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Our vision is for communities without the boundaries of social classes, where people cross their paths with innovation and nature to have fun and get inspired for new ideas. Therefore, our design intends to create a playground which will serve as a social bridge in the community taking inspiration from nature. We propose a flexible structure that can vary in sizes and adapt to different budgets and ecological dynamics. The playground has the ability to communicate energy through light. The latter provokes children’s curiosity towards nature and, furthermore, raises awareness of climate change and water pollution. Our design is not only directed towards children but also to people of different age groups. It can be experienced in a variety of ways as a fun place to hang-out.

PROPOSAL

WHO WE ARE

WHY ALGAE

Algae is chosen as the main ingredient for the structure because:

• Algae Grows Fast- Algae can double its numbers every few hours, can be harvested daily, and has the potential to produce a volume of biomass and biofuel many times greater than that of the most productive crops.

• Algae Consumes CO2- Like any other plant, algae, when grown using sunlight, consumes (or absorbs) carbon dioxide (CO2) as it grows, releasing oxygen (O2) for the rest of us to breathe. For high productivity, algae requires more CO2, which can be supplied by emissions sources such as power plants, ethanol facilities, and other sources.

• Algae Can Purify Wastewaters- Algae thrives in nutrient-rich waters like municipal waste waters (sewage), animal wastes and some industrial effluents, at the same time purifying these wastes while producing a biomass suitable for biofuel production.

• Outputs- electricity, O2

THE STRUCTURE: 

The light- weight structure is composed of an arched canopy made of tubes filled with algae supported by three anchors with water tanks underneath. The final design provides visitors with opportunities to play, rest and talk under the illuminated structure. The simplicity of the design is transformed by the combination of innovative technologies, ancient techniques and natural forces into a paradise of carefree activities. The materials we need in order to build the structure are: zinc, copper, air pump, tubes, plexi and algae. They can be found locally- at surrounding areas, making the transport costs lower.

THIS IS HOW WE WILL BUILD IT: 

The pavilion can be adapted to different topographies. In consultation with a specialist in digital fabrication and parametric design, we verified the design parameters and its structural stability. We have already built a small scale prototype of the pavilion. We have physically assembled and tested each of the pavilion’s components. From that experience we believe that the project is beneficial for the community and its worthy to be build in full scale. The construction of the pavilion is funded by donations. The first full scale structure is planned to be build at a summer workshop in New York with the help of participants (volunteers ). The workshop will be organized by us and supported by IAAC ( Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalunya ). It gives the opportunity to people to get closer to nature in a fun and interactive way. We believe in the success of the project, so the next step will be to implement in different locations.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION 

THE BUDGET

BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS

REWARDS

REASONS TO BACK THIS PROJECT:

RISKS AND CHALLENGES
We are aware there will be many challenges while making the pavilion. We have already made a small scale prototype and tested the elements. The next step will be to make a full scale piece of the pavilion. We are experience in fabrication, algae growing and the weaving techniques needed in order to build the structure. Join us and be a part of the most interactive playground NYC has ever seen!

If you’re interested in volunteering we’d love to have you. Take a look at our schedule and fill out this form:

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It has been successfully approved by

www.kickstarter.com/projects/654818468/algen

Students:                                                                         Faculty:   Anna Pla Catalá

Borislava Lyubenova

Elena Janeva

Monika Koeva