Finn Edward McHale

PhD thesis:

Biomimetic Adaptive Building Skins (TBC)

My PhD research will develop biomimetic passive actuators for Adaptive Building Skins (ABS), working at the intersection of biology, architecture and materials science. Buildings contribute ~33% of EU greenhouse gas emissions, with internal climate control representing a major energy demand. Modern building skins, freed from load-bearing requirements, enable modifications like ABS, which respond to environmental changes to maintain interior conditions. This offers significant potential for reducing energy consumption.

Biomimetics seeks inspiration from nature, which has had millennia to evolve effective solutions to diverse problems. Plants have evolved mechanisms to respond to environmental stimuli without energy input, offering exceptional models for passive ABS actuators. Currently, such actuators are limited by scalability, durability and multifunctionality. These issues will be addressed by searching nature for novel biological models and examining their structural bases to inspire prototype actuators. The ultimate goal is to implement developed prototype actuators into a full-scale structure.

Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?

My interest in biomimetics and bio-architecture started when I was struggling to choose between a degree in product design or biology. My decision was made upon watching an episode of documentary Abstract: The Art of Design, which focused on MIT-based bio-architect Neri Oxman. This was my first introduction to the field of biomimetics, and from this point I knew it was what I wanted to pursue, leading me to an undergraduate master's degree in biology. My fascination with biomimetics, and architectural applications specifically, only deepened while at university, so I am thrilled to be starting my own research.