Systems and methods for mixed use buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional building zoning practices often lead to incompatible land uses, such as agricultural and industrial uses, due to factors like soil quality, climate, and economic feasibility, while existing multi-use building solutions face challenges like weather vulnerability and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-use building structures with independently environmentally isolated modules, where a second agricultural module is placed above a first industrial or commercial module, connected by a robust air barrier layer that allows airflow and provides environmental separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If land is designated for single-use zoning (agricultural or industrial), then the land use is simple and compliant with regulations, but the land efficiency and productivity are reduced due to inability to utilize both agricultural and industrial purposes simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into separate modules (agricultural module and industrial module) that can be independently designed, constructed, and operated. Each module serves its specific function while being part of an integrated structure, allowing dual land use without compromising regulatory compliance or operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking to place the agricultural module above the industrial module, transitioning from horizontal land use to vertical space utilization. This dimensional change enables both agricultural and industrial activities to coexist on the same land parcel without spatial conflict
2Reliability
If agricultural modules are exposed to external environment (open-air farming), then the structure is simple and costs are reduced, but the crops are vulnerable to weather fluctuations, extreme temperatures, and pests
Solution Approach 1:
The agricultural module employs a greenhouse structure with transparent or translucent enclosures that protect crops from adverse weather while allowing sunlight penetration. This flexible protective shell provides environmental control without completely isolating the crops, maintaining crop health and yield stability
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting layer acts as an intermediary barrier between the industrial module below and the agricultural module above. It provides environmental separation and protection, preventing contamination from the industrial space while allowing controlled airflow and light transmission to the agricultural crops
3Reliability
If industrial module is placed below agricultural module, then the structural support is simplified, but the agricultural crops are at risk of contamination from industrial emissions and activities
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting layer serves as a protective intermediary between the industrial and agricultural modules. It includes air barriers, filtration systems, and controlled ventilation that prevent industrial emissions and contaminants from reaching the agricultural crops while maintaining necessary environmental exchanges
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful elements (industrial emissions, contaminants) are extracted and separated from the agricultural environment through the connecting layer's filtration and ventilation systems. This extraction ensures that only clean, safe air reaches the crops while industrial byproducts are removed or contained
4Reliability
If conventional greenhouses are used for agricultural production, then weather protection is improved, but the greenhouses remain vulnerable to pests entering from the external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting layer acts as a pest barrier, preventing insects and other organisms from the industrial space below from entering the agricultural module. Combined with controlled ventilation and filtration systems, this intermediary structure provides comprehensive pest protection while maintaining air flow and environmental control
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the efficient use of land zoned for single purposes by allowing dual or multiple uses, while maintaining environmental isolation to prevent contamination and optimize growing conditions for agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting layer provides support for the second building module and allows airflow between the connecting layer and an exterior environment
Implementation Method 2
a robust connecting layer comprising an air barrier for environmental separation, the air barrier allows air to circulate therethrough and provides a robust environmental buffer for the transfer of gases and fumes between the first building module and the second building module
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-use building system, including for mixed industrial and agricultural use, includes a first building module, a second building module for agricultural use, the second building module located above the first building module, and a connecting layer for connecting the first building module and the second building module, the connecting layer including a support structure for supporting the second building module and allowing continuous airflow between the connecting layer and an exterior environment. The first building module and the second building module are each independently environmentally enclosed and the connecting layer may include an air handling unit for forcing airflow, heating, and/or dehumidifying.