scent

Scent-driven architecture, emphasizing toolsets for design, VOC control, and the intangible

TEAM

Concept Design | Julia Brière

Laboratory | Hana Cvelbar + Julia Brière

Fabrication | Penn Ryan, Julia Brière + Hana Cvelbar

Computation | Satyam Gyanchandani

Photography by Julia Brière

ABOUT

This study centers on exploring scent integration in architecture, focusing on Saint Andrew’s Botanical Garden in Scotland. It aims to establish a methodological framework and toolset specifically tailored for scent-driven design applications. Understanding scent intricacies precedes leveraging its creative potential, highlighting the nascent stage of scent-related methodologies in parallel with conventional construction practices.

The project lays the groundwork for a comprehensive toolset enabling designers to grasp scent behavior and properties. Delving into Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), it categorizes them by origin, emphasizing their roles in scents, ecosystems, and potential health hazards indoors, necessitating stringent material design aligned with healthcare regulations. Recognizing the imperative of controlling VOC emissions from building materials, especially indoors, this underscores the need for refined design and manufacturing practices to address emission dynamics effectively.

01

Laboratory:

Bacterial + hydrogel exploration

BACTERIA

Streptomyces Coelicolor

The goal is to integrate S. coelicolor into architectural materials, creating a beneficial molecular atmosphere that influences human emotions or fosters a healthy environment that supports biodiversity.

This soil bacterium has a remarkable ability to emit odor molecules with a characteristic "earthy smell," produced by a compound called geosmin. In this study, S. coelicolor bacteria will be incorporated into the built environment as a scent-producing component.

HYDROGELS

Potential for novel design approaches

Hydrogel embedded in 3D printed structure

Hydrogels were chosen as the ideal material to host the bacteria due to their unique properties. These hydrophilic polymers do not dissolve in water but are capable of absorbing and retaining significant amounts of it, making them well-suited for supporting living organisms.

The fabrication process involved using a biocompatible compound that can absorb large quantities of water. A key feature of hydrogels is their ability to allow ions, such as calcium and salt ions, to move through their structure, eventually solidifying over time. Additionally, hydrogels are highly stretchable, a quality that was essential for achieving the weaving objectives of this project.

MATERIAL EXPLORATION

Optimizing hydrogel materiality for bacterial integration

The experiments include dehydration and hydration tests, biocompatibility assessments, extrusion trials, and other evaluations to thoroughly analyze the characteristics of the hydrogels.

CH-Na Alginate 3:4
0.5% acetic acid — CH-Na Alginate 3:4 0.5% acetic acid

CH-Na Alginate 4:7
0.5% acetic acid — CH-Na Alginate 4:7 0.5% acetic acid

CH-Na Alginate 4:7
0.2% acetic acid — CH-Na Alginate 4:7 0.2% acetic acid

Dried 4 days: CH-Na Alginate 3:4
0.5% acetic acid — Dried 4 days: CH-Na Alginate 3:4 0.5% acetic acid

Dried 7 days: CH-Na Alginate 3:4
0.5% acetic acid — Dried 7 days: CH-Na Alginate 3:4 0.5% acetic acid

Dried 8 weeks: CH-Na Alginate 3:4
0.5% acetic acid — Dried 8 weeks: CH-Na Alginate 3:4 0.5% acetic acid

Fabrication:

Weaving with hydrogels

02

FIBER EXSTRUSION

Developing fiber forms for weaving techniques

The goal of this phase was to create fibers suitable for weaving techniques, focusing on their flexibility and dynamic properties. Various fiber thicknesses were produced to determine the most effective form for fabrication. Fiber extrusion was initially performed manually and later through robotic fabrication.

The manual extrusion process, shown below, was not ideal as it resulted in irregular and non-homogeneous fibers. Subsequently, manual weaving was conducted on smaller-scale samples. This sample demonstrated better moisture retention compared to individual hydrogel fibers.

SCALING UP

Testing new methods + techniques

Manual hydrogel weaving was later performed on a bigger looms. Below loom of 15 cm by 15 cm was created.

S. COELICOLOR + HYDROGEL

Integrating bacteria into hydrogels

The purpose of embedding S. coelicolor was to release the odor compound geosmin, allowing scent intensity to vary with environmental and growth conditions. This integration enables design in the immaterial realm, engaging senses beyond sight to create a multi-sensory experience.

S. coelicolor in hydrogel weaved on 3D printed structure

03

Computation:

Voc,Cfd + vector fields

THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN

Enhancing the scent experience of microorganisms in urban landscapes

This area explores designing sensory spaces that use natural, biobased scents, guided by environmental data. The scent is generated by Streptomyces coelicolor bacteria, which thrive in natural environments. Because the scent produced by bacteria is intangible and lacks a standard design template, this research delves into advanced tools and workflows to address these challenges.

VOC simulation with multiple emitters dispersing through the interior of a vector field geometry

VOC simulation on vector geometry