Plants & Biodiversity | Part I by MileyC

PROCESS I

PLANTS as a technology & the relevance of BIODIVERSITY

CO NC LU S I O N S R E L E VA N T TO D E SI GN

P lan ts a re re g a d e d a s advan ced o rg an i s m s , i n areas exceeding h u m a n t e c h n o l o g i cal capabi l i ti es . A dis co u r s e d i re c t l y i n c o rpo rati n g l i vi n g pl an ts i s pref erabl e to an a p p ro a c h t h a t m i mm i c n atu ral ph en o m en a. Bi o m i m i cry in this c o n t e x t b e c o m e s co n tradi cto ry. For any c o n s e r v a t i o n strateg y to be rel evan t, i t requ i res a s ignific a n t f e e d b a c k f o r th e u s er. The pre s e r v a t i o n o f b i o d i vers i ty al o n e i s n o t a s ati s f acto ry des ign m o d e l . A d es ig n t h a t i n c o r p o r a t e s pl an ts f o l l o ws n ew des i g n parameter s ac c o rd i n g t o l i g h t & water, as wel l as th e s po n tan eo u s and d is a p p e a r i n g n a t u re o f eco s ys tem s .

S U M M A RY This narrative follows the prelimenary investigations of the Amazon flora placing species in groups depending on traits, through moments of serendipity reflecting on the relevance of biomimicry, leading into the final device design, that utilized and provided for plants directly instead of mimicking them. Discussing the issues and possibilities of the approach, both pragmatic in terms of microclimatic capability, as well as the complications and potentials of incorporating living organisms in architecture.

ho w mu ch is the r ainfor est wo rt h?

-4.500.000.000.000$ YEAR

... i s the current economic l oss f or society due t o declining biodiversity i n tropical rainforests on a global scale, of which approximately 40% exist as part of the Amazon ecology. The number covers all services provided for free by the ecosystem, compared to what it would cost alternately. Ecosystem services include: Carbon s torage & sequestration, pharmaceutical r esource potentials, agricultural irrigation, p ollination, nutrient cycling, c li-

depleting, but a comprehensible economic p otential as a n alternative discourse t o resource exploitation. That has b een a mbiguous until extensive studies initiated as The Economics of Ecosystems & Biodiversity initiative by the European Comission in 2007.

>100%

continued carbon emission

5% annually reduced carbon emission

PROJECTED RELATIVE PLANT SPECIES DIVERSITY BY 2080 COMPARED TO 2013 RICHNESS

PERCENTAGE OF AMAZON AFFECTED BY SEVERE DROUGHT PERCENTAGE OF AMAZON AFFECTED BY SEVERE WETNESS

12.0

DROUGHT OF 2010

2016

10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0

8.0

EROSION CAUSED BY ABNORMAL RAINFALL

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0 1950

1980

2010

2040

2070

2100

Daniel Beltra | v Carlos GarcĂa Rawlins

Even with ceased deforestation, and a 5% anually reduced global carbon emission, the frequency of abnormal climatic events in the Amazon appear of seasons wil rapidly increase, boding a prolonged dry season with increasingly limited rainfall, and a wet season of localized intense rainfall. Both scenarios having impact on the vegetation, ecosystems and biodiversity of the region, with some species left that are adapted to the climatic change, and some species going extinct. The genetic basis lost forever. One part human deforestation, another part global climatic change; both decreasing biodiversity. which eventually limits the ecosystem services, which onment.

BRAZIL: MANAUS AND THE AMAZON

Biodiversity : Flora

-4 atm

50m

TRANSPIRATION - Gas Exchange Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plants. It occurs at the leaves while their stomata are open for the passage of CO2 and O2 during photosynthesis. It is the the leaves.

Transpiration, and index of secondary plant species

ENGINE

that pulls water from the roots to

The photosynthesizing leaf loses substantial amount of water by evaporation. This transpired water must be replaced by the transport of more water from the soil to the leaves through the xylem of the roots and stem.

1-2% Photosynthesis Respiration and cellulose production. 99% Evaporates cooling the leaf and exchanging water for carbon dioxide. Stoma

2-5 nanometer

Epidermis

-3 atm

Guard cell

atm

-3 atm

40m Forces:

Diffusion

a ine gu an

-2 atm EA

Gong ora Tr i

20m

ii tin an

E IO

SAP

ardinal A ta - C irp lan ula cic t as

0 atm

10m

SAPROPHYTES

eus - Red Fungi uin ng Sa

Although fungi are not plants, they play just as important a part in the rainforest's ecology. Fungi break down dead plant matter,

BROM

yster Fungi s- O atu re st

releasing nutrients for use by live plants

Amazonian fungi come in a wide range of colors, sizes and textures. Although many fungi are edible, in general native Amazonians do not eat fungi. This may be because of the risk of accidentally eating a poisonous species, with potentially fatal consequences. Despite the ecological importance of fungi, they are in much need of more detailed scientific investigation.

