Amphibious Envelope

Overview

Commissioned by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Jonathan Solomon for “Outside Design” and the 2015 Chicago Architecture Biennial and designed in partnership with Ali Brivanlou Lab at Rockefeller University, Amphibious Envelope is an experimental building façade system that re-imagines the insulated glazing unit as a living ecosystem. Combining living organisms, sensors, and a micro-HVAC system, Amphibious Envelope can self-regulate indoor oxygen levels, self-clean, and provide dynamic shading.