Hydroponics Living Wall

Hydroponics Living Wall Scaffold Assemblies Winter 2024 Fabiola Gomez-Chan https://www.greenmatters.com/p/vertical-gardening-ideas

Prototype

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Case Studies

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Prototypes Abstract

Active modular phytormediation systems have been the central focus in my research. I decided on this because I’ve always enjoyed the growyou-own garden indoors prototypes.

Phytoremediation is a process that uses plants to clean up or remove pollutants from the environment. Plants have the ability to absorb and accumulate certain substances from the soil or

water. “Active” here means it’s not just a passive, natural process; it involves human intervention or control.

“Modular” means it’s built in separate, manageable parts or modules. As develop my prototype I will be using Rhino and Grasshopper software to create my prototype. As we go further into the term I will be 3-D printing, experimenting, and collecting data

with my prototype. I am hoping that through a ebb&flow water system and strong plant species I’ll be able to find a solution to a holistic living wall system.

Though this system is wildly popular it is necessary to find different possible outcomes when modifiing the existing system, through different mediums or water systems.

1- Photo: Working AMPS 2- Photo: EBB&FLOW system with AMPS

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Hydroskin Wall https://hickokcole.com/whats-next/research/hydroskin/

Vertical greenwall (tile) - Water circulation is carefully designed within the prototype (AMPS). Aeroponics/ ebb&flow water systems help maintain the longitvity of the plants and keep the system running. This design is more contemporary than others shown. It is made up of heavy metal and connected through bolts.

This prototype experiments the idea of placing the plants at an various angles.

Since the prototype uses a soilless system, the placement doesn’t affects the plants. Various herbs, such as mint are used to demonstrate the working system of this prototype.

1- Photo: Working System 2- Photo: Render with plantas and angled plants 3- Photo: Detailed drawing of interior system

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Prototype

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Case Studies

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Guest Bathroom https://www.arch2o.com/garden-restroom-laab-architects/

Active Modular Phytormediation system/rainwater distribution exterior greenwall facade. LED lighting above each plant to ensure illuminance and plant growth. In this prototype, it is designed to be watered by rainwater that goes through a purifiying process through the plants.

It was purposefully placed along the same wall where all the plumbing system is to help reduce water usage making the this a sustainable living wall. It is soilless and various succulents and ferns have been used.

1- LAAB Architects - Hong Kong 2- Facade Contractor - ICGL 3- Public Bathroom

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PSAC II Wall https://inhabitat.com/gorgeous-living-wall-purifies-the-air-inside-this-new-emergency-call-center-in-the-bronx/psac-ii/

Active Modular Phytormediation system (tile) - Located in Bronx, NY, PSAC brings in contaminated air and releases the clean air by the use of vents and clean water system (aeroponics/ ebb&flow). Usually soilless which is a big reason why plants aren’t affected by the “contaminated” air. Materials such as recycled plastic and LED lighting is used in this project.

Though the impressive HVAC system of the building makes this wall successful, I could follow their lead in using individual reusable plastic containers to help form my prototype.

1- Photo: Working System 2- Photo: LED plants helping plant growth and health 3- Photo: Hydroponics system

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Prototype

https://shorturl.at/abtJW

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Methodology Aim

Water connection according to shape

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https://paradigm-office.com/projects/hydroskin/

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https://whyfarmit.com/ebb-and-flow-hydroponics/

Methodology Aim Using methods of assembely usually found in Hydroponics and EBB&Flow systems will be used as inspiration for design approach.

Prototype will be able to be wall mounted and water system will implemented within the prototype.

In collaboration with Ana AlduendaMarkey, an EBB&Flow system will be produced for my prototype.

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Materials

Rough Sketches This initial sketch shows how the water system would be mounted on the wall and the prototype will be mounted over it.

Second sketch focuses on the shape of prototype and how it will connect with two other sections whilst having the water system within.

Third sketch starts showing a variation of the second sketch. This solidfies that there will be three sections in the final prototype. There will be no direct connection between the three as it is meant to be mounted on the wall directly over the water system produced by fellow peer, Ana.

Prototype

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Project Schedule

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Gnatt Chart Project Schedule

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Line work

Methodology Using Rhino, a pattern of curves were created using the CURVE Line Tool.

Simple curves that alternated positions and repeated to create three section.

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1 Loft

Using the LOFT command a closed surface formed. Using BOOLEAN DIFFERENCE command three openings were created to help support planters and water system.

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Using the BOOLEAN DIFFERENCE command three 2” radius openings were created to help support lettuce or future planters and the water system.

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Prototype

Fabrication Materials

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Design Development

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Design Development

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3-D Printing & Continued Development

3-D printed prototype 1 and will continue to develop design. In the first test print design flaws were noticed as the three sections didn’t come to a meeting line for seamless look.

When 3-D printing 1:1 prototype, all 3 sections will be split into 6 pieces to fit printing bed and assembled using strong adhesive.

