THE QUANTIC GEOID
DESCRIPTION:
2017 marks the 350th anniversary of Montreal and the 50th anniversary of the Expo 67 geodesic dome, aka the Biosphere. In honor of this occasion, our Quantic Geoid shelter is composed of a series of positive and negative A & B Quanta Modules; specific tetraheda that the Biosphere's designer, R. Buckminster Fuller, claimed to be "all-space filling," aka able to be added together to form any shape. These will be mated to a geodesic shell that is to be wreathed in ivy. The shelter's aim is to educate by example; i.e. the geodesic design is the most-efficient spatial container, maximizing volume per unit of structure, and is of practical importance in understanding general relativity. Relying heavily on tension for structural support, this shelter is composed of specific geometries that demonstrate how buildings can be adapted to use fewer resources and take advantage of our advanced material strengths. Heated by a solar-powered, in-ground radiant heating system fed by rainwater, the Quantic Geoid will have a Dymaxion map inlaid in its entryway in order to demonstrate how our planet's continents can be conceived of as one true island. A projection that maps the planet onto an icosahedron, the Dymaxion map maintains accurate spatial proportions across its depiction. On the second floor there will be a serious of four exercise bikes and three rowing stations adapted to generate electricity for a communal charging station while simultaneously activating a series of seven LED constellations installed on the geodesic framework. Each of the seven constellations will feature 5 light-bars to commemorate Montreal's 350th anniversary. Providing a concrete metric of how much exertion it takes to get that extra "bar" of power, this exercise/charging network will foster friendly competition and engage students educationally while facilitating connectivity. Adaptable for farmer's markets, performances and various other events, the peaceful space will feature a series of tetrakaidecahedron-shaped seats. First proposed by Lord Kelvin, the tetrakaidecahedron is thought to be how masses of cells aggregate and is the most-efficient means to pack equal-sized objects together with minimal surface area.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION:
James Grant, a Loyola campus biology and "Introduction to Sustainability" professor, expressed his appreciation for the implementation of Fuller's synergetic principles. Katherine Moore, an instructor of earth and planetary sciences, was also enthused about the practice of instructing through example. Mae Anne Burridge, a daily shuttle commuter and program coordinator for the Department of Geography, Planning & Environment, expressed the need for solar insolation and other means to provide warmth during the winter, and ventilation in the summer. The rear glass panels of the envelope should therefore feature sliding windows. John Davis, the director of the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, discussed the need for efficient maintenance, storage and effective lighting; the sloped recesses of both floors should therefore be designed to provide flexible storage options in addition to bench seating. Deborah Simon, the Loyola Chapel Coordinator, described the value of peaceful study areas and said that she would like to see something done with the space to the west of the existing shelter. We therefore propose using the materials of the existing shelter to commission a series of three "rising angel" sculptures; one human-, one animal- and one plant-based in design. Finally, multiple students expressed their desire for a means to charge their devices and feel comfortable while waiting in all weather conditions. Hence the proposed creation of both fixed and movable seating. It is our hope that the Quantic Geoid will become a valued study area and public sculpture with its success measured in smiles and new perspectives.
(Competitor's text)
(Upcoming)
5 scanned / 5 viewable
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
- Elevation
- Axonometric Drawing
- Schema
