trip proposal

micro projeX

throughout this semester, i’ll be involved in various group and individual projects for my senior architecture studio:

follow the process and documentation of my individual micro projects!

so far…..

i’ve tried to create my own candle wax with everyday materials including sugar, jell-o, and gummy bears. the molds were also everyday, recycled objects like juice cartons and egg cartons.

i’ve also experimented with palm wax, as candles and as objects.

i’ve just started researching radio broadcasting.

i’ve also begun experimenting with growing seeds for a hydroponic system. this will lead to the design of a community garden.

i’m currently brainstorming ideas for a combined wax workshop, radio station, and garden for the community!

check it out! the side bar has categories where you can view my blog in sections. enjoy!

wax-radio-garden precedents

here are some interesting approaches/thoughts/architecture which caught my attention today– these have affected my ideas about the combined wax workshop, radio station, and community garden project.

wax-radio-garden design elements

sketches

hydroponic proposal

our proposal for the community garden using hydroponics.

created with valerie stevens and miranda rogers

 

radio broadcasting…

another project for studio is going to be helping the las lomas community build their own radio station.

equipment can be expensive, especially because radio broadcasting can involve satellite connections etc. what i was interested in finding while i researched was the simplest-do-it-yourself radio that could serve the small community.

i found a site called “outlaw radio” which was very interesting– it demonstrated that radio broadcasting doesn’t have to be something that fills an entire room. it can fit nicely on a small table with a broadcasting antennae outside depending on the range of coverage you are interested in. this website was also helpful in suggesting that equipment can be very affordable (it has suggestions about what to buy and where!).

check out the website:

http://www.outlawradio.us/index.html

“outlaw radio” also reference a group called “space hijackers” that ran radio out of a briefcase– they broadcasted very short range and on unsed frequencies so that it interrupted other programs as people drove by.

here’s their project:

http://www.spacehijackers.co.uk/html/projects/observable.html

so, it is possible to have a very small radio station located pretty much anywhere! you just need the equipment to get started!

researching hydrophonics

hydroponics involves growing plants without soil in a water-nutrient solution. this solution needs to be circulated– this could be done using gravity (one container distributes water to the plants and one collects ==> they could be raised and lowered to switch roles).

here’s a link to a texas a&m wibesite that talks about the details of hydroponics.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/publications/hydroponics.html

examples of a hydroponic garden

this is more of a strictly farming garden, but it’s interesting to look at. they even have bees!

http://www.rabbitrunfarmllc.com/Rabbit_Run_Farm,_LLC./Home.html

getting involved

since the hydroponic systems are going to be a community garden in las lomas, i think its important to understand how to get the community involved.

1:  have people adopt specific areas. this could even be turned into a friendly competition of who can grow the best/biggest vegetables or the prettiest flowers. growing unusual varieties of plants could be a good way to market produce (see blog about “rabbit run”).

2: make it fun. the process of circulating the water-nutrient solution (using gravity as discussed) could be some sort of game for the children.

3: add some wildlife. have a butterfly garden area. plants grown for caterpillars to eat and adult butterflies. children would love taking care of them and watching them hatch. there are plenty native to texas.

4: create a usable garden. have spaces for people to sit and enjoy the garden, or have large gathering, including shady and sunny areas. people in the community should to want to be in the garden not only work in it.