Urban Algae Canopy will generate a 4-hectare forest's worth of oxygen
By 1nf3rn0 
The larger bio-digital urban algae canopy planned for Expo Milan 2015.
The larger bio-digital urban algae canopy planned for Expo Milan 2015.
Microalgae in the water pumped through the translucent structure turns green in harsh sunlight due to photosynthesis.
Urban algae canopy: photosynthesis provides extra shade on sunny days while allowing light through when it’s overcast.
A series of tubes pumps the microalgae fluid around to the panels.
A series of tubes pumps the microalgae fluid around to the panels.
“The exceptional properties of microalgae organisms are enhanced by their cultivation within a custom designed 3 layers ETFE cladding system.”
“A special CNC welding technology is at the core of it and enables ecoLogicStudio to design and control the morphology of the cushions under stress as well as the fluid dynamic behaviour of the water medium as it travels through it.”
“A special CNC welding technology is at the core of it and enables ecoLogicStudio to design and control the morphology of the cushions under stress as well as the fluid dynamic behaviour of the water medium as it travels through it.”
Urban Algae Canopy prototype in Milan
The algae’s natural tint produces some interesting light effects. Or, to some, it might just look a bit mouldy.
Demonstration canopy at “Feeding new ideas for the city” event in Milan
Demonstration canopy at “Feeding new ideas for the city” event in Milan
“The flows of energy, water and CO2 are therefore regulated to respond and adjust to weather patterns and visitors’ movements. As the sun shines more intensively algae would photosynthesise and grow thus reducing the transparency of the canopy and increasing its shading potential; since this process is driven by the biology of mico-algae is inherently responsive and adaptive; visitors will benefit from this natural shading property while being able to influence it in real-time; their presence will trigger electro valves to alter the speed of algal flow through the canopy provoking an emergent differentiation across the space.”
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