lor ico rs

Turkey Tail

-1 atm

Pycn opo ru s

Molecular cohesion Capillary action

H E MI

Tram ete sV e

XYLEM

E ORCH

Forces:

Pleu rot us O

BROMELIADS The Bromeliads are a family of monocot flowering plants of around 3,170 species native mainly to the tropical Americas. The most well known species of the family is the pineapple (Ananas comosus). Many bromeliads are able to store water in a structure formed by their tightly-overlapping leaf bases. However, the family is diverse enough to include the tank bromeliads, grey-leaved epiphyte Tillandsia species that gather water only from leaf structures called trichomes, and a large number of desert-dwelling succulents. A bromeliad can serve as a

ler Fig ang Str

the host tree dies

leaving the fig with a hollow trunk. Figs are often the only tree species remaining after forest clearing, since their knotted and twisted wood is ignored by loggers. very common, the only restriction to its spreading, is the symbiotic relationship to the gall wasp.

Diameter: 10-200 micrometer

P H I LO

lor co

Aech me aC h

i nae Lin

ORCH

Tilla nds ia F

Philo de nd ro

and relies on nutrients from the air, falling rain, and the compost that lies on tree branches. Their epiphytic way of life gives these plants advantages in the rainforest, allowing them access to more direct sunlight, a greater number of canopy animal pollinators, and the possibility of dispersing their seeds via wind. Despite a commonly held belief that all plants must have soil to grow, epiphytes may never have their roots come in contact with soil. Hemiepiphytes differ slightly since they may grow from a seed dropped on the ground and then climb the host or grow downwards from the host until their roots reach the soil.

30m

takes no nutrients from the host tree itself

Perhaps the most famous hemiepiphyte is the strangler fig tree which starts life as a tiny seed in the canopy of a host tree. The roots grow down to the forest floor where they take root and begin to take nutrients from the soil. Gradually the roots wrap around the host tree, widen, and slowly form a lattice-work that surrounds the host's trunk. The fig's crown grows foliage which soon overshadows the tree. Eventually,

Ficus Pe rtu

STRANGLERS

Maxi lla ria

Dryn ari aR i

EPIPHYTES There are well over 15,000 epiphytes in the tropical realm alone, and over 30,000 worldwide as well as numerous uncataloged species. The term epiphyte describes a plant which, like a parasite, grows on a host, but unlike a parasite,

la du gi

SAP

micro ecosystem YT

, as trapped water within the leaves provides the base for a complex array of insects and microorganisms.

CARNIVOROUS There are several types of carnivorous plants endemic to the Amazon area, that feed on smaller prey. They range from plants with simple traps that act passively to catch insects, like “pitfall” traps, specialized “pitcher” bromeliae, that drown insects who may fall into the plant, subterranean hollow branches with digestive nodes at the end preventing prey from escaping, to traps that spring into action to capture a potential meal. Often growing in nutrient-poor soil, these plants need the

NYMP

The giant lily leaves are red underneath. This lets the lily capture different wavelengths of light, particularly in lower light levels. Inside the flower, a chemical reaction heats the bloom to as much as 12°C (20°F) above the ambient temperature, helping to disperse the perfume and attract the scarab beetle pollinator (Cylocephata castaneal).

CAR N ata nfl

IVO

erwort Bladd

to survive. the plants secretes digestive enzymes from glands, that slowly dissolves the prey.

Water enters the root through the epidermis. Once within the epidermis, in order to enter the

AQ U

stele, it must pass through the cytoplasm of the cells of the endodermis.

Minerals can enter against their concentration gradient; that is, by active transport. For example, plants can take up K+ from the soil against a ten-thousand-fold concentration gradient; e.g., from

is m mis er

as little as 10 µM in the soil to 100 mM in the cell. Minerals are obtained as inorganic ions: Nitrogen enters as nitrate NO3− or ammonium ions NH4+ Phosphorus as PO43− Potassium as K+ Calcium as Ca2+

I AT

supplemental nutrition

ACTIVE TRANSPORT

Epid er

can support the weight of an adult.

