A Drop of Shade
Featured
Hila Kitrey
Adi Kitrey
Adi Kitrey
Introduction
"A Drop of Shade", a self-sufficient oasis, focuses on utilizing dew collecting methods intended for arid and desert environments. The product comprises of repetitive ceramic three dimensional modules, somewhat between tiles and roof tiles, serving as dew condensing surfaces. The tiles are built together with a simple connector to create a quarter of a dome, providing shade and flow of air. All together we receive a self-sufficient oasis: water, shade and air
– the most essential elements in desert survival.
The project is all about ecology and aesthetics. The tiles life cycle follows the phrase "from dust to dust", the ceramic material is a product of desert-like environments, and gently assimilates in the surroundings. At this stage, the product is suggested for a variety of habitats: At the private court-yard as a gazebo; functioning as a public-use structure, such as bus stations; or as a desert refuge for travelers and animals.
Preface
The Problem
With our growing awareness of the "Inconvenient truth" about human influence on our planet, the conclusion that it is only in our hands improving our ways, encouraged the studio focusing on local though global disturbing problems - desertification of our planet, and the reduction of clear water resources.
Approximately one third of the world's land surface is arid or semi-arid. It is predicted that global warming will increase the area of desert climates by 17% in the next century. As a result the area at risk to desertification is large and likely to increase. According to UN reports, more than half of humanity will be living with water shortages, depleted fisheries and polluted coastlines within 50 years because of a worldwide water crisis. While around the world "Water Crisis" seems to be a title on yesterday's scientific column, on many regions water is a war factor.
Another ecological debate is the human intervention within natural landscapes. While one of the anti-desertification methods is populating and cultivating the desert, it is sadly realized as industrial-like conversion and construction of the uninhabited lands. Therefore, while trying to improve, we ignore other disciplines and neglect the desert's aesthetics. Construction and the human fingerprint on our surroundings must be more adequate.
The Solution
While considering the above mentioned issues, the idea of a self-supplying green spot of activities in the desert came up. Understanding the natural processe of dew creation and collecting methods, followed by utilizing the newborn water for local irrigation, enabling more adequate habitat for vegetation - unlikely to survive regular desert conditions. The new vegetation will gain a proper hold of the soil, fighting desertification processes. Using the dew for irrigation, allows us diverting the precious clear groundwater for more crucial uses. The design of the whole system should integrate in the surroundings, and provide us a peaceful blooming spot, in the middle of an arid area.
The whole brain-storming was summed up on several conclusions, simple yet most efficient design specifications: A dew condensation surface, producible in common methods, easy to deliver and simple to rise - supplying shade, water and flow of air, while situated naturally in it area.
Design Process
During the design process, material evaluation and some field research, we were attracted to ceramics, above other materials. Ceramic, along with its cultural heritage, has promising future as advanced research is in great progress, providing us new abilities in form and strength. In addition, ceramics have outstanding advantages upon our mentioned goals: providing excellent dew condensation surface; durability at extreme sun and heat conditions; thermal insulation (which stimulates dew condensation); and of course, light fingerprints on the environment.
Ecological Aspect
Although Ceramic production is known as a relatively polluting process and is not a perishable material, when cycled properly it has many usage when reused in afterlife, for example as construction filler. It stands as "clean" waste because of it non perishable nature; the material after processed is sealed, not releasing any toxins to the air. While standing in the sun, other materials will be consumed by the tough climate conditions, living severe marks on the ecosystem –ceramics however will survive the tough task. The "Drop of Shade" gains our ecosystem and well-being much more than it exploits from the environment. The product passively integrates with a natural phenomenon, and performs a maximum advantageous change within the local ecosystem, from an arid view to a flourishing area.
Form
The dew condensation surface mentioned above evolved into a ceramic three dimensional module, somewhat between a tile and a roof tile. The 3D tile is 5mm in thickness, spreads on a 1250 sq. cm. triangle and is able to collect up to 100 ml. of water per night (considering different climates and dew condensation conditions).
The filleted triangle was then curved into a lightly domed shell and was treated to permit proper attachment to the next tile. While 45 tiles attached, all together, we receive a quarter of a dome, with ceramic condensation surface of about 5 sq. m., collecting up to 3.5 liters of water per night. The congruence of the form reveals us "Mashrabias" (an Arabic term for perforated surface provides shade though flow of air), while the special rims lead the flowing dew downwards to the lowest row - 9 tiles functioning as the basis of the structure, and the vegetation growing area. The Product
2 persons are required for assembling it altogether, placing each tile next to the other, climbing up with more rows, decreasing in numbers until the last tile on the tip, and anchors it to the ground. The shell received will hold itself according to field tryouts and common physics, and will shade up to 4 sq. m. (according to a specific placement).
The congruence attachments between the tiles are softened with rubber O-rings, the connecters themselves are open for local methods and tools, for example: simple rope and stick tie, or nylon restraints.
Production
The tile form is suited for a simple tile production process, well practiced around the world: pressing clay pollen, glazing and than firing in the ceramic kiln. The cost of it all is less than 10$ cent per tile; pilling is safe, easy, and perfect for shipment. Therefore the all round cost of the product is very low comparing to the financial and environmental profits and benefits.
Conclusions
After producing the first manufactured prototype, joint team work is needed to make it real. The existing team includes a ceramic and an industrial designers. Structure and material engineers are required along with PR and salesperson, pushing it all up on production and realization.
Summary
Being simple to produce, construct and use, along with the significant profits gained for the environment and different users, the "Drop of Shade" is very versatile for a wide and diverse clientele:
In the private courtyard, the "Drop of Shade" will perform as a gazebo grow zone providing it features for the inhabitants. As a public structure, the "Drop of Shade" will be enjoyed by the local community: public shade in parks, or as bus-stations. In the wilderness, the "Drop of Shade" will function as a refuge from the sun heat, and a green spot for both travelers and animals.
