Floating Island Inspiration (Two)
A quick overview of the architects, engineers, designers and projects that have provided design inspiration and ideas for my Design By Data Advanced Master research project so far — part two (part one is here).
Alessio Erioli & Alessandro Zomparelli — Emergent Reefs Project
The Emergent Reefs project draws on the potential that emerges from a coherent utilization of the environment’s inherent ecological structure for its own transformation and evolution, using an approach based on digitally simulated ecosystems and sparked by the possibilities and potential of large-scale 3D printing technology. Considering tourism as an inevitable vector of environmental change, the project aims to direct its potential and economic resources toward a positive transformation, providing a material substrate for the human-marine ecosystem integration with the realization of spaces for an underwater sculpture exhibition. Such structures will also provide a pattern of cavities which, expanding the gradient of microenvironmental conditions, break the existing homogeneity in favor of systemic heterogeneity, providing the spatial and material preconditions for the repopulation of marine biodiversity. — Zomparelli & Erioli, 2012
The purpose of Emergent Reefs is to establish, through strategies based on computational design tools and machine-based fabrication, seamless relationships between three different aspects of the architectural process: generation, simulation, and construction, which in the case of the used technology can be specified as guided growth. — Zomparelli & Erioli, 2012
James Gardiner — (In)human Habitat: Rethinking the Constructed
Reef
The inspiration for this project evolved from working with D-Shape™ on the Villa Roccia project and the basis for the digital design working methods have been adapted directly from this project. The project is however very different from these preceding case studies… The (In)human Habitat Project is then presented with a discussion of the two principles concepts that underpin the project: the reef complex as an assemblage of topologies and the ‘deep scaffold’. The design of a new type of constructed reef, is then presented, based on the principles described. This is followed by a discussion of the generation of the ‘digital definition’ of the constructed reef complex using digital design tools and the fabrication opportunities available through the use of construction 3D printing. — Gardiner, 2011
Although the presence of artificial reefs is generally considered to have an
economic value, based on attraction or production of marine flora and fauna and the cost benefit of the reef to stakeholders (Bohnsack and Sutherland, 1985). The value of this project is considered to be based primarily on the ecological benefit it provides.
“The intent of this project was the design of a reef that can emulate the diverse spaces that are required” for a diverse range of marine flora and fauna by “creating a deep scaffold that can form the basis for coral growth, while providing habitat for a range of marine life. Natural reefs of such complexity can take thousands (and in some cases millions) of years to grow.” — Gardiner, 2011
Alex Goad — MARS
The Modular Artificial Reef Structure (MARS) has been designed to help mitigate the growing effects that modern human activity is having on our marine environments. — Goad.
The MARS units are a completely unique way of realising artificial reef structures. The product combines durable materials and functionally aesthetic surface design, with the versatility of a modular system. The surface of each unit provides unique indentations for transplanted and naturally occurring corals to prosper and provides protective space for a multitude of organisms. The units allow for the structure to be tailored to specific environments, in shape and size creating a stronger and more natural reef system. The product can also be used to add features to man made structures such as piers and rock walls to increase the biomass of the area. — Goad.
Even more floating island project inspiration to come…