1 atm

Endod

nt Water L - Gia ily

ica on az

Victo ria Am

AQUATIC Most prominent of the aquatic plants in the amazon, is the Giant water Lily (Victoria Amazonica). The lily is well defended from fish and other animals by sharp spines on the flower buds, leaf stalks, and underside of leaves.The lily pads have tremendous buoyancy from a web-like structure of veins – all filled with air. The leaf pads

Sundew

Dros era Se s

aoli lif si

BROM

Utric ula ria

SAP

Forces:

Osmotic pressure Active transport

es Tre

Eut er pe

2562km2 IMA/AM

HAZARD

180 billion Trees

The seeds contain cyanic compounds are poisonous to humans unless boiled or submerged for a prolonged period. 40m

1km2

363.160 Tonnes

Plant material

The seeds, and the oil, contain cyclopropenoid fatty acids such as malvalic acid (7 - 8%) and sterculic acid (3%), which cause abnormal physiological reactions in animals. Kapok fibre is irritating to the eyes, nose and throat, and workers exposed to kapok dust for long periods may develop chronic bronchitis

The Maroaga Caverns, near Balbina, is a protected area, serving as a tourist attraction. Campina on sandstone occour in this reserve.

30m

es Tre

E sti m a t e d N u m b e r o f

T AN es Tre

E st i m a t e d N u m b e r o f

20m

10m

T 5m

HYP

a ndr nta Pe

Maroaga Caverns APA (Environmental Protection Zone)

Is an ecological station in the Anavilhanas archipelago, including hundreds of igapó islands in the Rio Negro. An area of 350,000 hectares with a perimeter of 380 km has been put forward by the Brazilian government as a tentative World Heritage Site since 1998.

16000 Species

Originally called the Minimum Critical Size of Ecosystems Project [MCSE] is a large-scale ecological experiment looking at the effects of habitat fragmentation on tropical rainforest; it is one of the most expensive biology experiments ever run.

1,4% 50%

227 species

The wood is said to be 'as hard as a rock', It is of medium weight and strong Heavy palms are split, spongy contents removed, and used for flooring or as stillts. The hardwood has a wide range of applications. And is considered the best flooring.

The trunk is used in the construction of houses and other structures. It is usually split length-wise before it is used, but it can also be hollowed out and used a tube.

lli

HYPER

The wood is very heavy, very hard, with good mechanical properties and very durable, but is, however, inclined to warp and twist.

The trunks are exploited for construction. The wood of the stem is split and used for floors, and for other construction needs.

lli

5 bi

Freshly sawn wood has a characteristic and distinct smell of latex. Since the timber is only moderately durable when exposed to the elements, it should not be used for exterior purposes. The wood is soft, weak and very light in weight; it is extremely vulnerable to decay when in contact with the soil. The fibre from the inner wall of the fruit is light (one eighth the weight of cotton). water repellent and buoyant, making it ideal for life jackets, lifeboats and other naval safety apparatus.It is an excellent thermal insulator, being used in iceboxes, refrigerators, cold-storage plants, offices, theatres and aeroplanes. It is also a very good sound absorber and is widely used for acoustic insulation.

PARASITE E st i m a t e d N u m b e r o f

the Tropical Silviculture Experimental Station is a branch of INPA (National Institute of Amazonian Research), conducting surveys and studies on the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests in the region.

Anavilhanas Ecological Station 2500km2 IBAMA

A pleasant tasting cooking oil is extracted from the seed. The seed contains 20-25% non-drying oil, similar to cottonseed oil It is used as a lubricant, illuminant, in soap manufacturing and in cooking. The main fatty acids are palmitic acid (10 - 16%), stearic acid (2 - 9%), oleic acid (49 - 53%) and linoleic acid (26 - 29%).

Has a natural resistance to attack of Teredo worms.

1000km2 Smithsonian Institution & INPA

5 bi

m 40

Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project

& CENTRE FOR BREEDING NATIVE ANIMALS

389km2 INPA & IBAMA

O ERD

Ce ib a

Tropical Silviculture Station

MANAUS

es Tre

lli

5 bi

E st i m a t e d N u m b e r o f

The Brazilian Military created the CIGS in 1964 after considering they lacked in having an operational unit capable of utilizing Brazil's thick Amazon jungle to their benefit. Still operating, the area is considered a protected environment.

Floresta Viva, set up by local activist, Biologist and instigator, Dr. Rui Barbisa da Rocha, is an organization instrumental in addressing the sustainability, socio-economic, preservation and conservation programs in the local region.

Leaves - scabies, diarrhoea, coughs, hoarse throats, fatigue and lumbago Juice - Asthma Shoots - Contraceptive Leaf Sap - conjunctivitis, remove foreign bodies from the eye and help heal wounds Bark - bronchial congestion Root - emetic and antispasmodic, diarrhoea, hernia, gonorrhoea, heart trouble, oedema, fever,and rickets Flowers - constipationasthma

nsis ilie as Br

The reserve is made up of research plots designed to study the biota of the Rio Negro and Amazon river regions, which may serve as a basis for biodiversity surveys in other areas of the Amazon region, and to study the impacts of fragmentation.

