The Empty Quarter

Working across three continents, the goal of this project was to reconsider the environmental impacts on native plant species in North & South America, and Asia, in order to address extreme climate conditions that may be harnessed in three aspects: protection of occupants, reuse of resources, and adding to existing ecosystems. Studying the contrasting habitats allowed for experimentation of similar concepts, such as rainwater collection, through unique and natural processes that are specific to an ecosystem. Eg. Aloe vera plants store water in aqueous tissue, while white clovers are able to withstand damaging frost by adjusting the water content of their stem.

Working with the inspiration that the natural plant systems in each climate offer, focus for the final prototype and structure moved towards unifying the three systems. Our proposal functions as a humidity and rainwater collection system, activated by the rise in the air’s water content, allowing the hygroscopic wood to initiate the deployment of the module array. Upon doing so, the previously protected hydrophobic {repels water} sails utilize an amplification mechanism, allowing for the collection and movement of water droplets, as controlled by ribs on the sail. Although the proposed site would currently be situated within the Empty Quarter, the deployed modular structure, making use of local woodworking and 3D printed module components, would further develop surrounding ecosystems by providing prospective green spaces and renewed vitality.