Plot #3

The algae farm exists in thin tanks embedded within the 20' X 20' structural frame.  These panels are habitable, and are located according to programmatic needs for outside access using a variety of different cut out sizes in the matrix.  Once mature, the algae is fed into the core of the building where processing begins.  Using a process called transeterification, the algae is electrified with a low voltage current that breaks down the membrane and allows faster extraction of the lipids and therefore bio-diesel.  

All the other programme sits outside the central infrastructural core looking in through large windows making the algae processing the focal point of the whole building.  An inverted Lloyds of London or Centre Pompidou, if you will.  

Working Out the Programme/Farm Relationship

Instead of using tubes for algae cultivation, I have moved into flat tanks. These will provide more local colour variation and can also be unitised for ease of installation and mainenance. The downside of this is that the water does not circulate around the building, and therefore gains huge thermal mass, essentially working like a trombe wall...not what you need in the middle of a dessert. Efforts will have to be made to pull the skin away from the programme where heat in not required and vice-versa.

It occurred to me that if I was treating the skin and programme as separate, I might as well have independent systems that maximise each others capabilities.  These drawings use a scaffold lattice that acts as structure for the programme, but also houses the algae tanks.  The programme interlaces the farm space and also directs light into the depths of the algae farm using sinuous form.

Algae Farming Research for Skyscraper Typologies in the Middle East.

Algae farming can have huge potential as a bio-diesel generation technique.   If 1/10th of the area of New Mexico is given over to algae cultivation then, even using todays technologies, the ENTIRE energy needs of the U.S. can be met.

As a gateway building to a new city district in an oil rich country that is beginning to take precautions for peak oil, the potential of algae farming as both practical solution and symbolic gesture can not be underlined enough.

concept painting for algae farming skyscraper

potential vessel for algae cultivation

removable vessels contain algae in fluctuating skin.  The algae farm can continue above the building adding and subtracting as energy needs dictate

potential vessels for algae cultivation

The studio looks awesome with all these huge models!!!

The second iteration of my highrise model