1150km2 CIGS/EB

He ve a

Jungle Warfare Training Centre

12km2 Private

Frequency of Species at Survey sites 2013 Refer to Flora Index for details

uphorbiaceae ily: E Fam

Floresta Viva Native Animal Rehabilitation Centre

Fruit - Aphrodisiac Kapok is an astringent, diuretic herb that lowers fevers, relaxes spasms and controls bleeding.

HYP

m 40

Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve

150km

Roots - Aphrodisiac Leaves - Gonorrhoea Fruit - Urinary disease

HYPER

uru rum Mu

100km

Fruit oil - Pain reliever Seed oil - Tuberculosis Endosperm - Snake Bites

50km

HYPERDOMINANCE IN THE AMAZON BASIN 390.000.000.000 Trees

1 100km2 INPA

60°01’W

50km

sit

O ERD

100km

25 -

150km

CONSERVATION RESERVES & RESEARCH SITES

Bio div

He igh t:

150km

N es Tre

E sti m a t e d N u m b e r o f

T 5m

T AN

Seeds - Fever Stem - Contraceptive Oil - Diarrhoea Sap - Insect bites Seedlings - Wounds

Roots - Anti Malarial

N es Tre E st i m a t e d N u m b e r o f

MEDICINAL

Astr oc ar y

raceae ily: A Fam

The seeds contain a semi-drying pale yellow oil, known as Para rubber seed oil. Boiling the seed removes the poison and releases the oil, which can be used for illumination, soap making, paints and varnishes.

stems are widely used in construction

lli

5 bi

raceae ily: A Fam

rra Firme dTe an wl Lo

ceae Ara ly: mi Fa

Defo res ted

Bio di

sit

lli

5 bi

He igh t:

Bio div

s er

Oen oc ar

m 30

hiza orr Ex

Soc ra te

alvaceae ily: M Fam

30 -

Seas ona lly

25 -

HYPER

A latex is obtained by tapping the trunk. The latex coagulates with the aid of acetic acid, formic acid and alum. This is the major source of natural rubber, used in a wide variety of applications including car tyres, shoes and boots, balls, elastic bands etc.

ea Várz ed od flo

A yellowish latex exudes freely from the bark and heartwood. A white latex exudes abundantly from incisions on the trunk; upon exposure to the air this condenses into an elastic resin, reddish in colour

ements settl ed od flo

HYPER

ua ata sB pu

LATEX

He igh t:

MANAUS

An oil is obtained from the seed, that is used in the production of margarine.

FIBER

03°06’S

Seed - Raw or cooked. Roasted and ground into a powder, it is eaten in soups and used as a flavouring. Although it is toxic unless cooked. Wood ashes - Used as a salt substitute.

lli

5 bi

Fruit is Juicy, with an aromatic, sweet-acidic flavour similar to melons. Strong scent. The apical bud, often known as a 'palm heart', is eaten as a vegetable.

cea era Ol pe

Young apical buds are cooked as a vegetable. Has a good flavour

A light greenish-yellow oil is obtained from the fruit, used as a salad or cooking oil, almost identical to olive oil.

lli

5 bi

es Tre

idea lto De

E st i m a t e d N u m b e r o f

B i o di

es Tre

An edible oil is obtained from the seed. Dark green with an agreeable flavour and aroma. Rich in an edible oil.

E st i m a t e d N u m b e r o f

Bio di

Eu te r

HYPER

OIL

Bataua - a sweet flavoured fruit. The thin, oily mesocarp has a chocolate-like flavour, and is very popular. A nutritious protein- and oil-rich beverage (agua de seche) is made from the fruit pulp. Alcoholic Fermentation. The apical bud, often known as a 'palm heart', is eaten as a vegetable.

raceae ily: A Fam

Spor adi cC a

a pin m

Prote cte dI g

10 -

ó ap

Wasan Gredpree

sit

HYPER

es Tre

m 20

Bio div

lli

5 bi

oraceae ily: M Fam

rad ius

15 0k

vis Lae ia ed

Acai - Raw or cooked. A thin, fibrous, fleshy pulp with little flavour. A very nutritious fruit, rich in antioxidants, it is often used to make a drink that is very popular in the Amazon region of Brazil. It’s borne in huge clusters of up to 1,000 fruits

Artifi cia lly

150km

The apical bud, often called a 'palm heart', is cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Edible, but not tasty. Eating this bud leads to the eventual death of the tree because it is unable to make side branches.

300

Firme erra dT de oo

lli

5 bi

250

m 35

200

Species / Ha

es Tre

150

BIODIVERSITY

E st i m a t e d N u m b e r o f

100

Pse ud olm

D HYPER

Stilt-like aerial roots near the base, up to 3 metres long. If toppled, can grow roots and rise again.

