Plastics are Forever

Welcome to DWM

Fri, 13 May 2011 13:48:16 -0400

Welcome to our blog for our latest project as Deepwater Waste Management. This site chronicles our progress through our final architecture studio at PennDesign, under the guidance of Winka Dubbledam. The premise of the course was split into two halves. First, we were asked to dream up a solution for the collection of the millions of tons of tiny, plastic particles floating within the Pacific, also known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Our solution involves a network of Sensors Buoys, scattered within the Patch, relaying information for the deployment of our Whirlpool Agents; a system of robots able to combine and swim to the targeted plastic and generate micro-currents to further densify the particles. Through this high pressure system, the plastic is vacuumed down for the journey to the second half of our project, the Deepwater Island Habitat. Our design for this floating, artificial island proposes a unique environment loaded with clean-energy systems. This includes a plant for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion and a “Spike” building skin that rhythmically adapts to the local ecology while absorbing wind and solar energies. We have designed a plastics silo for docking the agents where they will deposit the plastic to the submerged factory for recycling and reuse as an innovative architectural building material, embedded with biodegradable matter, highlighting the many fantastic properties of plastic. In addition, our proposal includes research labs, an eco-hotel, amphitheaters, docks, pools and other activities harnessing the unique qualities of a life adrift, as it draws scientists, artists, and adventurists alike through the pressing issues of cleaning, enjoying, and learning from our Oceans.

Thank you,

Tia + Mark

Special Thanks to the many Researchers across the globe for helping to develop our vision: Win Burleson, Mathias Mitteregger, Ebru Kurbak, and Isabella Hinterleitner. Also, thanks to Winka Dubbledam, Todd Costain, and to our classmates.

Responsive Energy Skin

Fri, 13 May 2011 12:30:25 -0400

Responsive Energy Skin

Whirlpool Agents

Fri, 13 May 2011 12:30:00 -0400

Whirlpool Agents

Photo

Fri, 13 May 2011 12:21:00 -0400

Confluence of Ideas: Bringing Scientists, Adventurists,...

Tue, 10 May 2011 21:15:30 -0400

Confluence of Ideas: Bringing Scientists, Adventurists, Activists, and Artists together through plastic.

Communal Wing

Tue, 10 May 2011 21:13:37 -0400

Communal Wing

Aerial Fissure

Tue, 10 May 2011 21:12:45 -0400

Aerial Fissure

Silo View

Tue, 10 May 2011 21:10:37 -0400

Silo View

Trail View

Tue, 10 May 2011 21:09:38 -0400

Trail View

Villa View

Tue, 10 May 2011 21:08:21 -0400

Villa View

Thermaform Plastic Fabrication Technique

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:44:50 -0400

Thermaform Plastic Fabrication Technique

Responsive Spike Skin

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:43:56 -0400

Responsive Spike Skin

Active Landscape Study

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:43:04 -0400

Active Landscape Study

Buoy Scouts

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:41:54 -0400

Buoy Scouts

Whirlpool Agent

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:20:55 -0400

Whirlpool Agent

Robot Design

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:32:23 -0400

Robotic Agents: Whirlpool

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:26:51 -0500

Robotic Agents: Whirlpool

Robotic Agents: Sensor Buoy

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:28:00 -0500

Robotic Agents: Sensor Buoy

Explorations of potential soft skin membranes of the plastic...

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:14:29 -0500

Explorations of potential soft skin membranes of the plastic silo and island habitats that respond to external pressures such as the wind, sun, water, and people.

Robot Performance using Light Sensor Technology

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:22:20 -0500

Robot Performance using Light Sensor Technology