Category Archives: Edouard Cabay

Edouard Cabay

G04- Hacking Torre Baro

By Hashem Joucka | Published: February 3, 2015

A study of the orography, the elevated terrain of Torre Baro. The Orographic precipitation, also known as relief precipitation, is generated by a forced upward movement of air upon encountering a physiographic upland. This is resulted by the anabatic or upward vertical propagation of warm moist air up an orographic slope caused by daytime heating of the mountain barrier surface. By adding isolation to the surface to create a controlled directional flow of moisture and heat, enabling the typography to act as a machineless greenhouse.

Using tensile structures in the Form finding process enables flexibility and free manipulation of spaces to hack the terrain. In this case, forming an entirely new typography of its own providing the necessary structure for movement of air, humidity and water. These elements are essential for the greenhouse to function in a harmonious manner without the aid of any mechanical elements.

The concept of «Propagation» is dominent in this project. Consequently, the use of propagation for plants, a method of «Horticultural Cloning» using precise cutting techniques. Further exploration of these methods have been proven highly productive for commercial agriculture of various types of produce. This project will demonstrate the integration of propagating plants, natural elements and form to hack nature.

Also posted in Hashem Joucka, Nada Shalaby, Yasmin Hamza | Tagged 2014, 2015, casting, design, digital, form finding, form work, formfinding, formwork, green house, IaaC, MAA01, structures, Tensile membrane | Comments closed

G5 Final: Loop Culture

By Samuel Shapiro | Published: December 21, 2014

Our proposal combines polyculture and loop geometry in order to optimize agricultural production while simultaneously regenerating the derelict landscape that is Torre Baró. Located in the northern part of Barcelona, the site is mostly a dead zone, with limited pedestrian traffic or other activity, infertile soils, and a patchwork of unproductive plant species.

Polyculture is a type of agriculture in which multiple crops are grown in the same space. For example, intercropping results in better use of land by growing together different crops that don’t compete for available resources, while companion planting takes advantage of the symbiotic relationships formed between various plant species in order to enhance growth and provide protection from the environment or from pests. Polyculture offers increased biodiversity, resilience, and efficient use of resources. It also requires much planning and research, both quantitative and qualitative, in order to effectively design a successful growth system.

Loop geometry is characterized by its bending and continuity properties. When multiplied in series throughout an area, the loops offer a system of organizing groups of companion plants according to their required environmental conditions. Winding the loops back and forth across a slope creates a terracing effect that controls natural water flow, thereby reducing soil erosion and securing the terrain. The soils within each individual loop pocket can be easily tailored to suit the crops that grow there. In addition, a gravity-fed irrigation system that follows the loop structures ensures that all of the plants receive adequate hydration year-round. Smaller loops nested within larger loops offer additional control and organization, much like with folders and sub-folders. Ultimately, the flexibility and dynamism of this system allows it to be applied to any landscape and to be easily configured to its changing environment.