Waltz of the Vessels

Team

Name: Étienne Bourgeois

Nationality: Canada

Institution / Company: Université Laval

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etienne.bobo/

-FINALIST of Archi-Hack: Oil Platform Competition

Following the trends of globalization and mass communication, we have reached complete acculturation in 2155. This means a homogeneous cultural blend where one can hardly find any variations or differences in language, arts, music, languages and more, no matter where they are on the planet. As a result, more and more individuals are gathering to revolt against this global non-culture.

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution states that physical, temporal, and ideological isolation leads to the creation of new species. This phenomenon is extrapolated to a cultural level, and thus these same factors would lead to the flourishing of new cultures. These individuals have appropriated a semi-submersible platform to create a unique society. Its trajectory is never calculated, leading to a culturally favorable isolation. The vessel dances freely along the rythm of the ocean currents. To survive, desalination of seawater is essential. This process produces clean water as well as extremely salted brine. What can be done with this residue?

The desalinisation is fueled by the vertical air turbine attached to the central tower. The brine is collected in the main basins and then transported up to the top of the central tower. The liquid is poured onto the panels based on the necessary bioclimatic needs. In tropical waters, the panels need to be opaque to minimize the thermal input from the sun, while the opposite is required in colder waters. During rain, the envelope becomes thinner and the process needs to be repeated, each time creating a unique set of luminous patterns. This ritual, enjoyed by the occupants of the vessel, contributes to the new culture that is emerging.

#GlobalAcculturation #Neoculture #Desalinisation #SaltBrine #WindPower