BioBond
Modular System
Developed with
Timeline
23/27
February 2023
My Role
Team Leader
Concept Development
UX Research
UX Design
Concept Pitch
Tools
Miro
Summary
This is the winning project of the International Design Charrette held in Toronto by Brookfield Sustainability Institute at George Brown College.
The team, consisting of designers, architects, engineers and marketing graduates coming from Italy, Canada and Denmark developed the idea in less than a week and pitched it to the jury, who chose it to become the next project to be developed by BSI.
Brief
"How might we create a sustainable food security in local communities while improving the health of consumers increasing environmental impacts? More precisely, servicing primarily the GBC culinary school and its community”
Outcome
A speculative concept for a modular system able to sustain the short food supply of George Brown College’s Culinary School and its community.
The Idea
Modular systems for nutrient production through aquaponics, combined with IoT technology and a phygital experience to enhance the community value.
Benefits of Aquaponics
Aquaponics systems are all natural since pesticides can disrupt the cycle.
They can be built in urban areas or where land is limited.
They use one third of energy that other systems use.
And consumes 5% of the water volume required by regular crops.
Modularity
Sketches
The Greenhouse
The greenhouse consists of a 2-layer glass panel system installed on the rails, which can be opened to provide more sunlight and ensure air exchange. The configuration of the sliding glass panels can be adjusted depending on the location of the building. The elements that can be opened include the walls and the pitched roof. When it comes to choosing the best and most sustainable material for a flooring terrace/& greenhouse in Canada, based on the local climate, availability of materials, and environmental impact one of the best options is Western Red Cedar.
This type of wood is grown and harvested in British Columbia, making it a locally sourced and sustainable option. It is naturally rot-resistant, making it well-suited for outdoor use, and can be treated with eco-friendly finishes to enhance its durability.
Pine timber will be used for the beams and columns as a structural construction of the greenhouse. Cork insulation is a type of natural insulation made from the bark of cork oak trees.
Sustainability: Cork insulation is a renewable and sustainable material.
The bark of cork oak trees can be harvested every 9-12 years without harming the tree.
Thermal insulation: Cork insulation has good thermal insulation properties, which means it can help keep a building warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Acoustic insulation: Cork insulation can also help reduce noise transmission, making it ideal for use in walls, floors, and ceilings.
Fire resistance: Cork insulation is naturally fire-resistant, which means it can help slow the spread of flames in case of a fire.
Moisture resistance: Cork insulation is resistant to moisture, which makes it ideal for use in areas with high humidity or moisture.
Stakeholder map
Stakeholder of this system receive numerous benefits:
• Access to local and healthy food
• Reduced emissions and water usage
• Creation of a new student community
• Raise of awareness and education through workshops.
User Experience
