CHAPTER3 Artificiality

Using artificial technology helps those natural systems to work better and connect tp people's experiences.

Mangroves

The University of Melbourne develops sustainable methods to protect our water quality and prevent the erosion. The engineers developed the world's first temperate mangrove field experiment, which grew in specially designed pods to help protect the coast. The pod is designed to reduce wave energy to help small mangroves grow. As mangroves get bigger and bigger, they can accumulate sediments by themselves and purify the environment(University of Melbourne,2018).

Mangroves

https://www.allaboutgardening.com/mangroves/

Temperature 20 degrees -25 degrees. Alluvial plain,

Saline water is not necessary for mangroves, but it will exclude other threatening plants, making mangroves the dominant plants along the coast and estuaries. The purification capacity of mangroves is limited, and overloaded sewage discharge will lead to obvious or potential ecological risks. In practical application, mangroves can only be used as organic purification tools under sufficient monitoring and restrictions.

Experimental pod (unimelb)

There was not too much human intervention (garbage, man-made destruction) in the previous experimental site

Experimental pods

Experimental pod (unimelb)

Height: About 400mm

Diameter: About 300mm

Extremely high sediments may exceed the tolerance threshold of mangroves and cause them to die. This is convenient for people to help clean up

Organic experimental pod

Height: 1200mm

Diameter: 500mm

This device can be modularized When the mangrove forest matures, we can demolish it.

Spray nozzles

Fog can not only reduce the temperature of the whole site with the help of the south wind in summer, but also allows us to put medicines in the water pump to prevent pests for mangroves.

Organic experimental pod

In terms of the material, foamed cement is a good choice. It is breathable and waterproof at the same time. It is also a good thermal insulation material.

Mangroves

Mangroves can grow more than two meters (roots) in the deep water. The roots of mangroves on land are 30cm deep. Therefore, according to the different growth conditions, the morphology of mangroves will be completely different, especially the roots. This can give people a different impression, when they are walking betwenn mangroves.

Solar panel

Artificial tree

Rain water collection Solar panel

Rainwater collector

Solar panel

Hanging crops

Hanging croIt can effectively cover the huge rainwater collector and make this artificial tree more organic.

Artificial trees will stand among mangroves to create a feeling of being half organic and half mechanical.

Height:6000mm

Purifier layer

Organic chemicals

Activated carbon

Purifier layer

Organic chemicals

Rain water strage

Activated carbon

Water storage pipe

Water compressor pump

Water compressor pump Pipes

Pipes for artificial fog

Monitors

Sediment Activated carbon

Sediment Activated carbon

Then I designed artificial trees among mangroves. I hope to create a feeling of artificial and organic coexistence. The collected rainwater will pass through the filter layer and be stored in the water storage pipe. Then the water is compressed into very small water particles by a pressuring device. They are then transported to the nozzles through thin water pipes. Water particles will sublimate into fog when they meet air.

Floating garden

BlueBlocks Floating Gardens

BlueBlocks is a modular, floating and semi-submersible structure, which is used in challenging urban fringe conditions to create small salt marsh islands and provide a series of ecological benefits for human beings and other species.

Pollutants

Marine biobeneficial reefs

Hanging seaweed

Floating farm

Purified water

Bio-beneficial cast concrete anchors

This floating structure simulates the underwater ecosystem. As an anchor, bio-beneficial concrete purifies the water environment at the bottom. Using oysters as living reefs, each oyster can purify 78 gallons of water during its maturity. The hanging seaweed will create a better living environment for underwater creatures. It is expected that this place will become a good fish farm. People can fish here or collect seaweed.

Floating bridge

This pontoon bridge will combine the wave energy conversion devices with aquatic plants. The waves near the coastline are not big enough, but people can increase the up and down movement by walking on them. Iris pseudacorus is a plant suitable for growth here.This flower can absorb pollutants in water and can grow in shallow water and wetlands. At the same time, salt water can prevent its super growth ability.

Even so, I don't think the energy generated by this device is enough to supply the whole project. But my purpose is about public engagement and participation.