Eco-Pod project by Höweler + Yoon Architecture and Squared Design Lab is a proposal for the integration of architecture, new technologies and public space in an ecologic way.
Micro‐algae is one of the most promising bio‐fuel crops of today, yielding over thirty times more energy per acre than any other fuel crop. Unlike other crops, algae can grow vertically and on non‐arable land, is biodegradable, and may be the only viable method by which we can produce enough automotive fuel to replace the world’s current diesel usage. Algae farming uses sugar and cellulose to create bio‐fuels and simultaneously helps reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions, since it replaces CO2 with Oxygen during photosynthesis. While the bio‐reactor process is currently in an experimental phase, recent advances in single step algae oil extraction and low energy high efficiency LEDs make the algae bio‐reactor an extremely promising prospect on the renewable energy technology horizon. the Eco‐Pod is also a research incubator in which scientists can test algae species and methods of fuel extraction, including new techniques of using low energy LED lighting for regulating the algae growth cycles. The central location of the Eco‐Pod and the public and visible nature of the research, allows the public to experience the algae growth and energy production processes.
