Image found from http://threatsummary.forestthreats.org/threats/threatSummaryViewer2.cfm?threatID=148 .

Above is an image of Scotch Broom, which is a plant species found in Sullivan’s Gulch (an area located next to my site).  I decided to take a look at this species in particular because of the mechanism of how it disperses the seeds and found that it would integrate into an architectural building system quite well.  The mechanism works by having a side of the seed pod face the sun and then through the process of drying (contracting), the side that is in the shade is in tension.  In order to release the pressure build-up and return to equilibrium, the seed pod then splits to release the tension and the seeds then spread.

As to how this integrates well into an architectural system, the contracting motion could be an indicator of bio-sensing temperature/humidity.  For example, if this mechanism were to be placed on the exterior of a building envelope, it could trigger the activation of vents to open, when the area is heated.  Thus passive cooling through ventilation would only take place where the mechanism is activated, creating a very efficient system that uses little to no energy.  Below is a diagram of an analysis of the plant and how the mechanism could work in architecture.

(Image to be uploaded)

An example of a possible technology that utilizes this concept is thermo bimetals.  A great video is a Ted talk by Professor Doris Kim Sung. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wvIyVZf3qZU