The Next generation will be enhanced with water reserving abilities and other features, taking in hand the environment, users and local culture.
The project is all about ecology and aesthetics. The tiles life cycle follows the phrase "from dust to dust", the ceramic material is a product of desert-like environments, and gently assimilates in the surroundings. At this stage, the product is suggested for a variety of habitats: At the private court-yard as a gazebo; functioning as a public-use structure, such as bus stations; or as a desert refuge for travelers and animals.
Preface
The Problem
With our growing awareness of the "Inconvenient truth" about human influence on our planet, the conclusion that it is only in our hands improving our ways, encouraged the studio focusing on local though global disturbing problems - desertification of our planet, and the reduction of clear water resources.
Approximately one third of the world's land surface is arid or semi-arid. It is predicted that global warming will increase the area of desert climates by 17% in the next century. As a result the area at risk to desertification is large and likely to increase. According to UN reports, more than half of humanity will be living with water shortages, depleted fisheries and polluted coastlines within 50 years because of a worldwide water crisis. While around the world "Water Crisis" seems to be a title on yesterday's scientific column, on many regions water is a war factor.
Another ecological debate is the human intervention within natural landscapes. While one of the anti-desertification methods is populating and cultivating the desert, it is sadly realized as industrial-like conversion and construction of the uninhabited lands. Therefore, while trying to improve, we ignore other disciplines and neglect the desert's aesthetics. Construction and the human fingerprint on our surroundings must be more adequate.
The Solution
While considering the above mentioned issues, the idea of a self-supplying green spot of activities in the desert came up. Understanding the natural processe of dew creation and collecting methods, followed by utilizing the newborn water for local irrigation, enabling more adequate habitat for vegetation - unlikely to survive regular desert conditions. The new vegetation will gain a proper hold of the soil, fighting desertification processes. Using the dew for irrigation, allows us diverting the precious clear groundwater for more crucial uses. The design of the whole system should integrate in the surroundings, and provide us a peaceful blooming spot, in the middle of an arid area.
The whole brain-storming was summed up on several conclusions, simple yet most efficient design specifications: A dew condensation surface, producible in common methods, easy to deliver and simple to rise - supplying shade, water and flow of air, while situated naturally in it area.
Design Process
During the design process, material evaluation and some field research, we were attracted to ceramics, above other materials. Ceramic, along with its cultural heritage, has promising future as advanced research is in great progress, providing us new abilities in form and strength. In addition, ceramics have outstanding advantages upon our mentioned goals: providing excellent dew condensation surface; durability at extreme sun and heat conditions; thermal insulation (which stimulates dew condensation); and of course, light fingerprints on the environment.
Ecological Aspect
Although Ceramic production is known as a relatively polluting process and is not a perishable material, when cycled properly it has many usage when reused in afterlife, for example as construction filler. It stands as "clean" waste because of it non perishable nature; the material after processed is sealed, not releasing any toxins to the air. While standing in the sun, other materials will be consumed by the tough climate conditions, living severe marks on the ecosystem –ceramics however will survive the tough task. The "Drop of Shade" gains our ecosystem and well-being much more than it exploits from the environment. The product passively integrates with a natural phenomenon, and performs a maximum advantageous change within the local ecosystem, from an arid view to a flourishing area.
Form
The dew condensation surface mentioned above evolved into a ceramic three dimensional module, somewhat between a tile and a roof tile. The 3D tile is 5mm in thickness, spreads on a 1250 sq. cm. triangle and is able to collect up to 100 ml. of water per night (considering different climates and dew condensation conditions).
The filleted triangle was then curved into a lightly domed shell and was treated to permit proper attachment to the next tile. While 45 tiles attached, all together, we receive a quarter of a dome, with ceramic condensation surface of about 5 sq. m., collecting up to 3.5 liters of water per night. The congruence of the form reveals us "Mashrabias" (an Arabic term for perforated surface provides shade though flow of air), while the special rims lead the flowing dew downwards to the lowest row - 9 tiles functioning as the basis of the structure, and the vegetation growing area. The Product
2 persons are required for assembling it altogether, placing each tile next to the other, climbing up with more rows, decreasing in numbers until the last tile on the tip, and anchors it to the ground. The shell received will hold itself according to field tryouts and common physics, and will shade up to 4 sq. m. (according to a specific placement).
The congruence attachments between the tiles are softened with rubber O-rings, the connecters themselves are open for local methods and tools, for example: simple rope and stick tie, or nylon restraints.
Production
The tile form is suited for a simple tile production process, well practiced around the world: pressing clay pollen, glazing and than firing in the ceramic kiln. The cost of it all is less than 10$ cent per tile; pilling is safe, easy, and perfect for shipment. Therefore the all round cost of the product is very low comparing to the financial and environmental profits and benefits.
Conclusions
After producing the first manufactured prototype, joint team work is needed to make it real. The existing team includes a ceramic and an industrial designers. Structure and material engineers are required along with PR and salesperson, pushing it all up on production and realization.
Summary
Being simple to produce, construct and use, along with the significant profits gained for the environment and different users, the "Drop of Shade" is very versatile for a wide and diverse clientele:
In the private courtyard, the "Drop of Shade" will perform as a gazebo grow zone providing it features for the inhabitants. As a public structure, the "Drop of Shade" will be enjoyed by the local community: public shade in parks, or as bus-stations. In the wilderness, the "Drop of Shade" will function as a refuge from the sun heat, and a green spot for both travelers and animals.
The Next generation will be enhanced with water reserving abilities and other features, taking in hand the environment, users and local culture.
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