Strategy:
Implement Environmentally Smart Beacons which newly symbolize Newark’s history, growth and promise as a modern city, diverse, eco conscious, and dedicated toward advancement. The creation and distribution of a comprehensive system will introduce VISUAL CULTURE, URBAN CULTURE, ECOLOGICAL CULTURE, HISTORICAL CULTURE, CLEAN INDUSTRY CULTURE and LEARNING CULTURE.
SOLAR OBELISK
How it works: Solar energy is harnessed by the surfaces which are orientated to optimize incident sunlight from both summer & winter sun paths. The solar energy of the clustered obelisks are connected to a charge controller that converts solar energy to electricity. This is temporarily stored in a battery pack that is connected to a main electrical line. This main electrical line connects to an inverter at the base of the obelisk that converts the direct current to an alternating current to power the temperature controlled paddle of the algae ponds.
Implementation: The Solar obelisk is designed to optimize its surface area according to seasonal solar path averages. Simple rotation allows the obelisk to track eastern and western exposure, while the faceted surfaces create maximum surface area for the photovoltaic film. Non photovoltaic surfaces have translucent and diluted reflective surfaces that reflect back the environment and inhabitants of which the system is servicing.
ALGAE PONDS
How it works: High pressure/high density fiberglass ponds cultivate algae to remediate and improve the air quality in high polluted and trafficked sites. Biomediation is a technique employing plants to treat industrial effluents. Algae is not only safe and economical, but the fastest growing plant life that can oxygenate the environment by photosynthesis, hence CO2 mitigation. The solar energy of the clustered obelisks are connected to a charged controller battery that controls a temperature paddle of the algae ponds to mitigate temperature drops and necessitates agitation of the water for ideal algae production conditions.
Implementation: The obelisk form is designed to be both recognizable and functional while operating across multiple scales. Complementary Algae tanks are derived from the obelisk’s enlarged and inverted base geometry. These tanks which work as co2 remediation ponds complement the obelisk system in the removal of co2 in heavily trafficked areas. Through a seasonal collection program algae may be harvested for the creation of biodiesel fuel available to a portion of the Newark’s fleet of service vehicles.
Images Courtesy of Urban Design Data