THE LIVING UMBRELLA
NERI OXMAN
Neri Oxman is an American–Israeli designer and professor at the MIT Media Lab, where she leads the Mediated Matter research group. She is known for art and architecture that combine design, biology, computing, and materials engineering. Her work embodies environmental design and digital morphogenesis, with shapes and properties that are determined by their context. She coined the phrase “material ecology” to define her work, placing materials in context.[4 Stylistic trademarks include brightly colored and textured surfaces with structure at many scales, and composite materials whose hardness, color, and shape vary over an object. The results are often designed to be worn or touched, and inspired by nature and biology.
‘As in Nature, when creation begins with matter, morphogenesis, or the generation of form, is a process engendered by the physical forces of Nature. Similarly material should not be considered a subordinate attribute of form, but rather its progenitor’ (Oxman, 2014) Today, perhaps under the imperatives of growing recognition of the ecological failures of modern design, inspired by the growing presence of advanced fabrication methods, design culture is witnessing a new materiality. Within the last decade in both industrial design and architecture, a new body of knowledge is emerging within architectural praxis. Examples of the growing interest in the technological potential of innovative material usage and materil innovation as a source of design generation are developments in biomaterials, mediated and responsive materials, as well as composite materials.
FEATURES
SUSTAINABLE
CONCEPT
I intended to propose a design challenging the features and functionality of the traditional umbrella. Taking inspiration from the two protagonists ( Frei Otto and Neri Oxman) I decided to take the design of the umbrella to a new level by combining technology and biomimicry. The umbrella will not only simulate nature but it will be as if nature itself has designed it and grown it as an extension to the human body.
FASHIONABLE
COMFORTABLE
FORM FINDING MINIMAL SURFACES
PHYSICAL MODELS INVESTIGATING HOW CAN WE USE THE MINIMAL SURFACE TO DESIGN A WEARABLE UMBRELLA
3D DESIGN DEVELOPMENT APPLYING THE VORONOI PATTERN TO THE DESIGN
Physical model with wire and soap investigating the minimal surfaces
Physical model with wire and soap investigating the minimal surfaces
Physical model with wire and soap investigating the minimal surfaces
FINAL DESIGN PROPOSAL
After analyzing the previous designs I came to the conclusion that they need a wider and more solid back in order to protect from the rain better and therefore I have reshaped the protective part of the umbrella to be functional as well as ideological. The front offers three points for adjustment in order to fit any type of human body and feel as a natural extension to it. The voronoi pattern allows for an efficient building using the least amount of material in order to create a stable and at the same time lightweight structure just as nature uses space and material in the most efficient way.
FINAL PHYSICAL MODEL 1:10
STRUCTURE Carbon-fibre frame and ETFE filled with jelly suspended algae cover
ETFE
Precedent: AlgaeClad AlgaeClad is the world first living ETFE cladding. A digitally designed and custom made bioplastic container — using daylight to feed the living micro-algal cultures and releasing lumines-
FINAL DRAWINGS
Section 1:10
Elevation 1:10
SHELLter
CRIST CHRUCH MEADOW Oxford
The meadow is enclosed by the rivers Cherwell and Thames - the Thames is known as the Isis whilst flowing through the city. The Isis is home to the college boathouses where rowing teams gather to train and compete.
The land of Christ Church meadow is a possession of Christ Church College. Christ Church was founded nearly five hundred years ago, part of Renaissance movement to improve education and train young men for an active life in the church or the state. The Meadow Building is in the Venetian Gothic style, popularised in the Victorian period through the writings of one Christ Church alumni, John Ruskin.
Christ Church meadow is a rare open space at the heart of Oxford, open to the public all year round. Though seemingly tranquil, the meadow is highly variable, with seasonal flooding and a variety of wildlife that comes and goes.
Flooding at Christ Church Meadow, July 2007
This photo captures the atmosphere which I will seek to capture and incorporate into my design. Once you enter the park you are immersed in the magical serenity of nature and you want to experience the water flow by leaving it to guide you.
