Kash Hartz

10/17/2017
Period 2
Mrs. Chawkat
Annotated Bibliography
APA Citation: Miller, Mary K. "Nature's architect." Popular Science, June 1994, p. 74+. Science In
Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A15239863/GPS?u=glen20233&sid=GPS&xid=07dd58ec.
Accessed 27 Feb. 2018.
Authority: She has written three magazine articles as well as three academic journals on both architecture
and science.
Currency: This source was published in 1994 but, in our modern day many houses have been renovated
and improved based of of this shell design.
Accuracy: Can be corrborated with https://www.designrulz.com/architecture/2012/10/nautilus-house-
unique-shell-shaped-design-by-arquitectura-organica/ and http://www.beautifullife.info/urban-
design/living-in-a-shell-nautilus-house/
Coverage: It is extremely heavy with information and goes into great detail about what the structure is
made of, how it is positioned due to climate, what it is capable of achieving temperature wise, and
discusses the superiority of this design compared to normal boxed structures.
URL:
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T003&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsTyp
e=SingleTab&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=4&docId=GALE%7CA15239863&docTy
pe=Article&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=&prodId=GPS&contentSet=GALE%7CA15239863&sear
chId=R2&userGroupName=glen20233&inPS=true#

Notes:
● Architect Eugene Tsui designs architecture that has a more natural feel
○ Adapts to sunlight, weather, external forces, and the changing needs of people
○ His designs cause disturbances due to the abnormality of it
■ Simple mathematics, engineering, and imagination
● Bases ideas of how nature would adapt to an environment
○ For example, one of his designs is called a nautilus shell
■ Has a main section and then branches out overtime
■ Uses only recycled materials to keep the natural aspect
■ Alters materials of house depending on exterior effects like the wind/ sun/ sea
■ Utilizes solar heating to save money (Approximately 3,000 dollars a year)
○ Utilizes rounder shaped houses because they hold up better compared to that of sharp
corners
■ Nature is flowing and smooth, not crisp and tough
○ He even utilizes natures guide to keep great insulation
■ For example, a wasp nest, using water glue and wood chips to create very good
insulation

Annotated Bibliography:
 In the magazine article, “Nature’s Architect”, written by Mark K. Miller, it discusses how
architecture should be created with the influence of nature. The article goes into depth of how architecture
is all around us and it should conform to nature's laws. Examples of this would be nautilus shells, wasp
nests, and round shapes because that’s how nature functions. As it goes on it talks about how humans can
implement these designs with more modern techniques like using an insulative mixture of cellulose and
water-based glue to mimic that of wasp saliva or round the edges of curves in order to make a building
more wind resistant and durable. The actual architect, Eugene Tsui, is looking at all the aspects of nature
and simply borrowing the ideas to benefit humankind.
Mary K. Miller has written three magazine articles as well as three academic journals on both
architecture and science. Eugene Tsui is a highly accomplished american architect who creates buildings
based off of biological designs. This source was published in 1994 but, that doesn’t mean it is not
relevant. Much of the information in the magazine article has been utilized today and sites are even
advertising buildings with designs like the nautilus shell. Not to mention utilizing the insulation methods
that have been applied in all kinds of buildings. It may not be the most popular method but, it works just
as effectively. This article was heavy in detail and had a brief discussion of construction but talked more
of the simple ideas and philosophical aspects of those ideas. For example, the article talks about how they
could construct the nautilus shell design using old tires, aluminum cans, and spray on concrete to help
with insulation, durability, and the overall greenness of the house. This source is extremely accurate and
completely relevant to my topic because it teaches me not only ways to create a green, durable, efficient
house, but in utilizes nature’s ideas to achieve it. The information can be corroborated with, “Nautilus
House: Unique Shell Shaped House by Arquitectura Organica,” and “Living in a Shell - Nautilus House.”
This source was partly objective and biased. It was biased because it viewed natural structures as superior
to that of common modern day houses but, it was objective in the sense that it only cared about giving
true information. It was relevant to my topic which helps with supporting my research.