2086 Narrative
This design project addresses rising water levels worldwide and explores possible solutions and management strategies. The rebels, originally peaceful protesters, after decades of government ignorance, blew up a dam built on the River Trent and drowned the Lace Market Car Park in an attempt to confront the public with the reality of living underwater. Now, they hide during the day, and at night use the site to prepare for a future underwater, growing bio-engineered bioluminescent plant life.
To spread awareness, the rebels create ikebana arrangements, representing the balance between humanity and nature, and place them across Nottingham as an advertisement for their cause. The group focuses on adaptation and development of a symbiotic relationship with the environment.
Spatial Concept
The design is a timber skeleton created by the rebels to manipulate water throughout the structure. The interaction between a set of partitions inspired by the ikebana and water flow forms the spatial language of the design, focusing on the use of water as a structural element. Once the issue of water levels rising is solved, the structure becomes a ghost with no spatial direction, as water defines the spatial arrangement within the design.
The water is moved manually across the space through an enclosed water system based on an Archimedes screw and a system of hatches across levels. The bioluminescent water is the only light source of the structure, preserving water quality and minimising environmental impact. Water flow defines the purpose and circulation of the space.
