A B C D B C A HYDRO PHILE HYDRODYNAMIC SITE DESIGN Forty- ve residential pods occupy Biscayne Cove. Park features like tidal lagoons (A) provide recreation space in addition to Legion Park. The batteries which power the pods can be recharged at Picnic Island’s solar eld (B) where residents can also purchase produce grown in the saltwater greenhouses. These human-scale resilient solutions are also ampli ed with land-based solutions. Mangrove wetlands (C) stabilize the shoreline and protect from violent weather. Underwater desalination tanks (D) purify seawater to make potable for residents. Resilient solutions like these solve problems associated with coastal living. CREATING THE RESIDENTIAL PODS In their unfolded form, as seen below, the pods feature an outdoor deck which allow residents to lounge outside. Three latching locations on the bow, starboard, and port sides allow pods to link together magnetically and mechanically for pedestrian-scale connections. The sectionalized panels also minimize wave movement, which might disrupt the stability of the interior, as seen in the diagram below. Pivoting wall panels permit residents inside and outside. The interior is divided into sections, but these pods feature a more open oor plan than traditional apartments. staircase in each pod leads residents to the crow’s nest, seen in the rendering below, which ers a panoramic view of the bay. HYDROPHILIC DESIGN Biophilic design connects the built and natural environments to better human experience. Hydrophilic design connects the built and aquatic environments. Biscayne Cove community of residential pods in Miami’s bay area. This site is a testament to the pressures of climate gentri cation on coastal urbanization. Legion Park, complete with recreation space and events centers, is being choked out by commercial developers. This hollows out Little Haiti and Little River: two vibrant, ethnic Miami neighborhoods. This proposed community of oating housing adapts to aggravated weather and environment. It o ers dynamic, hydrophilic solutions to make Biscayne Cove resilient to climate change. BIOMIMICRY + DESIGN SYSTEMS Each pod contains an 1,100-gallon ballast tank open on the bottom to create an open water interchange system. When partially lled (A), the water’s weight stabilizes the pod and reduces movement caused by wind and wake. An air pump can be activated in the crow’s nest to remove air from the top of the tank, creating vacuum. As water sucked into the tank (B), the outdoor deck folds up to reduce buoyancy, causing the pod to sink in the water. As weather clears, the ballast can be opened again. These movements mimic how mollusks propel themselves through water, navigating various depths. Additionally, three sides of the pod’s deck are each tted with latching prong (C), to enable pedestrian level connections between pods. These prongs use a combination of magnets and mechanical rotation to secure deck wedges together. Similar to schools of sh, these pods can now form complex units. LEGION PARK PICNIC ISLAND SALTWATER GREENHOUSE SITE recreation tidal lagoons energy solar-powered charging forti cation mangrove wetlands adaptability desalination tanks concept ballast tanks concept the oasis concept pod oor plan concept pods interlocking ONE-BEDROOM POD TWO-BEDROOM POD THREE-BEDROOM POD 1. Outdoor Deck 2. Boat Dock 3. Bedroom 4. Ballast 5. Bathroom The surrounding railing system folds inward and down from pivot points mounted the deck wedges. Corner column posts collapse telescopically to lower the roof and create seal for the pod. Ropes attached from the columns pivot points on the lower deck become taut. 1. Outdoor Deck 2. Boat Dock 3. Bedroom 4. Ballast 5. Bathroom 1. Outdoor Deck 2. Boat Dock 3. Bedroom 4. Ballast 5. Bathroom Living Room Mechanical Room Kitchen ce Living Room Mechanical Room Kitchen Living Room Mechanical Room Kitchen THE CROW’S NEST A POD’S INTERIOR SUNSET AT BISCAYNE COVE THE OASIS BISCAYNE BAY PUBLIC DOCK NORTH THE OASIS PALM BAY CLUB & MARINA ID# 517395311 CONVENIENCE IN A HYDRIC ENVIRONMENT The Oasis provides full access to amenities for residents. These include laundromat with folding stations and tness center. The single- oor structure is illuminated internally by a large, sweeping curtain wall system. Vertical axis wind turbines and solar panels on the roof provide clean electricity to the Oasis. Power is fed through cables on the structural column legs to energy ports at water level. This allows the Cove’s residents to recharge their pod’s battery packs without relying on Miami’s power grid. Three of the Oasis’ legs are out tted with three ports each, allowing nine pods to charge at once. THE OASIS 1. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines 2. Roof-mounted Solar Panels 3. Metal Panel Rainscreen Facade 4. Laundromat + Fitness Center 5. Curtain Wall System 6. Entry Stairway + Dock 7. Battery Charging Port 8. Load-bearing Columns 9. Convenience Store + Emergency Services closed ballast open ballast
H Y D R O P H I L E
Asclimate change exacerbates the environment, urbanization is blighted by climate gentri cation as a result. Miami’s coastal ecosystem, high cost of living, and economic disparities hinder its ability to provide communities with necessary resources. Biscayne Cove, a community of residential pods in the bay, is one solution to coastal housing crises aggravated by climate change. A oating housing environment cannot properly serve a community without regards to ecological context though. As such, Biscayne Cove mimics aquatic wildlife in the bay’s ecosystem. The diaphragmatic mechanics of the pods controlled by a vacuum-suspended ballast tank allow it to move, shelter, and oat much like a boat or characteristics displayed by mollusks. Adaptability is necessary for hybrid aquatic communities. Sea breezes pass through pivoting wall panels to ventilate pods. Interlocking decks on the exterior allow pedestrian-scale connections to occur. The Oasis provides the community with a laundromat and gym, while modi ed catamarans provide convenient goods and emergency services. Hydrodynamic site design elements allow the community to be self-sucient. Finally, Biscayne Cove makes itself resilient to extreme environments by reintroducing mangrove wetlands to the shoreline. Wetlands, like those in the Everglades, create a native, ecological barrier against more violent storm surges and weather.