10 -

30 Danish Pristine Forest

Forest Acai - The fruit has a thin, fibrous, fleshy pulp. A very nutritious fruit, rich in antioxidants. 0

Large surface roots and is buttressed. Dense cone of black stilt roots at its base

cea ria Co

m 35

EDIBLE

E st i m a t e d N u m b e r o f

Never

Index of selected Hyperdominant Species

Flooding

Prop roots at the base. Buttress roots at the base

Iria rte

Poor

Rare

ROOT on

lli

5 bi

Flooding

ria ato ec Pr

Esc hw eil e

Poor

Fertility

EDIBILITY

ecythedeaceae ily: L Fam

Seasonal

Good

Flooding

Fertility

Drainage

PHARMACEUTICAL VALUE

Moderate

Good

200-270

Seasonal/ Permanent

Drainage

MATERIAL USAGE

BRAZIL: MANAUS AND THE AMAZON

Biodiversity : Flora

species/ha

raceae ily: A Fam

Flooding

Fertility

Around manaus the lowland terra firme on the dominant clayey latosolic sediments of Tertiary plateaux and slopes. is most common. The lowland Terra Firme forest, below 250m has large biomass, a high closed canopy, and high species diversity. Four layers may be detected: the canopy at 30-35 m with a few emergents to 44 m, a stratum of 12-15 m tall trees, a stratum of small trees and shrubs 7-12 m tall and a stratum of low shrubs and saplings to 7 m.

130-225

raceae ily: A Fam

Poor

Terra Firme

species/ha

Around Manaus, the lowland terra firme rainforest on the clayey latosolic sediments of tertiary plateaux and slopes, is most common. The lowland terra firme rainforest below 250m has large biomass, a high closed canopy and high species diversity. Four layers may be detected: the canopy at 30-35m with a few emergents exeeding 40m, a stratum of small trees and shrubs 7-12m and a stratum of low shrub and saplings up to 7m.

m 20

Never

Drainage

Lowland Terra Firme

He igh t:

Flooding

Fertility

100-150

He igh t:

Poor

species/ha

He igh t:

Fertility

Drainage

floodplain forest periodically flooded by fertile muddy-white waters, especially along the Solimões and Amazon floodplains. It is similar to the upland forest, with fewer species and more lianas. Seasonal várzea is the most widespread type of inundated forest in Amazonia, often extending several km back from the riverbank. In Lower Amazonia it is associated with robust grass meadows, and in the Manaus region with the Solimões River.

15 -

Extreme

70-120

He igh t:

Drainage

Várzea species/ha

He igh t:

Floodplain forest periodically flooded by low-fertility black or clear water, along the Rio Negro. There are fewer, often different species than in seasonal várzea, and many of the trees have scleromorphic adaptations. Sporadic floodplain forest occurs where there are quickly draining or flash floods at irregular times. This type is mainly in the upper portions of rivers and narrow streams and has greater species diversity, since many terra-firme species can survive such limited inundation.

60-100

15 -

Igapó species/ha

He igh t:

150 km radius of Manaus. Habitats based on elevation, drainzones, foilage density and deforestation

Campina Interspersed within lowland terra-firme rain forest of the Rio Negro region are white-sand "campinas", which are ecological islands of open shrub to low-forest formations on podzols of leached quartz-sand soils or regosols. These soils are not only extremely poor in nutrients, but too porous to retain water. There are four phases to the vegetation: savanna; scrub; woodland with a patchy canopy 5-15 m high (with emergents to 20 m tall); and forest with a generally continuous canopy 20 m to almost 30 m high.

He igh t:

BRAZIL: MANAUS AND THE AMAZON

Biodiversity : Flora

HYPER

PRELIMENARY INVESTIGATION My investigation is anchored in the discovery of microclimatic conditions in specific epiphytic plants, that do not require soil to grow. The device provides the necessary water and nutrients through a ceramic rainwater buffer, and the plants extend the evaporative cooling capabilities. Besides the comfort and performance driven aspects, I wanted to discuss how integrated ecology could be beneficial in an urban context. In the investigations prior to the conceptualisation of the device, it became clear that not only does the climate differ dramatically when comparing the environments of the Brazilian Amazon to Northern Europe, but so does the fundamental aspects of plants, biology and rainwater composition. The investigation went into remarkable cases regarding the fundamental technologies and misconceptions of plants. How the timespan of millions of years through natural selection have created sophisticated ‘biological technology’ that has enabled vascular plants to function in ways, which should be impossible through our current knowledge of physics. The project situates itself in contrast to conventional biomimicry, as the natural technology is not imitated, but directly used and applied. Developing into an alternate discourse that capitalize on existing locally available resources; epiphytic air plants and nutrients in collected rainwater.

Impossible. The pressure required for drawing water more than 10 meters from the roots of a tree to the leaves, exceeds that of a perfect vacuum. The evolutionary adaptation, and sophisticated growing pattern is not possible to replicate by contemporary technology.

