Urban Glow
Spring 2014
Completed together with Estefania Maldonado.
Location: Blackfriars, London, UK
The project intends to be an urban tunnel. Serving as an extension of certain site conditions, and a center for education and relaxation that raises awareness of the levels of pollution on the Thames River, the existing
Thames Tideway Tunnel, and the Victoia Embankement.
Through the use of bioluminecent bacteria that feeds of methane our site becomes a natural glowing landscape in its artificial sorroundings. In order to achieve this the programs of the building include an extension of the park, and educational center for air, water , and waste pollution,
as well as a night club. These programs will enable for the interaction of the bacteria glow and the purification of the human soul. Not only programatically, but also by raising awareness of the environmental conditions present on the site. Using the methane from the waste,cars, and water, the bacteria will be fed in order to visibly generate the
levels of pollution in these areas. By integrating the water from the Thames River as a performative component of the design through the use of a Reed Bed system, a Pier, and pools, the project proposes a vibrant amphibious landscape.
Our project generates a more resilient buffer for the chaotic Blackfriar site. Creating a testing ground for filtration
and inhabitations based on the dynamic exchange between
water, air, and land.
