🕳️ SKYE XINYI GAO
Hallo! Nǐ Hǎo!
I am Skye, a Creative technologist, Experience Designer, and Interdisciplinary Artist.
I explore the possibility of Interactive Experience and Emerging Technology in the context of Computatinoal+Natural Intelligence .
Selected Work
© 2024 Skye Xinyi Gao
AlgaMatrix: Integrated Micro-Algae Building Systems for Sustainable Development Research
Introduction
Anthropogenic activities are driving climate change and
extreme weather events, posing significant threats to
human health, ecosystems, and built environments. With
the rising urban population, the environmental impact of
the building sector is becoming increasingly alarming.
Given the high embodied energy and energy consumption
associated with buildings, there is a pressing need to
advocate for self-sustaining architectural functions and
carbon-neutral practices.
In response to these challenges, this project introduces
AlgaMatrix—a revolutionized algae-based bioreactor
integrated as part of the living building system.
AlgaMatrix operates through a modular assembly of
inflatable pockets, facilitating the circulation of living
microalgae and harnessing their ability to convert water
and carbon dioxide into vital organic compounds.
This project tackles pressing environmental concerns
by employing advanced materials, computational
technology, and biophilic design to regenerate
consumable resources and promote sustainable
architectural practices. Drawing parallels with
regenerative life support systems (RLSS) crucially
utilized in NASA Habitat designs for their efficient
recycling of limited resources, AlgaMatrix envisions a
future where buildings not only sustain themselves but
also actively contribute to environmental revitalization.
1. Micro Algae Cultivation
1. 1 Species Comparison – Chlorella vulgaris vs Spirulina platensis
Two micro-algae species, Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis, were selected for cultivation experiment due to their high efficiency in air purification and environmental revitalization. These species were chosen for their robust growth rates and resilience under varying environmental conditions. The microalgae were cultivated in flasks on a lab shaker, with parafilm covering the openings to facilitate the organisms' respiration.
Documentation of Algae cultivation (Batch 1-2) over 4 weeks
1. 2 Growth Measurement – Microscopy Counting
To identify the most suitable housing material for microalgae species to ensure efficient growth and integration within the bioreactor, we conducted a systematic comparison experiment using various types of TPU sheets. We cultured Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina on these TPU samples and monitored their interactions over two weeks. The microscopic analysis revealed differential adhesion and clumping behaviors among the samples. Based on these observations, we identified 0.3mm clear TPU as the most suitable structural material. This material exhibited favorable interaction with the microalgae, facilitating optimal growth conditions.
1. 3 Material Selection – Growth Test on Different Materials
1.4 Results
Through a series of experiments, Chlorella Vulgaris
is identified as the optimal microalgae species for
this application. Known for its high growth rate and
substantial carbon dioxide fixation capabilities (Wirth
et al. 2020), Chlorella Vulgaris thrives in diverse
environmental conditions, enhancing the system’s
viability across various geographic conditions[3].
This selection underscores the organism’s contribution
to biophilic and sustainable design strategies and
integrates the organism’s behavioral characteristics
into the creation of dynamic, resilient forms.
2. Computational Design of Structure
2.2 Design Concept
AlgaMatrix integrates advanced materials and
geometric principles to create dynamic, sustainable
architectural elements. Each module, made from
shockproof 3D-printed PLA, houses microalgae in
inflatable pockets of 0.3mm TPU sheets, enabling
flexible growth and maintenance while allowing
convenient inflation or deflation. The structural
integrity of AlgaMatrix is based on a tetrahedral
configuration, which forms a graphene-like shape,
utilizing equilateral triangles for stability and material
efficiency. This design ensures that each module is
lightweight yet robust and can be easily assembled
or disassembled to meet specific needs, optimizing
material use and resource efficiency. Designed with
flexibility in mind, the modular system enables
customized assembly tailored to specific needs
while offering various configurations, spanning from
standalone furniture-scale bioreactors to expanded
setups forming larger shading screens, further
enhancing its adaptability to diverse environmental
and architectural contexts.
2.2 Design Modeling
The structural integrity of Algamatrix is based on a tetrahedral configuration, which forms a graphene-like shape, utilizing equilateral triangles for stability and material efficiency. This design ensures that each module is lightweight yet robust and can be easily assembled or disassembled to meet specific needs, optimizing material use and resource efficiency.
2.3 Fluid Simulation & AnalysisTo further optimize the design for efficient culture flow, fluidic simulation of the Algamatrix module was conducted using COMSOL Physics. In the simulation, the culture enters from the top-right corner and exits from the bottom-left corner. The analysis revealed pressure levels inside the module, providing insights into potential pressure drops and ensuring uniform distribution. The velocity field of the fluid was also studied, highlighting areas of different flow speeds and identifying any potential dead zones or high-velocity regions that might affect the culture's growth. Additionally, the velocity magnitudes at a selected point in the structure over time were analyzed to assess the stability and consistency of the flow. These simulations facilitates refining the design to ensure optimal conditions for microalgae cultivation and circulation.
2.4 Fabrication & Assembly
2.5 Design Outcome