A variation of the final prototype was 3-D printed week 6 at 1/16th scale. This iteration allowed for adjustments to be made, ensuring optimal functionality and aesthetic appeal. The scaled-down model provided valuable information into structural integrity and material requirements, further enhancing the overall design development.

In this render, materials were applied.

Taking inspiration from case study #2, aluminum would be the material used to create this prototype in a real life wall scale.

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Prototype

Design Development

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Methodology

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Continued Development & Collaboration

In this rhino screenshot we can see the opening of the protype for insertion of ebb&flow water system. In collaboration with Ana.

From this view, we are able to see what the water reservoir would look given if we were to build this at a 1:1 scale.

A pipe going through the prototype would connect at the pump below to constantly clean the water feeding the plants.

In this third view, the water trays containing clay pebbles are used to stablize the lettuce anf enhance healthy plant growth.

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Fabrication

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3-D Printing & Continued Development

Protoype was 3-D printed at half scale instead of 1:1 as time did not allow for it. Instead of three sections only 2 sections split into three were printed.

Using tools for the woodshop, such as sand paper and a scaper were used to bring prototype to best state for presentation. This allowed how the prototype to have smooth surfaces for aesthetic purposes and how adhesive to hold best.

Some changes from the first prototype printed are the integration of breathing holes for optimal plant health and growth and well as a seamless lip for a harmonius curve pattern.

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Prototype

Exhibition/Conclusion

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Conclusion

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Collaboration

For the exhibition, my prototype will be shown alongside Ana’s EBB&Flow water system. In the photo, the prototype is mounted to the wall in demonstration of how the plants would live within the wall. If the 1:1 scale model (2ftx2ft) had been printed then Ana’s water system and my prototype would’ve successfully combined.

The prototype highlights the importantce of aesthetic appeal found within greenwall prototypes. The holes found in the protypes help to address air pruning and assure plant longtivity and water filtration.

Many lessons were learning thoruhg out the trajectory of this project.

If I had the oppurtunity to change anything it’d be creating a more design complex prototype.

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Fabiola Gomez-Chan

Ana Alduenda-Markey

Course Experience

Project Partner

I am honored to present myself in the context of our class project, throughout this term I focused on the development of a prototype aimed at sustaining a living green wall. As an architecture major, this project has been instrumental in cultivating skills crucial for my future in studios and class projects, such as research, analytical skills, and understanding sustainable design principles. Being a first-generation American and college student, my journey through architecture school has been unique, marked by distinct challenges and opportunities. However, with the guidance of respected professors like Mary Polites and the acquisition of invaluable skills in Rhino and Grasshopper, I am confident that the remaining years of my academic pursuit will be enhanced. I am deeply grateful for the support and resources provided, which have undoubtedly propelled me towards success in architecture.

My burgeoning enthusiasm for architecture and interior design has become more pronounced within the context of my academic pursuits. My fervor for architecture is rooted in the conceptualization of spaces through the lens of urbanism, providing a substantive impetus for my professional aspirations. As a Latina and an adopted individual, my engagement in a STEM field not only serves as a means of personal fulfillment but also compels me to facilitate opportunities for those sharing similar backgrounds. The academic course, facilitated by Mary Polites, has offered insights into uncharted realms, particularly in integrating greenery walls within spatial configurations. This instructional experience has been both enjoyable and informative, and I intend to apply the acquired knowledge to my forthcoming projects.

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URLs

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3-D Printer - Provided by Professor Mary Polites 3-D Printer Filament - Provided by Professor Mary Polites Adhesive $22.99 -https://www.amazon.com/Printer-Adhesive-Layerneer-Original-Filament/dp/B079984GV5/ref=asc_df_B079984GV5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode =df0&hvadid=312361916825&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6891099811654582340&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocin t=&hvlocphy=9033026&hvtargid=pla-584172934976&psc=1&mcid=a0eca174ef1839faae0d89b024dcd8cd&gclid=CjwKCAiAxaCvBhBaEiwAvsLm WKlb4rOTUD9IQmeO511UPrwLL13bkZSnLB3WeE3J8ow2zCIxkC2_rxoC8L8QAvD_BwE 3-D Printer Coating $32 - https://www.amazon.com/XTC-3D-High-Performance-Print-Coating/dp/B01BKSLI9M/ref=asc_df_B01BKSLI9M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=d f0&hvadid=312268245240&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5674530456496484366&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint= &hvlocphy=9033026&hvtargid=pla-571310760135&mcid=df7fd852c77e3cda90b811c628cfebed&gclid=CjwKCAiAxaCvBhBaEiwAvsLmWPLw3et OmZM3pDMv-LjLtcNvInThHbJ1kWZkP090c-W_NBU-sNrJyBoCPrEQAvD_BwE&th=1

Citations - https://continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/article_print.php?C=1100#:~:text=Ambient%20air%20is%20actively%20forced,microbes%20in%20 the%20root%20zone.

- https://urbanomnibus.net/2015/11/ventilation-goes-vegetal-cases-plant-based-air-filtration-system/ - https://www.mydomaine.com/green-walls-5198059 - Prototype Lectures by Professor Mary Polites

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