As rapidly urbanizing regions like Malawi in Africa develop in the coming decades, problematic results like the heat island effect, discovered in the 1800s, will need to be addressed. We know the cooling benefits of tree canopy, how "trees’ foliage increases the latent heat exchange through evaporative cooling by a process called evapotranspiration, making the air temperature cooler", and the air purifying and cooling benefits of Active Living Walls (ALW) in indoor applications. Learning from traditional architectural practices of the region, like thatched roofing paired with natural ventilation in Malawi, that incorporate natural resources in construction to provide protection from elements, cooling, and insulative qualities. Combining these precursor technologies and practices, I am exploring how to elaborate and refine how vertical vegetative surfaces interact with air within a space in improve thermal comfort. 

In hopes of expanding a 'simple technology' used to mitigate heat, vegetation, I am exploring the incorporation of a vertical planted 'filter' between an interior space and its exterior environment to monitor its effect on the thermal comfort of the interior space. 

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Callie Watson

Second year, MArch II. Graduating May 2021.

I am interested in inclusivity and accessibility both 'within the walls' of and through the process of design. I dream of a future where sustainable building practices are commonplace and, when possible, interactive for occupants so that our society as a collection of individuals have the power to combat our climate crisis. 

Tallahassee, FL. 

​cover image source: https://wallpaperaccess.com/green-wall