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WATER FLOW
WATER STILLNESS
1. WAVE THEORY APPLIED TO SITE
ALGAE ANALYSIS ON SITE Whilst people are captivated by the flowing water on site, right by the big river there is a small hidden one which has rather fascinatingly freezed. It looks as if it is suspended in time and this is caused by algae. They form unique patterns on the water surface which intrigued me. Therefore I decided to further investigate algae’s functions and apply them to my design. By doing so, I intend to create a masterplan and overnight shelter which represent the water and thus the atmosphere of both Christ Church Meadow and Oxford, making my design rooted in its surroundings.
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2. CAUSES OF WATER RIPPLES
Water has a special property in the bond of its molecules. It changes its forms according to the forces applied. The water surface texture can be catatorised into two buf types, according to the forces. First, is the gravity of the obstacles (wind with rain drops), and second is the wind friction. This creates two different texture: circular and lines.
After examining the process of water ripples formation both theoretically and prectically, I extracted the outcome to form a nature-driven pattern which will be applied to create a speculative masterplan.
TILE
Since Oxford is a city which grows at a fast pace and research and innovation are at its heart, my project will offer an opportunity for the people to take a step back. Residents are offered an opportunity to escape from the hectic daily routine and immerse themselves in the serenity of nature.
A PLACE FOR:
RECONNECTION
RECREATION
INSPIRATION
AFFECTION
1:50 Section
1 1. Primary structure - Glass
Fiber Reinforced Plastic hull, GLULAM frame varying between 50X100 MM and 100X300MM due to the irregularity of the shape, 150MM Insulation layer
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2. Secondary structure -
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3. Foldable glazed facade - The double-glazed
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facade maintains thermal comfort as it can both let fresh air inside the boat and also prevent cold air from entering. It also acts as an additional support for the roof
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4. Entrance - The entrance is 2
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Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic interior walls, GLULAM beams varying between 50X100 MM and 100X200MM, 100MM to 200MM Insulation layer due to different wall thicknesses
also made out of GLULAM 50X100MM beams, 50MM Insulation and Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic finish
5. Bed - Leather cover with
padding inside to assure comfort and mimic the water surface
1:20 Technical Section
1:50 PLAN
WAVE LOVE
UNITED KINGDOM ISLE OF WIGHT THE NEEDLES
ISLE OF WIGHT SITE LOCATION
‘Wave Love Resort’ resort will be located in the water of Scratchell’s bay next to the Needles at the Isle of Wight. It is in the English Channel, between 2 and 5 miles off the coast of Hampshire, separated by the Solent. You can reach the island on hovercraft, ferry or catamaran from Southampton, Lymington and Portsmouth. The island has resorts that have been holiday destinations since Victorian times, and is known for its mild climate, coastal scenery, and verdant landscape of fields, downland and chines.
THE NEEDLES
SCRATCHELL’S BAY
RECORDING THE SITE LANDSCAPE
CHALK
MODES OF ACCESSIBILITY TO SITE
SAND
TO RESORT
GRASS
ALUM BAY
In order to reach the resort the visitors will have to use the hydrogen powered boat which will also be their romantic night shelter. The water around the boat is subject to a process called bioremediation, in which microorganisms (algae) are used to consume and break down pollutants in the environment.
ALGAE
WATER
NATURAL COLOURS
HARDSCAPE The rugged, steep cliffs of Alum Bay run almost vertically down to the turquoise sea and glisten in the sun in a staggering 21 different shades split in five main colour groups: red, green, white, yellowbrown and black. It is beautiful to see and the place has been one of the biggest attractions on the Isle of Wight since Victorian times. People would come to visit and fill up glass bottles with alternating layers of the coloured sand to take home as a memento of their visit.
CONCRETE
STEEL
AGGREGATES
BRICK
Sitting high above the Needles at the very western tip of the Island, with bird’seye views of the Solent and unspoilt countryside, is the Needles Old Battery. A Victorian fort built in 1862 for a war that never took place, it became known as one of ‘Palmerston’s Follies’ after the politician that commissioned it, but was called into action during both World Wars.
