"Miners' Comb: A Biomimetic Architectural Solution for miners in Chile's AtacamaDesert"
The mining industry in Chile is undeniably a cornerstone of its economic and developmental landscape. At the heart of this industry lies copper, a fundamental pillar that plays an essential role in Chile's growth and stability. As one of the world's leading copper producers and exporters, copper constitutes the most significant export revenue for the country, employing over 200,000 workers across various sectors. The geographical placement of these copper mining operations often lies in rural areas, necessitating investment in worker accommodations. In the Atacama Desert, miners currently reside in basic housing under extreme environmental conditions, enduring scorching temperatures and facing water scarcity, making their lives arduous and challenging. It is this very challenge that our architectural endeavor aims to resolve.
Our solution involves the design of modular housing units, inspired by the remarkable adaptations of nature. Drawing inspiration from the modular panels of beehives, these units optimize spatial efficiency, enabling construction upwards and outwards. This innovative design not only makes the most of limited space but also accommodates future expansion. These modules offer miners a more comfortable and spacious living area, providing relief from the harsh desert conditions.
To combat water scarcity, our modules take inspiration from the remarkable water collection system of the Desert Beetle. These beetles use their waterproof, rough-surfaced elytra to condense moisture from the atmosphere, directing the accumulated water to their mouths by the position they take. We thus designed a sustainable water source both for plant life and for the miners' consumption.
Like the African termites Macrotermes Michaelseni, our modules incorporate a natural ventilation system of continuous circulation through holes and ducts formed between the modules ensuring a constant flow of fresh air. This system, located at the bottom of the module, regulates the temperature and provides a comfortable living environment, even in the harshest desert conditions.
By drawing inspiration from the bee's hive, the Desert Beetle water collection method, and the African termite's ventilation system, we have crafted a haven in the unforgiving Atacama Desert that redefines living standards for miners. "Miners' Comb" offers a sustainable solution to the challenges faced by miners, providing them with a comfortable and efficient living environment. In a world with environmental alerts and resource scarcity, our project shows how biomimicry can inspire the architecture of the future, ensuring a more sustainable and promising future for all.