The fibre from the inner wall of the fruit is unique in that it combines springiness and resilience and is resistant to vermin making it ideal for stuffing pillows, mattresses and cushions. Wood is susceptible to termites.

Shortage Water shortage in Manaus, only 35% have direct access to drinking water

Extracting drinking water from atmospheric water vapour.

Humidity

Temperature

Humidity levels in manaus are fairly constant around 75% in the day and 92% in the night.

Dew Point

Water Relatively Lower Humidity

Basically a dehumidifier with a filter can extract water from water vapour through condensation.

Using common airconditioning as a source of drinking water.

Airconditioning Common AC push warm air through coils, condensating and cooling the air in the process. a biproduct is water.

Relatively Higher Humidity

DEVICE

Precipitation Condensation of water vapour in the atmosphere causes rainfall.

Condensation

Evaporation

As air has a threshhold for how much water it can contain related to it’s temperature a decrease in temperature causes the air to release the vapour as water. This is most noticable when warm humid air is in contact with a cold surface.

The surface of a liquid is vapourized if the air around it is not fully saturated with vapour of the liquid. This threshold is determined by temperature, as hotter air holds more vapour. The change of state, absorbs energy, and results in a temperature drop in the liquid.

Transpiration

Difussion

Through a (organic) material that doubles as insulation. Humid air is condensed, then moved through capillaries to the outside where it evaporates.

Evaporation of water from leaves and plant cells, causing an increase in humidity.

Capillary Action

Due to the polarity and surface tension of H2O. Water will “climb” tubes smaller than 200 micrometer against gravity.

The spontaneous movement of molecules going from a high to low concentration.

Using Capillary Action to transport humidity

As aircondition systems use evaporation and condensation to cool the air and dehumidify it, a biproduct is distilled water, that could be filtered and use as a source for drinking water.

Organic Fibers

Xylem The plant fibers that move water from the roots to the leaves use capillary action to move water vertically in tubes of a 200 MiMeter D.

‘Wicking’ Wicking is a term used in describing the diffusion of water through a material. EX. water going against gravity through concrete, or sweat clothes.

Includes wool, Kapok endemic to the region, and other materials based on small tubing, allows capillary action.

Utilizing refrigerative properties of evaporation from capillary alternatives The porous structure of earthenware has unique properties, that can be used in layers with water, as a primitive refrigerator. Has been used for centuries in Egypt and India; known as the Zeer pot.

Earthenware One of the most simple clay based ceramics, has not been fired to vitrification, and is permeated by water.

Insulation

Trapped airpockets provide insulation properties. Capillaries in insulating materials can facilitate water transport, through ‘wicking’.

S UB J E C T D E F I N I TI O N Leading on the notion of plants utilizing highly sophisticated properties, that are evolutionary adapted to the context, and exceed our current understanding of physics. A sense of biomimicry was further investigated, through contextual studies on climate, condensation and evaporation. The vertical water movement within trees, that should be impossible, lead to an understanding of the importance and properties of capillary action. The intention was developing methods of creating autonomous cooling systems.

Coo le d s urfa c e

Humidity

Evaporation

Exterior

Condensation

sfer ran T at

Capillary Action Interior tio

Interior

s u rf a c e

oled

Humidity

Hea t

sfer an Tr

Exterior

Water movement along Concentration Gradient

Cap

ill a

Buffer 2 io ter

Exterior

22°

25º

22º

93%

33º

100%

Interior

70%

9°

r erio Int Concentration Gradient

Non

Capillary Material

Temperature

Capillary Material

22º 93%

Relative Humidity

33º 70%

Exterior

EVAPORATION

50%

Condensation

Terra Cotta Water Buffer

90%

Relative Temperature

Evaporation

60%

75%

100%

CAPILLARY ACTION

Interior

100% 98% 98% 98% 98%

100%

HCO 3

SO 42-

EVAPORATIVE RESIDUE As the ceramic investigations and fabrication went on, a moment of serendipity occured. The first evaporative cooling experiment, had developed white residue on the surface of the terra cotta. Turning out to be mineral deposits contained in the water used for evaporation, the minerals were left as the water molecules evaporated. Proving in integral observation, it lead the study into the chemical composition of rain, and epiphytic plants.

D E V I C E IN T ROD U CT ION

A device is a designed, constructed and deployed instrument of investigation, being an essential part of the Architecture & Extreme Environments masters course. In the preliminary studies, I was imitating the evaporative cooling and capillary action effects discovered in trees. Through a moment of serendipity, a nutrient-rich residue was building up on the experiments, unintentionally. This changed the investigation into using and providing for actual plants instead of biomimicry.

