The 2020 Grand Prix Award for an Ocean Cleaning and Research facility conceptualised by Lenka Petrakova
The understanding of the project idea to not limit itself as a technological interface (only) but also involve communities to engage in dialogues that could impact and transform the present relationships with the marine environment was the primary motive and architectural interface behind the project concept. Therefore, the proposed design of a floating station mainly comprised of five components:
The Barrier: Floats on the water surface and moves waste towards the collector, in order to collect waste and power the turbines, to be able to harvest tidal energy.
Greenhouses: Consisting of plants along with a water desalination facility aims to optimise condensed water collection and resemble large sails to allow wind to navigate the station. Additionally, the greenhouses would be covered in solar panels to ensure sufficient power for the water reservoir’s heating (to allow the function of evaporation and desalination).
Living Quarters: Housing public spaces and support facilities that pass through the building’s centre and connect all parts, geometrically matching the ship’s keel.
The ‘8th Continent’ therefore tries to clean up the ocean while also preserving and restoring the balance in the marine ecosystem by collecting plastic debris from the surface and breaking it down further into recyclable materials. The station not only physically improves the water but creates an interdisciplinary platform, to showcase the troubling side of the marine environment.
(Text by Nikitha Sunil, Contributor at A+D)
Recent Posts
His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh and Noelle Kadar on what went behind bringing contemporary art to Jaipur’s heart
Sawai Jai Singh II designed the Pink City that we see today, and the current…
Le Bristol Paris celebrates a century of iconic hospitality with its gilded elevator, protected artworks and hidden chocolate atelier
Located just a stone’s throw from the Élysée Palace, on the prestigious Rue du Faubourg…
Fortress of Serenity: The Ananta Resort & Spa, Ajabgarh takes you on a enchanting journey through nature, culture and history
No matter how familiar you are with Rajasthan, this state always has a surprise in…
This minimalist home by Meena Murthy Kakkar masterfully blends the warmth of heritage with the elegance of restraint
"A skyscraper has perfect geometry. A tall tree, on the other hand, doesn’t. An engineered…
Vaulted ceilings, sculptural lighting, and artful interiors—this Mumbai restobar is where architecture meets atmosphere!
Blending sculptural spatial flow, rich materiality, custom-crafted furniture, an opulent marble bar with a striking…
BITSoM in Mumbai stands as a shining example of institutional architecture
The architecture of an educational institution is more than just a physical framework—it’s a catalyst…