The Solar Rain Tree Oasis
Michael Jantzen
© 2014
http://archinect.com/michael-jantzen/projects
The Solar Rain Tree Oasis is being developed as a public gathering place pavilion for the drought stricken state of California. The ideal location for these large pre-fabricated steel structures is in a public park, but they can also be placed into any public accessible location. All of the structures are designed to support ten large solar cell arrays that collect energy from the sun and convert it into electricity, which is sent into the local power grid. In addition, each of the structures is formed into a circular shape that is capable of collecting rainwater and directing it into storage containers that are buried under the structures. The collected rainwater is also used by the local community in which the Solar Rain Tree Oasis structures are installed.
Located at the center of each of the structures is a large transplanted oak tree. The oak tree symbolically refers to, and celebrates the state of California, in addition to shading the open center portion of the pavilions.
A large circular bench is built in around the oak trees, and additional seating and/or tables can be placed under the pavilions canopy.
The Solar Rain Tree Oasis structures are part of a series of many more of my public functional art attractions designed to encourage positive public gatherings, and at the same time collect alternative energy from the natural environments in which they are built, and distribute that energy into the local community.
Status: Unbuilt
