Alimentary Convolutions

Danika

Febuary 2nd

Magnetic Cellular System

precedents:

nano-magnetic

magnetic curtain

ferrofluid

The Site_UCLA Steam Tunnels : (a specific moment)

application of cold cellular storage into existing tunnel

reflected ceiling plan

section a_function diagram

section

axonometric view

study model_magnetic fingers:

open closed

multiplied

potential user:

My interest still carries into the realm of a food ark which is located in/ re-inhabits the UCLA steam tunnel network. In response to the last set of commentary, I developed a potential functional prototype that works as a long-term, visually exposed storage system. I believe there is a way to harness the existing steam energy in the tunnels to run the cooling system however am still investigating a solution. The cells that are closest to the larger refrigerant tubes would house the items requiring the coldest temperatures, with varying temperature cells radiating away from these larger cooling/ structural tubes. At the moment the cellular net is functioning off of a magnetic open and closed system which I will detail further in my next post. The cellular net, as rendered, is very geometric and rigid. I much prefer the affect achieved from the study model photos. My future aim is to develop a system that is less rigid and more organic/ dynamic.

I am also envisioning the user for this type of environment as someone interested in magnetic healing so that the re-inhabited space becomes mulit-functional.

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January 17th

Storage_dynamic fluidity

real flow mesh result through two intersecting tunnels:

particle articulation from one of the particle paths

particle path extraction

particle path and fluid mesh integration_these diagrams are the results simulated and extracted from the release of four intersecting circulation flows within two intersecting "tunnels" (as one might encounter in a populated UCLA underground). The cumulative data from the fluid dynamic software in combination with generated particle paths generate potential organizational systems for long term food supply and storage.

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EXPOSURE: storage and preservation

DD

The Kitchen of Water uses the spectacle of televised cooking programs to subtly inform the viewer of water’s essential role in everyday life. Seeking to challenge the underlying assumption that water is simply provided to residents through opaque infrastructural deliverances, the Kitchen of Water celebrates the transparency of water consumption and re-purification within a dynamic reclamation process.

The epistemology of culinary water use is revealed through a series of transparent vessels which store, circulate, repurpose, and recycle water used in all forms of food storage, preparation, and subsequent cleaning.

The Kitchen of Water operates at a secondary level of visual stimuli. Using illumination of the transparent vessels, visible volumetric changes, and the visceral act of consuming portions of the continuously re-purified water system, a subtle, cognitive pedagogy is created that ideally will influence the viewer perceptions. In turn, the goal is to influence public opinion and acceptance of water as a finite, recycled, and precious commodity. Making every drop count uses not the big stick approach, but the subtle epistemic shift through the mass medium of a popular alimentary zeitgeist.

Kitchen of Water (01)

Kitchen of Water (02)

Kitchen of Water (03)

Blake Bethards

Frei Otto wool thread studies on self organizing pathways.

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UPDATE: 1/17/10

The Los Angeles basin rests above the third largest oil deposit in the United States. During the late 1800’s and into the 1950’s, oil derricks and wells were visible throughout much of LA County (Venice beach, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Long Beach, & Pasadena). Today, much of this infrastructure has been taken down as drilling technologies have improved and in order to accommodate the high demand for property in the region. What most Angelino’s don’t know is that there are still several dormant derricks hidden within the city, concealed behind false walls or within nondescript buildings.

These sites exist within the city fabric, rather than at its perimeter. However, because of pollution and/or a desire by the oil companies to retain the mineral rites at each location, they have (with a few exceptions) remained undeveloped as their surroundings continually evolve.

As the country begins to wean itself off of petroleum in favor of other sources of energy, these sites will face two possible fortunes, resorption into the city fabric, or the development of a new typology to deal with such sites.

Currently, researchers are developing bacteria capable of ingesting crude oil and producing hydrogen, bioplastics, and other commodious compounds as a byproduct of this consumption. Using a combination of bacteria driven production applied to the existing oil infrastructure, each site is capable of becoming detoxified. These sites could be converted into localized centers of production.