D ES I G N PA R A M E T E R :

T HE US E O F B I O MI M I C RY S H O U L D B E WE I GH TE D AGA IN S T T H E I N C O RP O RATI O N O F O RG A N I SM S

RAINWATER COMPOSITION IN MANAUS

NUTRIENTS NH4+ K+ Ca2+ NO3PO43-

solute

annual

dry season

wet season

H pH NH4 Na K Ca Mg Cl SO4 NO3 PO4 total P µM

17.0 4.7 3.0 2.4 0.8 2.4 0.9 4.6 2.0 4.2 0.03 0.25

31.7 4.5 7.4 3.4 1.2 2.4 0.6 4.5 2.8 6.4 0.06 0.47

11.2 5.0 1.2 2.1 0.7 2.4 1.0 4.6 1.6 3.3 0.02 0.15

Williams et al. 1997

RAINFALL Due to the high levels of rain in the Brazilian Amazon, the plants have developed a water and nutrient cycle, that is independent from the soil. Molecules necessary for metabolism and growth are emitted through decomposition into the atmosphere as aerosols, where water released through transpiration of the trees condense around the particles, generating perspiration. This process essentially makes all of the amazon one cohesive hydroponic system, allowing life to exist in all areas of the region, as well as causing widespread implications when interfered by intense localised deforestation.

MICROCLIMATE To test the occurence of microclimatic conditions within the vegetation of the rainforest, I went to the Botanical Garden of Copenhagen. Studying epiphytic growth endemic to the Amazon region, with thermometer, I was astounded to record microclimatic conditions not just within the plants, but adjacent to the stem as well. First noted in a study from 1983, the microclimatic conditions provided by evaporative cooling and transpiration, provide a lowered temperature creating localized eco systems in and around the plant. Attracting species that are beneficial to the survival of the plant, the microclimate is the fundamental condition for symbiotic relationships.

26,2ºC 24,6ºC

D ES I G N PA R A M E T E R :

R EGION S PE C I F I C P L A N T SP E C I E S G E N E RATE NATURA L C O O LI N G TH RO U G H TRA N S P I RATI O N, T HAT WO R K S I N S Y N E RGY WI TH A RE G I O N A L E C OS Y S T E M PROV I D I N G N U TRI E N TS.

ORIGIN OF NUTRIENTS

Lightning

Rain

Biological Decomposition

NO₃⁻

Forest Fires / Volcanic Eruptions

NH₄ K P Ca MG

Foldable Aluminum Frame

Ceramic Nutrient Buffer

Alloy no. 5052

Saharan Dust

SO₄ S

Water retaining Capillary Fabric

PO₄

Autonomous MICROCLIMATE

Fibertex PPR433

COLLECTED EPIPHYTIC GROWTH

interior DECREASED TEMPERATURE DECREASED HUMIDITY exterior HIGH TEMPERATURE HIGH HUMIDITY

ACCUMULATION

COLLEC T I O N

A SSE M BLY

DE P L OY M E N T

MAX 43.8°C

MIN 32.5°C

INFRARED ANALYSIS

MANAUS

R i o Ne gro

R i o Ama zo n a s

R i o S o limÃµ e s Mapbox

Eduardo Gomes Airport

INPA

INMET

Ponta Pelada Airport

1km

M A N AU S HEAT ISL AN D The City of Manaus within the Amazon rainforest, in the state of Amazonas, where Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes meet to form the Amazon river. The urbanization process produces significant changes in land surface and atmospheric properties, such as the energy partitioning between urban and adjacent areas, thereby creating a new urban climate, which can be understood as a local inconsistency of the regional climate. Data collected from two different sites, in an urban area and from a region of forest about 30 km from the city, for the period of 2000–2008, show that the urban environment creates a local increase in temperature and a decrease in relative humidity. The annual average observed between the urban and forest sites can reach differences of temperatures around 3 °C and relative humidity close to 1.7%. The urban area tends to heat first and more slowly and cool down later and faster than the forest. This heat differential is the product of an in the city missing biological cycle, that acts as a source of cooling primarily through evaporation. The high thermal mass of the city is mitigated by imported airconditioning systems primarily of Asian origin, that are poorly adapted to the hot-humid climate. eventually posing a health risk, as biological growth forms in the filters, releasing unhealthy pathogens.

