Design Proposal
First Week Algae Growth
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Third Week Algae Growth
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Micro-algae is a new kind of façade that designers are test trialing as shading devices and carbon scrubbers for buildings. Since micro-algae has the ability to sequester carbon until it dies, there is a fine balance between the growth rate and occupation of space by this algae.
For another design project, I am using this technology as a means of creating greenhouse walls, the problem is this type of system has not been used in this way before. The light penetration, to longevity of the algae is unknown. Greenhouses need heat, and natural light to function, by blocking this light with algae growth there could be potential of disruption of the plant viability with in the greenhouse.
Research Question: Is it possible to have an algae system that allows enough natural light into a greenhouse to make plants viable, while also maximizing the life cycle of the algae?
Hypothesis: Due to the dense nature of the algae, when fully grown, an operable panel system would be needed to allow enough light into the greenhouse to meet the optimum growth to light point.
Background (summary), intent, research question, hypothesis
show sketches/diagrams (presentation quality) of your physical artifact.
For another design project, I am using this technology as a means of creating greenhouse walls, the problem is this type of system has not been used in this way before. The light penetration, to longevity of the algae is unknown. Greenhouses need heat, and natural light to function, by blocking this light with algae growth there could be potential of disruption of the plant viability with in the greenhouse.
Research Question: Is it possible to have an algae system that allows enough natural light into a greenhouse to make plants viable, while also maximizing the life cycle of the algae?
Hypothesis: Due to the dense nature of the algae, when fully grown, an operable panel system would be needed to allow enough light into the greenhouse to meet the optimum growth to light point.
Background (summary), intent, research question, hypothesis
show sketches/diagrams (presentation quality) of your physical artifact.
Project Testing and Experimentation:
This project will be using light sensors that measure the amount of visible light that comes through panels designed with full-grown algae. The algae has been cultivated in optimum conditions for the last 3-weeks. In addition to the light sensors output data, the project will also contain a series of photos that show case the light change based on what a human perspective would be.
This project will be using light sensors that measure the amount of visible light that comes through panels designed with full-grown algae. The algae has been cultivated in optimum conditions for the last 3-weeks. In addition to the light sensors output data, the project will also contain a series of photos that show case the light change based on what a human perspective would be.