Project 02: Landscape Monitoring Station

Our job for this project was to implement sustainability to create a facility for scientist that are actively monitoring and measuring threatened landscapes of the world. 
The landscape that I chose for this project is the Aral Sea, which is a large body of freshwater that lies between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan that supplies the two countries with a source of water and access to fishing grounds. Throughout the years, the Aral Sea has been decreasing in water levels since the 1960's. The Aral sea as became the victim of the Soviet Union's agricultural policies in the 1950's. Water from it's two main river sources, the Amu and the Syr Darya, was diverted for cotton cultivation. Due to the diverted water, it began to dry up and left behind toxins in the soil, affecting public health. Scientist are still observing the Aral Sea till this day to fully restore the sea. Scientist are observing water levels, toxicity, aqua-life, and vegetation surrounding the body of water. 

Original sketches and models
When I first heard about the briefing of this project, I think I wasn't being creative enough. I thought make a big building for the scientist because they need as much space as possible, but that's what gave them the feel of being bulky and simple. After our first critique on or sketches and models, I learned that I need to be more innovative and open-minded to different perspectives.

Final Model

I decided to go with this design for my final model, I felt like it worked with my landscape really well and had more potential for any further additions. This model is a bit small in size and is supported by stilts, so it leaves less of a footprint on the environment. I also used solar panels and geothermal heating  to provide self-generating energy. The model appealed to me not solely for function, but also looks. I like the clean yet modern look of the building against the harsh elements that is surrounding it.
The Aral Sea 2018 

Sketches and models .02

After I scraped my original models, I came up with 3 unique models that appeals to the landscape. I wanted my models to be up off the ground so they wouldn't blend in with the dessert-like environment. I also wanted on play on angles with my models, I tried to introduce new perspective with the angels. One of my models is to be located on an island-like piece of land within the Aral Sea with a boat port for transportation. Another one of my models is a boat from the remaining stranded boats that the receding water revealed. I thought that using these boats could be a good idea to use as a general area for monitoring purposes. Also it could be a good way to incorporate sustainability by rehabilitating the boats since they are weren't being used.