How can we counter deforestation? Can architecture help the global ecosystem? This is the question {tag:studenci} is trying to answer. Piotr Duszynski, Paula Gabruki Magdalena Baraniak, authors of the futuristic reForestation project, which enables the restoration of biodiversity.
Deforestation, although caused by different factors, always has the same tragic result and is a huge threat to the Earth. This threat no longer affects only tropical forests, but affects the global ecosystem with humans at its head. Every year, tracts of forest are disappearing from the face of the planet in order to create farmland, agricultural land and for the extraction of raw materials. Weather anomalies in the form of huge fires and windstorms destroying forest clusters are also becoming more frequent.
percentage of deforestation in the world
© Zofia Yasnevich, Piotr Duszynski, Paula Gabruk, Magdalena Baraniak
reForestation project
The reForestation project by a team consisting of: Zofia Jasniewicz, Piotr Duszynski, Paula Gabruk, Magdalena Baraniak is a search for an architectural response to the growing problem of deforestation. The main goal of the authors is to support the reforestation of devastated areas. The concept is to restore the forest ecosystem in the form of a vertical height structure. By individualizing the plantings, the whole is adapted in different zones such as: Haiti, Indonesia, as well as Poland and Sweden. Each individual structure corresponds to the FAO's basic definition of a forest. The reForestation is a structure consisting of a cooperating shell and stem, anchored by scored pile foundations guided along a circle 75 meters in diameter. The crust is formed by post-tensioned tendons that connect the foundation to the topmost concrete slab suspended at a height of more than 60 meters.
The concept is to restore the forest ecosystem in the form of a vertical high-rise structure
© Zofia Jaśniewicz, Piotr Duszyński, Paula Gabruk, Magdalena Baraniak
tree construction, i.e. restoration of biodiversity
However, all these assumptions are not enough for a new man-made forest. The biggest challenge is to recreate the biodiversity and physiological activities of a tree with a breakdown of its three basic areas: crown, trunk and root system. The architects, noting that the roots are as important for the tree as for the soil (they counteract land clearing and the leaching of valuable minerals from the soil), created a structure placed above the ground. It is a system made of structural cables and hand-mounted textile canopies. The main idea here is to restore the depleted soil to the right conditions, including optimal humidity and fertilization of the area.
The project is inspired by the structure of a tree and the division into roots, trunk and crown
© Zofia Jaśniewicz, Piotr Duszyński, Paula Gabruk, Magdalena Baraniak
A solid and stable tree trunk is a shelter for forest fauna. In the reForestation structure, there are incubators on platforms that support the development and survival of animals that have lost their home. Along with the animals, the incubators make it possible to regrow plants from the local catalog, which supports the comprehensive restoration of the ecosystem. With the introduction of natural light in the installation section, it is possible to provide plants with the sunlight necessary for photosynthesis. To allow movement between levels, a ramp was routed in the trunk, from which access to each platform was provided.
The reForstation is a height structure consisting of a shell and a stem
© Zofia Jaśniewicz Piotr Duszyński, Paula Gabruk, Magdalena Baraniak
artificial photosynthesis
The natural process of photosynthesis is considered salutary for balancing the surplus of carbon dioxide and oxygen production. The latest technology developed by scientists makes it possible to replicate this process. Artificial Photosynthesis (AP) is an extended photovoltaic process. Although it follows a similar principle of extracting energy from the sun's rays through solar panels, the difference is the use of bacteria, which are responsible for precipitating specific alcohols useful in industry. The technology proves that artificial photosynthesis is not only possible, but also economically viable, which could reduce deforestation.
The reForestation project could be a lifesaver for forests
© Zofia Jaśniewicz, Piotr Duszyński, Paula Gabruk, Magdalena Baraniak
The reForestation project was created as a competition entry taking part in the eVolvo competition.
Deforestation is a huge problem, affecting climate change, facing the whole world. However, is exactly this type of futuristic facility, the solution we need? Still, the best and friendliest method of reforestation is a properly implemented reforestation policy. It is worth considering general environmental education and expanding public awareness. Before it's too late.
