SSEF Biomimicry Competition

I first executed Gore Park Canopy as a school project and then redesigned it with a friend for a local student competition. The competition theme was biomimicry and the chosen concept was a modular tree structure meant to imitate a tree in function, and as a consequence in shape. The whole project was meant to be a public garden that can function in any weather condition, both in the summer and in the winter. A high level of detail was embodied both in the execution of the concept and in the technical aspect of it.

The project revolves around the modular tree. Inspired by Calatrava and Gropius, we took on to design a modular metal structure that could support a number of glass panels tilted at different angles on a uniform grid. The main tree structure is resting on a concrete base. Each ‘tree’ is composed of eight different half arches, that connect in turn to several metal ‘branches’. Each of these then is connected to a gridded structure that is used as a support for the window modules.

Every connection was resolved from the concrete base, to the main structural branches and the secondary attachments, as depicted in the exploded axonometrics below.

The windows are designed to mimic tree leaves. They have an incorporated small motor that controls both the inside located louvers and the rotation of the module. There are four primary positions, as shown. The whole system is meant to automatically juggle lighting and ventilation conditions to create a year-round smart acclimated park.

Ecologic elements were implemented as well. The system is designed to capture sun energy, with help of solar panels on some of the modules. The small inclination of the panels toward the centre of the tree helps collect the rainwater.