Presentation Recording (time stamp 7:15 - 14:10): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u-AQ4cAo8A_thZFmY5mTdqk8EtrdaZW4/view?usp=sharing

In the era of COVID-19, and the urgent need to create sustainable and responsive buildings due to climate change, re-imaging everyday societal infrastructure is essential to the well-being of the population. Now, with both the health and safety concerns, and the mental health concerns of re-opening schools, we are faced with whether or not our schools are even structurally designed to benefit the well-being of students. Time and time again, lots of sunlight and immersion with nature has been proven to lead to higher productivity, better test scores, and overall happiness amongst students. 

The Armadillo school is a climate responsive learning structure that incorporates biomimicry inspired by the armadillo and flower petals to maintain thermal cooling in hot temperatures. The space allows for sunlight and immersion in the outdoors while staying cool; allowing for students to get the benefits of learning and working in the outdoors, and having a learning environment that can handle the rapidly changing climate. Using a ventilation system inspired by the armadillo shell, the space is self cooling. Florida tiling keeps the structure cool, while a frame constructed with recycled bottles, cement, and a solar reflective coating limits the amount of heat absorption. Smart glass, as well as sun-reactive smart-wood flower petals shade the space when in contact with direct sunlight. The layering of each part of the frame intensifies the breeze and castes sunlight inside the space.