London's
ecoLogicStudio has demonstrated a full-scale prototype of its urban algae
canopy at the "Feeding the Planet" expo in Milan. This
"bio-digital" structure sees fluid filled with microalgae organisms
pumped around an otherwise transparent shelter to produce dynamic shade, energy
in the form of biomass, and an impressive amount of oxygen, while responding to
the presence of visitors to produce interesting visual effects.
When
it's sunny, the microalgae naturally photosynthesize and grow, turning the
fluid a deeper shade of green and providing extra shade when it's needed.
The canopy is currently being demonstrated as a small installation, but the plan is to scale it up for Expo Milano 2015's Future Food District. the larger installation will produce as much oxygen as four hectares of woodland, along with 150 kg of biomass, 80 percent of which will be natural vegetal proteins.
The system responds to the presence of visitors – as
people walk through each area of the canopy, they trigger electro valves that
alter the speed at which the algae flows through the canopy.
As ecologic Studio puts it: "We believe
that it is now time to overcome the segregation between technology and nature
typical of the mechanical age, to embrace a systemic understanding of
architecture. In this prototype the boundaries between the material, spatial
and technological dimensions have been carefully articulated to achieve
efficiency, resilience and beauty."
Check out the small demonstration unit in action in the
video link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC7yLdYbnkU
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