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Building on the work of Baron Haussmann, who was responsible for the urban transformation of Paris between 1853 and 1870, architecture firm Vincent Callebaut Architectures presents a series of futuristic, biologically inspired architecture for the French capital...
Architects are harnessing the power of new artificial intelligence tools to create a collection of green " Haussmannian " buildings and biomimetic positive-energy structures called "Archibiotics." The resulting units are built from biological materials (such as rammed earth, bamboo, microalgae, mycelium, etc.) and are designed to produce their own energy and convert their own waste into resources in order to achieve the national goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Georges-Eugène Haussmann, also known as Baron Haussmann, was Prefect of the Seine from 1853 to 1870 and led the transformation of Paris during the Second Empire under Napoleon III, deepening the comprehensive renovation plan established by the Simeon Commission. After the cholera epidemic of 1832, Haussmann’s transformations focused on health and aimed to facilitate the flow of population, goods, air and water by launching a campaign called "Paris Beautified, Paris Expanded, Paris Sanitized". The " Haussmannian " buildings erected along the wide avenues of Paris are what gave the city the old, medieval face we know today.
Taking inspiration from Haussmann’s work, the architects at Vincent Callebaut Architecture continue to explore the concept of climate and energy solidarity using new artificial intelligence tools. French architects draw inspiration from existing buildings, as well as ecosystem feedback loops and biomimetics, to create a series of green, organic structures spread across Paris. Through a sensitive and contemporary dialogue that preserves the historical heritage of the French capital, the project creates islands of urban freshness by reviving nature, biodiversity and permaculture urban agriculture in the heart of the city.
Presented by Vincent Callebaut Architecture, these "Archibiotics" aim to massively integrate renewable energy into buildings constructed from bio-based materials such as cross-laminated timber, rammed earth, hemp concrete, solid structural stone, bamboo, microalgae, mycelium and straw. As mentioned earlier, these buildings are designed to generate their own energy and convert their own waste into resources.
The result is a successful symbiosis between man and nature, a futuristic, bio-inspired architecture based on the high technical level of French craftsmanship. "This desire to invent resilient urbanism, on a human scale, designed for Parisians and in consultation with Parisians, could be part of a new campaign called 'Resilient Paris, Green Paris, Paris that Breathes,'" the team shares. The project is in line with the ecological transition plan "Paris Smart City 2050" launched in 2014 by Vincent Callebaut Architectures based on the "Climate-Air-Energy Plan" for the city of Paris and the municipal services for urban ecology.