TEMPERATURE COMPARISON

30.00˚ 29.00˚

temperature

28.00˚ 27.00˚ 26.00˚ 25.00˚ 24.00˚ 23.00˚ 22.00˚ 0

INMET PP FOREST ABOVE FOREST BELOW

time of day

E P I PH Y TIC CON D IT ION IN G In the investigations prior to the conceptualisation of the device, it became clear that not only does the climate differ dramatically when comparing the environments of the Brazilian Amazon to Northern Europe, but so does the fundamental aspects of plants, biology and rainwater composition. The investigation went into remarkable cases regarding the fundamental technologies and misconceptions of plants. How the timespan of millions of years through natural selection have created sophisticated ‘biological technology’ that has enabled vascular plants to function in ways, which should be impossible through our current knowledge of physics. The project situates itself in contrast to conventional biomimicry, as the natural technology is not imitated, but directly used and applied. Developing into an alternate discourse that capitalize on existing locally available resources; epiphytic “air plants” and nutrients in collected rainwater. The system has 3 main parts; the ceramic water buffer that can be connected through tubes to a water source or aircondition run-off, the capillary water retaining fabric, and the aluminium frame, that can fold into a backpack size, while protecting the plants in the collection phase. The implications in moving plants from their natural habitats into the unnatural context of an artificial ecosystem, was essential to the project. The notion that some plants would die, some compete and others bring unanticipated fungus and growth into the system, was considered a value that would eventually contribute to the ecosystem it could become. It would develop its own time, rhythm and biological composition, as a temporal ecology.

SUMMARY The Biotube is a fabricated prototype of a cultivation biotope. Comprised of 2 vertical growth chambers both monitored and the bottom regulated by an Arduino microcontroller to sustain the humidity, temperature and light conditions for epiphytic plants. One part automated cultivation, the other and experiment of placing selected plants at the interface of the two chambers measuring the effect of the plant as a active biological transition between two conditions.

BIOLOGICAL DEHUMIDIFICATION GAS EXCHANGE & TRANSPIRATION The main experiment in the biotube, is the notion of epiphytic plants being aplied as an active component in the structural membrane. Effects of dehumidication is monitored, by increasing the humidity of the buttom chamber, and recording an increase in the top. only interface being the roots and leaves of the plant

Dendrobium Kingianum Semi Alba

PARTICLE SEQUESTRATION ABSORBTION OF POLLUTANTS Through gas sensors, the composition of gasses in each chamber is monitored, to determine the effective absorbtion capabilities of the selected plants.

Tillandsia Usneoides

Dinema Polybulbon

CH2O

C2HCl3

C6H6

C8H10

NH3

EPIPHYTIC CULTIVATION GROWTH CYCLES & Plant MORPHOLOGY Through the experiment period, the growth under different conditions is monitored, as well as recorded in photos. The main interest being the capabilities of growth on purely synthetic elements. As epiphytes do not draw any nutrients from the host body, the application range is tested.

Angraecum Didieri

EXPERIMENTAL BIOTOPE 1:1 investigation

TOP SEAL LIGHT & AIRFLOW CONTROL

06:00

18:00

38˚

CANOPY

5W LED

60˚

450mm

DHT 11 SENSOR

TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY

SEPERATION SEALS

DIS

DHT11

Y LA

MICROCONTROLLER INTERFACE

UNDERSTORY

SEPERATION SEALS

750mm

PLANT SAMPLES

HUMIDIFIER

WATER CONTAINER

BOTTOM SEAL 200mm

TECHNICAL

16th MAR no plants, minimum circulation 14:12

14:22

14:32

14:42

14:52

14:55

15:02

15:12

15:22

15:32

TOP

38%

BOT

34%

43%

54%

63%

73%

76%

79%

82%

85%

88%

AUTO OFF

NOTE: The first test was an unexpected success, the humidity level increased rapidly with no measurable loss in the bottom chamber, at about 1% per minute. No effect on the top chamber, even with a small 9mm hole connecting the two. The sensor matched readings on external measuring devices, and fell to a steady 38% as the chamber was ventilated by the end of the test. No condensation and an interesting phenomena of a cloud building up at the bottom as the chamber fills. Shutoff as expected. Ventilation can be increased for a more frequent humidification event.

21st MAR plants inserted, seperation not sealed 14:12

14:22

14:32

14:42

14:52

14:55

15:02

15:12

15:22

15:32

TOP

37%

38%

39%

40%

BOT

36%

42%

53%

63%

73%

75%

76%

77%

78%

AUTO OFF

NOTE: Lowered humidity range on Arduino to 65%, to target a less saturated condition. holds at 78%

2nd APR replanted calibration, seperation not fully sealed, lights off 20:00

20:10

20:20

20:30

20:40

20:50

21:00

21:10

21:40

13:00

TOP

36%

35%

36%

37%

38%

47%

BOT

42%

46%

58%

74%

82%

86%

91%

95%

AUTO OFF

NOTE: Humidity increased rapidly, may be due to presaturation. remarkably faster humidity increase in top chamber, stable at 47% after 12 hrs. will continue undisturbed and monitor any change in growth, and humidity. Smells like the greenhouse I bought the plants in. That must be a good thing? turned lights on at 13:00 the next day.

DATA RECORDS