NIMBUS

Nimbus creates a dynamic space on Bogatell beach, Barcelona using artificially created cloud of mist serenely floating above the sandy beach, along with an overhead canopy of mist pipes whose form is not constant and is manipulated by the action of its users and the waves. The aim is to create a space in the beach of Barcelona adjusted to the reality that catches the attention of the people and promotes the interaction among all and also stimulates the interest in getting out of the sand and enjoying the sea.

Human interaction involves the creation of a dynamic space, with the actions of its users being the source for this dynamism. This is integrated in our proposal by two means:

1. Movable mist systems
2. Pressure Activated Mist Systems

• Movable mist pipes:
Mist pipes are attached to columns which have a rack and pinion gear mechanism embedded in them. The gear system has a handle lever attached to them which can be manipulated by the users to move the pipes up and down. The energy of the tides is also harnessed and
amplified to provide additional force to move the rack and pinion system.

• Pressure activated mist systems:
Pressure sensors are provided at regular intervals along with a grid network of pipes laid underground. These pressure sensors detect the presence of a person at their location and in turn release mist at those points from the underground pipe system.

MECHANICAL PRESSURE+ HYDRAULIC PRESSURE=PISTON MOVEMENT
(Lever) (Piston)

When the wave reaches its maximum strength and height the hydraulic pressure will be the maximum. This coupled with the mechanical pressure exerted by pulling the lever will move the pipes upward (EXTENSION).

As the wave weans in strength and height the water flows out of the piston chamber.
Hydraulic pressure will keep decreasing.
This coupled with the mechanical pressure exerted by pushing the lever will move the pipes downward (RETRACTION).

IN THIS WAY THE PIPES ARE RECONFIGURABLE BY THE USERS OF THE SPACE, PROVIDING USER INTERACTION AS WELL AS ACT AS A MARKER OF THE WAVE STRENGTH, EBB AND FLOW ON ANY PARTICULAR DAY.

The purpose of the research is to enhance human interaction by means of creating an experience for the users in a man-made atmosphere of mist to attract the beach-goers. From a functional and practical aspect, this also aids in reducing heat by cooling through evaporation.

Dynamism is characterized by constant change, activity, progress or movement. Similarly the design is dynamic, flexible and movable to create interactive spaces on the beach.
The idea is to form a space that is devised by the people using pressure sensors and levers which result in dynamic encompassing of cloudscapes giving the users an effective space to interact.

DESIGN EVOLUTION :

From incorporating the system in one chamber to adding mechanisms for self integrated dynamic structure, the design resulted in forming spaces for promoting social interaction.

SPACE INFLUENCES USERS –

The idea is to form a space that encourages user participation and perks up boosts users interest by providing influenced by providing them the ability to customize their experience of the space by the use of devices such as pressure sensors and levers. In this way the installation is altering the activity of the users of the space.

USERS INFLUENCE SPACE –

Dynamism is characterized by constant change, activity, progress or movement. Similarly the design is dynamic, flexible and movable creating an ever changing configuration of pipes all the time enveloped in mist.

SITE SPECIFICITY-

The use of tidal power to generate the hydraulic pressure required for the movement of the pipes is also a reflection of the wave movements on the beach and provides the aspect of site specific context to the design.

METABOLIC CYCLE :

AXONOMETRY :

In order to enhance human interaction, an experience is formed for the users by creating a human-sensored atmosphere of mist.
Thinking of dynamic architecture that allows human interaction, a flexible support mechanism for the pipes has been developed.
The users can change the height of the supports, bringing in more flexibility to the space.
It also has some strategic points of the pressure sensors in the platform to increase the mist effect. When the visitor stands on one of the indicated places, the sensors start the system of humidifiers causing mist effect.

The pipes of the mist system are attached to movable columns that are rigged with a single intake hydraulic pneumatic actuator (piston) inside. The columns moved upwards and downwards according to the movement of the piston inside them.
Sea water is filtered and pumped and shot as a fine mist through nozzles to create an artificial cloud. The pipes are placed looping the gears with nozzles at certain intervals.
This generates blur visuals for the users upon entering the zone. There is only an optical ‘white-out’ and ‘white noise’ of pulsing nozzles.
This helps in enhancing the proficiency for the people on the beach resulting in reduction of heat.