MASTERPLAN DESIGN AND CONCEPT USING TECHNOLOGY (GRASSHOPPER) TO DESIGN NATURE
VORONOI DIAGRAM In mathematics, a Voronoi diagram is a partition of a plane into regions close to each of a given set of objects. In the simplest case, these objects are just finitely many points in the plane (called seeds, sites, or generators). For each seed there is a corresponding region consisting of all points of the plane closer to that seed than to any other. These regions are called Voronoi cells. The Voronoi diagram is constantly encountered in nature and is nature’s “formula” of space arrangement. Following the laws of nature by applying the diagram to my design, I have tried to achieve the most efficient organisation of the resort space. It’s easy to make a simple voronoi diagram. Just throw a random scattering of points (“sites”) across a plane, connect these sites with lines (linking each point to those which are closest to it), and then bisect each of these lines with a perpendicular. First step is to draw a line connecting adjacent points. Second step is to draw a perpendicular line to the one you just drew in the midpoint of it. Last step is to connect lines, drawn in the second step, in to an network.
PROGRAMMATIC ORGANISATION PEDESTRIAN STRATEGY
WATER PLATFORMS
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
REGATTA OBSERVATION PLATFORMS
GREEN OASES
WALKWAY
ORGANIC FOOD MARKET/BOTANIC GARDEN
The Voronoi diagram is used to create a pattern which helps locate the walkways, green areas and water platforms. The pattern is created by applying the algorithm behind the Voronoi diagram to the shape of the platform using Grasshopper.
ROMANTIC VILLA - “SHELLTER”
PROMENADE
RESORT OCCUPATION SCENARIO 2- RESORT FOR LOVERS
SCENARIO 1 - ENERGY CENTER
25 % 25 % of the resort will be occupied throughout the whole year by the workers at the tidal energy center. They will use the office building and the underwater algae restaurant
SCENARIO 3- REGATTA OBSERVATION POINT
100 %
REGATTA OBSERVATION TOWER
75 % 75 % of the resort will be occupied by couples visiting it for their honeymoon, engagemnet or just a romantic gateway from March until September
OBSERVATION PLATFORM The lenghth of the resort is occupied by a platform which allows good views to the regatta to all spectators WATER PLATFORMS Platforms, acting as steps to the sea, allow closer connection with water to immerse the visitor in the Regatta experience OBSERVATION TOWER The resort also includes an observation tower which offers breathtaking views and comfortable seats CAFE AND ALGAE RESTAURANT Visitors can enjoy front views while tasting unique and innovative drinks and meals with algae
The whole resort will be occupied during the Regatta week. The resort will provide space to accommodate spectators during the day assuring to enhance their experience by offering comfortable observation spaces and delicious refreshments
PLATFORMS LEADING TO THE WATER
WATER SPORTS CENTER
ENGAGEMENT HALL
SPA CENTER
MASTERPLAN 1:1500
OUTDOOR CINEMA SEATS
“ISLE OF WIGHT PEARL” SHOP
ALGAE UNDERWATER RESTAURANT TIDAL ENERGY STATION / OFFICES / ACCOMMODATION FOR WORKERS
1:1500
MASTERPLAN DIGITAL MODEL
ARTIFICIAL ALGAE FOREST The algae forest is using the tubes created by ecoLogicstudio for their BIO.tech HUT. The air stream creates eddies on the fluid inside the tubes, and generates a stirring effect that catalyzes the desired O2 / CO2 exchange. The fluid then descends by gravity to complete the loop. The produced biomass will then be used in the kitchen and also turned into energy to be used in the resort
RAINWATER COLLECTION The column will collect rainwater which will then be reused in the resort
SMART CHARGER The column will also act as a smart phone charger so you don’t miss anything from the Regatta
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
Photovoltaic panels anchored to the column
CO2
O2
ALGAE TUBES
Precedent At the Astana Expo 2017 in Kazakhstan, London-based ecoLogicStudio presented BIO.tech HUT, a pavilion that represents a prototype of future city algae farming, exploring the anthropological relationship between man and the natural environment in the Anthropocene age. The Lab is a space of science and rationality, where new species of micro-organisms are domesticated and engineered into artificial cultivation environments, growth patterns and material assemblies. In keeping with this ethos, the structure and interior of the BIO.tech HUT express the ideal of symbiosis between human and non-human city dwellers. Designed in collaboration with marine biologists and algae farmers, the photo-bioreactive cladding is developed from a first-of-its-kind revolutionary system that uses high-speed air flow to lift the living medium into lab grade glass tubes.
