The M/N=1 PROJECT | Man-Nature Equilibrium

For too long we have viewed Nature as an expendable resource. The degradation
of natural capital threatens irreversible damage to the ecosystems around us,
including a permanent loss of biodiversity. Natural capital is the biosphere’s
capacity to maintain the ecosystem services, which include “all the familiar
resources used by humankind: water, minerals, oil, trees, fish, soil, air” and
“living systems, which include grasslands, savannas, wetlands, estuaries,
oceans…rainforests” ¹. Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms
from all sources including “terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems
and the ecological complexes of which they are a part."²

In framing Nature as a resource, we forget that we—the human race—are integral
to the many biophysical systems on Earth. In destroying their balance,
we risk our survival.

The brief for FuturArc Prize 2012 calls for a rethink of the Man-Nature equilibrium.
In some contexts, where Nature in some form or measure exists, this might be
a question of what type of developments are needed or permitted, how they
co-exist and reinforce cycles in Nature. In other contexts, where Nature has
given way to forces of urbanisation or industrialisation, this might be a question
of how Nature is reintroduced to establish itself as a force in our lives.

The Task

Design a building for any use, no less than 5,000 m2 in total built-up area.

Make a case for how this building—its construction and operation—represents
an understanding of man-made and natural systems, and their harmonious
co-existence.

Site selection is at the entrant’s discretion and should be explained clearly
in the submission. Only sites in Asia and Australia will be accepted.