Infra-Free (IF) Design Framework-Initial Scenarios for the future development of (IF) Technology 2007-01-3054

The focus of this paper builds on the previous introduction of ‘infra-free’ (IF) systems (Anilir et al 2006a), which represent a change in the way we think about our shelters, from passive enclosures to active bridges with our environments and embodiments of the services we depend on, our infrastructures. Infrastructures are the underlying armatures within our lives creating physical and social frameworks to support the entire system we inhabit. At first, (IF) looks to define a set of key infrastructures which can be isolated as integral to the physical home environment. Secondly, (IF) looks to rethink the manner and costs in which these services are integrated into our lives. This recognizes and attempts to evaluate the encapsulation of our processes for services, materials, and products as key to creating a viable system for the future where the home (we) no longer creates waste, but internalizes all nutrients in a closed system. Lastly, (IF) looks to develop a way of integrating technology (new and old; universal and local) into an integrated closed-loop system that augments both human and environmental health.

The initial aim of this paper is to provide clear examples of applicable technologies from an array of industries that could be assimilated into the (IF) project. We believe, these technologies offer better alternatives to current urban infrastructures. The second and focal aim of this paper is to show how we intend on collecting and evaluating these technologies for future (IF) applications. These scenarios through performance and cost-based equations based on user preferences and regional characteristics will help demonstrate the relevance and applicability of (IF) systems in three different (IF) cases set forth in the previous paper; no-infra, temp-infra, and self-infra (ibid.), with particular interest given to self-infra to demonstrate the relevance to self-sustaining/ extreme environments such as space. The visual outcome of the simulations will depict the performance of the building based on its environmental, economic, and dependency costs.