HOW IT WORKS BIQ’s bioreactors are bolted to the south-facing sides of the building and are designed to work with barely any human intervention or cleaning. Each bioreactor is three inches thick, more than eight feet high, and holds about six gallons of water between panels of laminated safety glass. A complex circulatory system keeps the algae alive and pushes water, phosphorous, and nitrogen through the bioreactors. The food supply—carbon dioxide—comes from the exhaust pipe of a ground-floor generator. (In future installations, the algae might gobble CO2 emitted from other buildings.) Blasts of compressed air prevent the algae from growing too thick, while tiny beads scrape the glass and keep the organisms from clinging to it. When algae reproduce, they give off heat, meaning that on a sunny day the water in the bioreactor can hit 100°F. That water courses through an exchanger and heats up a second supply of water, which circulates through pipes embedded in the floors to warm the rooms—or to preheat the water used in showers and kitchens. Excess hot water is stored in eight 260-plus-foot-deep boreholes under the building. Altogether, the algae from the bioreactors produce enough calories to heat four apartments year-round. At least every week, the algae are filtered from the water and are processed for methane and hydrogen. They are also processed and used in the kitchen.
USES FACADE PANELS
SAUNA
RESTAURANT
SUNPATH ANALYSIS DAYLIGHT STARTEGY A few light strategies have been adopted to overcome the challenge of bringing maximum light to the underwater level while also providing dining comfort by preventing direct sunlight. Furthermore the design decisions have been influenced by the need of the plants in the underwater biopool to recieve direct sunlight in order to grow. Sun position from May until September
MAXIMISE UNDERWATER LIGHT / MINIMISE DIRECT SUNLIGHT
The algae and plants which are growing in the underwater biopool need In order to both allow direct sunlight for the plants and preserve the comfort direct sunlight in order to photosynthesize. Therefore the restaurant has a in the restaurant, the beach platforms have been positioned above the tables glass ceiling. However, the direct light may cause inconvinience to the people providing the needed shading. inside who are dining.
SKYLIGHTS BRING NATURAL LIGHT UNDERWATER
There are three openings on the roof to allow sunlight enter the building and The light is able to reach the lower level because there is an open atrium reach the underwater restaurant.
ENHANCING FLOURESCENCE OF ALGAE CHANDELIER
Although the algae chandelier has a system with photobioreactors which provide enough energy and nutrients to the algae, sunlight additionally enhances thier fluorescence
VORONOI LIGHT PATTERNS STIMULATE UNDERWATER PLANTS GROWTH
Apart from bringing natural light to the underwater level, the skylights create voronoi pattern shadows which immerse the visitor in the natural ambience of the restaurant
Although the the design doesn’t allow maximum amount of sunlight due to structural constarints, the light which reaches the plants is enough to enhance their growth.
RADIATION ANALYSIS - PHOTOVOLTAIC PRECEDENT Researchers of the Block Research Group at ETH Zurich have developed an ultra-thin, self-supporting, photovoltaic concrete structure with multiple layers of functionality. Beyond just power generation, this incredibly sinuous structure offers thermal regulation, insulation and waterproofing properties. Layers of heating coils, cooling coils and insulation are sandwiched between two layers of concrete. Echoing LafargeHolcim and Heliatek’s work, the final concrete layer is covered with a thin film of photovoltaic cells that will generate energy for the designated building. At an average thickness of approximately two-inches, this work provides endless insights for the future of photovoltaic concrete, and demonstrates that it is possible to build a thin concrete shell using flexible formwork and photovoltaic elements.
