Building with integrated natural systems

A method of providing operational functions for a building through incorporation of natural systems, said method comprising:

• providing:
• (i) an exterior covering formed of an impermeable skin or membrane, said covering being made of one of a substantially translucent or clear material enabling passage of sunlight therethrough;
• (ii) an interior structure disposed in an open area covered by said exterior covering;
• (iii) a plurality of louvers secured to said covering, said louvers being arranged in a plurality of rows and said rows being spaced vertically along said covering;
• (iv) at least one of said louvers having photovoltaic cells incorporated thereon for production of electricity;
• (v) a first subsurface passageway for carrying air from an environment outside of said covering to the open area within the covering;
• (vi) a second subsurface passageway for carrying water from a water source collected outside of said covering and for transporting the water to a water storage element within the interior structure;
• (vii) said interior structure comprising an enclosing wall and a plurality of floors, habitable space in the interior structure being formed by space within the interior structure between said floors and said enclosing wall, and said interior structure further comprising a central core separating said enclosing wall and said floors, said central core communicating with said first and second subsurface passageways for receiving the water and air;
• generating electric power from sunlight striking said photovoltaic cells on said louvers;
• controlling air temperature within the open area covered by the covering by heat exchange between the ground and the air passing through the first subsurface passageway;
• controlling humidity within the open area by contact of said air with water contained in a water storage element located within the interior structure.