Digital Methods Studio

Design IX - Fall 2013 - Professor Kihong Ku

eVolo Skyscraper Competition

Problem Statement:  Dense urban cities are constantly growing and the desire to reside in close proximity has substantially increased over the past few decades. The World Health Organization has predicted that 7-8 of every 10 people will live in a city with a population of 100,000 to 500,000 by 2060.

Project Intent:  Take pressure off existing infrastructure on land, SHIFTING URBAN EXPANSION onto nearby bodies of sea water to REDUCE URBAN CONGESTION.

Design Statement:  Transitioning the skyscraper typology to a buoyant skyscraper that floats, the form begins to reflect the shape of a cone where a large heavy base gradually decreases in height in order to float effectively. In response to the power of wind currents and to flow more freely and rapidly across bodies of water, the skyscraper shifts its weight towards the direction of the wind currents. Shifting directions allows for maximum wind capture and acts as an opposing force like a ship’s sail.

AquaGenesis’s main structure is comprised of galvanized steel which resists corrosion from sea-salt. The twisting motion of the tower helps it counteract varying wind directions. Each spire corresponds to a 3:1 ratio which is mathematically proven to allow AquaGenesis to be buoyant through displacement. Metaphorically, AquaGenesis acts just like a real boat with a 150’ deep rudder and a 450’ tall mast. It has the ability to float and move at will according to the majority consensus of the population.