Due to the south orientation of the building, the radiation levels observed are quite high. Therefore this radiation will be used as a source of renewable energy. The roof will have photovoltaic cells into the concrete which will transform it into energy that will cover the needs of the restaurant thus making it a net-positive builidng which means that it will produce more energy than it will consume
VENTILATION STARTEGY
Algorithms from Grasshopper have been used to calculate the total amount of energy which will be produced if the roof surface is built using photovoltaic concrete. The AC energy which will be prodeced for a year will be 33 254kWh. According to “Smarter Business” the average gas and electricity usage in the UK for 2020 is 25 000 kWH high end usgae for medium restaurant meaning that the building will be net-positive
OPENINGS RESPONDING TO WIND DIRECTION
The ventilation strategy adopted at the algae restaurant is considering the wind coming from the sea and using the parabolic shape of the building to direct wind downstairs and allow for natural stack ventilation. Furthermore the algae in the water and the ones in the chandelier absorb CO2 and release fresh air inside the building thus keeping the space always healthy
Wind direction from May until September
The prevailing wind as seen on the diagram is coming from the West and wind is also coming from the East and the South thus the building has openings in those directions in order to benefit from natural ventilation. Since the building is inside the water where strong winds might occur, it is fully glazed with thick glass which could prevent unwanted strong winds.
STACK VENTILATION
The openings allow for wind to enter the building which is then redirected downstairs due to the shape of the parabola and through the atrium is reaches and ventilates the underwater level.
AIR QUALITY
The chandelier is made algae-filled glass tubes connected by nutrient-transporting tubes to a central hub concealing an LED light source. Ambient sunlight and the LED are able to sustain photosynthesis and keep the algae alive, which is how the algae chandelier is also cleaning the air. Furthermore the plants which are in the water, naturally clean the water as well as the air.
ALGAE GENERAL STRATEGY
Fine Algae Dining The restaurant will offer exquisite cuisine.The menu will consist of fine marine food enhanced with algae nutrients. The biomass produced by the photobioreactor will be used by the chefs. Thus the food offered in the restaurant will be a part of a closed eco cycle. This strategy is in place to establish a romantic relationship between the people and their food.
Algae Lighting Precedent ‘LIVING THINGS’ The installation creates a symbiotic relationship between people and microorganisms which is also the aim of my design. The hand blown glass vessels are responsible for both lighting and heating for the occupants, where photobioreactors provide heat, light, agitation, air supply, nutrient and waste control to the living algae inside
BIOPOOL
Produce Your Food Precedent ‘ALGAEMY’ Hand blown glass vessels will be placed on each table. Each visitor will have to blow through a tube thus giving off CO2 which is what the algae inside needs to reproduce. While the visitors are waiting for thier meals, they provide food for the algae and then consume the algae thus establishing a symbiotic relationship.
KITCHEN
RESTAURANT CHANDELIER
PHOTOBIOREACTOR
Bioreceptive concrete shell Precedent ‘SEED Research ‘ BiotA lab has successfully developed a magnesium phosphate-based concrete that is capable of hosting microorganisms and nurturing bio-colonisation directly from the pores on its surface, without the need for soil and associated irrigation systems. The building facde is made out of bioreceptive concrete which is using the voronoi pattern to simulate the porosity of a rock. The shell will be covered by marine microorganisms thus enriching the underwater life and helping clean the polluted air and water. The building with time will turn into a natural habitat which is indistinguishable from the rocks at the Isle of Whight.
ALGAE LIGHTING AND HEATING STARTEGY Photobioreactor Precedent ‘LIVING THINGS’ The diagram on the left explains the process of transforming mature algae into biomass which is used to create spirulina. The algae are harvested from the biopool then they are processed and used for lighting and heating.The high functioning photobioreactors provide heat, light, agitation, air supply, nutrient and waste control to the living algae inside. Once filtered, the algae can be dried from a viscous paste into a fine, green powder which is over 60% protein by weight and is mostly flavorless with a hint of grassiness. This powder is called Spirulina and is used for cooking.
Mature Algae
Processed culture
Extraction Tank Gravity clarifier
Low Voltage Power Input CO2 for pH modification
Return culture
CO2
Electrmagnetic fields
Liquid Water
Water recycling Biomass (return to bioreactor)
Algae CO2
Biomass
Oil
LIVING THINGS
The Living Things exhibit is currently installed at The Mattress Factory, an extension of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In the furniture created by Douenias and Frier, spirulina is the star of the show. These living structures recycle light, heat, and carbon dioxide from buildings and their inhabitants into rich green biomass which can be consumed as sustenance, used as agricultural fertilizer, or converted to biofuel. A dining set is accompanied by wallmounted lamps filled with glowing, living spirulina which not only emits warm green light but it also releases heat.
