AI-Driven Bioclimatic Design for Sustainable Aviation Infrastructure: Translating Research into Design

Abstract

Recently, airports have faced numerous climatic challenges that impact their operations, infrastructure, and business continuity. The most critical of the nine major climatic issues faced by the airports, as identified by the ICAO Airport Planning Manual, Part II, and Climate Change Synthesis, is the change in average and extreme temperatures. This paper reports the systematic approach involved in the integration of biomorphic forms for designing climate-responsive aviation infrastructure for a hypothetical project, considering the ninth UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-9), which aims to 'build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation', without compromising the spatial experience of the occupants. The objective of the study is to investigate design techniques in order to enhance operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and ecological resilience through the integration of sustainable design principles and nature-inspired techniques and systems in airport planning. This paper presents an architectural thesis project aimed at designing a well-planned airport with proven climatic efficiency via simulations through the integration of shape-shifting architecture and AI augmentation. The form was generated, incorporating intricate fractal geometries that could resonate with the users to provide them with a unique visuospatial experience. The software involved in generating these designs was Rhino-3D (Grasshopper, Ladybug, and Kangaroo), ZBrush; Twinmotion, and Lumion. This paper provides a detailed overview of the floor plans and structural details, along with the systematic design approach employed in concept generation, form development, spatial zoning, planning, and climatic analysis for future airport designs.