Thursday, 8 November 2012

Reflection


After the presentation it seemed as the future scenario of the project was a bit tame. Although set in the future and using technology which was not available to date. I think it was unclear how wild our designs could be and I chose to place my design in a futuristic but realistic scenario.

Apart from that I think the project turned out quite well. I experimented with different techniques and different rendering programs, taking a risk and learning new things during the life of the project. My peers as well as my tutor seemed pleased with the quality of the images I produced. I will defiantly keep these skills and add onto them during my architectural career. 

Poster



Presentation






















Bio mimicry

Leaf fan optimizes cooling and wind resistance: fan palm tree

The leaf of the Australian fan palm gathers light, stays cool, and avoids wind damage by subdivision into tilted segments.

Application Ideas: Photovoltaic panels optimized to keep cooler than conventional panels and withstand strong winds. Roof designs to shunt away heat. Tent and awning designs to withstand wind and fold efficiently.

Leaves change colors under different lighting: Selaginella ferns

Leaves of extreme shade Selaginella tropical ferns change in improving light conditions from being iridescent blue to green by removal of photoprotective coating.

Application Ideas: A photoprotective coating that disappears automatically after a certain amount of time protects light sensitive chemical reactions and developing organisms from too much light in the initial phase and can also be used to automatically switch between two states after a certain time, allowing e.g., for setting expiration dates to devices or obtaining data at two different light conditions.

Water vapor harvesting: Namib desert beetle

The wing covers of the Namib desert beetle gather water from the air using nanoscale bumps.

Application Ideas: Create passive devices to collect water in dessicated environments for local consumption particularly in poor countries or for anyone needing to spend time in desert environments.


Fluorophores enhance photosynthesis: dwarf mountain pine

Cuticular wax of dwarf mountain pine enhance photosynthesis by having fluorophores that convert harmful solar UV into blue light that can be utilised for photosynthesis in low-light conditions.

Application Ideas: More efficient solar cells by adding a fluorescent coating that converts an unexploited high-energy fraction into useful radiation. More efficient solar cells by adding a fluorescent coating that enhances capabilities in low-light conditions.

Water collection cools hive: honeybee

Honeybees cool the hive by collecting water, spreading it, and fanning to increase evaporation.

Application Ideas: Using collected water combined with fans to cool buildings.







Clay renders






x ray render of model with site






Completed Building