‘Algae Chandelier’
ALGAE POOL STARTEGY
Render showing the algaepool and the the underwater views
BIOPOOL 1:30 SYSTEM DIAGRAM
Low salt hydrolysis
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Skimmer
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2 Bottom drain with swimming pond cover
1. Surface skimmers circulate the water to remove floating impurities before they sink
2. The bootom drain sucks the impurities which have fallen to the bottom of the pool
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4. The nozzle fills the pool with pure water
Over flow pipe
5. The low salt hydrolysis purifies the water
6. The Phospat Filter controls the growth of free algae and removes excess nutrient
Nozzle
Render showing a view to the algaepool from the water platforms
Phospat Filter
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U V C
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Checkvalve
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Thermo pump
8 Blue Eco Pump
Beadfilter
7. UVC lamp is used to purify the water and kill bacteria
8. Pump circulates the main water filtration
Photobioreactor
9. The Beadfilter assissts in microbial cleaning of the water
10. The Thermo pump uses the bio ethanol to turn it into heat which can heat the water at the pool if needed.
Algae Tank
11. The photobioreactor turns algae into bio ethanol (bio fuel)
12. The tank stores algae
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1:20 DETAIL
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1. 300mm to 150mm waterproof board-marked concrete 50 mm sprayed-on thermal insulation 2. Triple glazing in aluminium frame 3. Plaster interior finish 4. Plaster exterior finish 5. 5. 1 - 100mm bioreceptive concrete shell 5.2 - 20mm sealant 5.3 - 400mm waterproof board-marked concrete 5.4 - 50mm glass thermal insulation 5.5 - 50x50mm wooden beams 5.6 - stone wall 6. 250mm acrylic glass pane seamlessly glued together from 4 elements 7. 40mm plaster finish 200mm reinforced concrete 50mm PUR hard foam thermal insulation three-ply sealing membrane 8. 50mm reinforced concrete screed, polished separation layer 70mm PUR hard foam thermal insulation three-ply sealing membrane 150mm gravel fill 500mm reinforced concrete 9. Tremie filled concrete foundations
6. Precedent For my windows I have used the same glass which is used in the restaurant “Under� as it is able to withstand all the water preassure
STRUCTURAL STRATEGY UNDERWATER
STEP 2 Placing the precast concrete platforms onto caisson foundations
STEP 1 Placing the precast underwater level together with the bioreceptive concrete shell onto the caisson foundations
LEVEL 1
STEP 7
BIO-RECEPTIVE CONCRETE SHELL Finally, a biorecptive concrete shell is attached to the roof
PRECEDENT, San-Telmo Museum, Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos
STEP 6
CONCRETE The concrete is then sprayed onto the formwork. The concrete must be wet enough to be sprayed but firm enough to stick to the vertical surfaces. Then a layer of insulation is sprayed. It is then covered with another layer of concrete fitted with thin-film photovoltaic cells
STEP 5
TEXTILE REINFORCEMENT MESH
STEP 4
FABRIC SHUTTERING Polymer fabric is thern stretched acrossed the steel structure which serves as formwork for the concrete
STEP 3
MAIN STEEL STRUCTURE Instead of cable-net falsework which they have used in the ETH Zurich’s prototype, I have designed a steel structure which will strenghthen the structure because the prototype was testing an ultra-thin concrete roof and it was built indoors. However, my building will be exposed to rough weather conditions and therefore it needs a sufficient and stable structure.
IREX ROCK
ST ANTHONY’S ROCK
LONG SECTION 1:100
MATERIALITY RENDER
WHITE CONCRETE
CONCRETE
NATURAL STONE
PLASTER
GLASS TUBES FILLED WITH LIQUID ALGAE
NATURAL STONE
LEATHER
WATER
WOOD
BIORECEPTIVE CONCRETE