Biomimicry

Photo courtesy of http://www.algaecompetition.com/algae-awards/

In the late nineties Janine Benyus wrote a seminal eco-capitalist book called Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature.  Adapted from a larger Deep Ecology philosophy, the basic precepts were to use Nature as a Mentor, Measure, and Model for how we design and inhabit the planet.  One particularly striking idea was the use of a biotic method for producing energy.  

Fast forward 13 or so years and the International Algae Competition challenged architects, engineers, scientists, algae enthusiasts and students from around the world to design visionary algae food and energy systems. This week, they have announced seven prize winners from the 40 finalists. (1)

A list of winners is below – click on the links to for visualizations from the individual prize winners and more detailed project descriptions. (1)

 

The Abundance Prize and Best Video

Green Loop: Marina City Global Algae Retrofitting, Chicago by Influx_Studio, Mario Caceres and Christian Canonico. (1)

Algae Landscape Design First Prize

Process Zero: Retrofit Resolution. GSA Federal Building, Los Angeles, CA, by Hok/Vanderweil, Sean Quinn. (1)
Urban Algae Culture in Gangxiacun, Shenzhen China, by Kady, Wong Hoi Kei & Kate, Lau Hoi Ying & Perry Li. (1)

 

The Algae Production Systems First Prize

Circular Tank Technology to reduce production costs, by Vincent Guigon, Antenna Technologies, Geneva.
Organic spirulina microfarm with biogas plant. Normandy, France, by Laurent Lecesve, Hybrid énergies & Eco-Systèmes. (1)

 

The Algae Food Development First Prize

Biosphere Instant Soup Concept by Lucie Bolzec, founder of Delis Design Studio, France.
Dances With Algae, by Lynn Cornish, Scott Hubley, Romelda Nickerson, Josie Todd, Canada. Marine Algae Foods and Recipes. (1)

 

The Appreciation Prize, voted by participants

Algae Powered Mushroom Farm in Congo, Africa, by 10 Design Group, Ted Givins. (1)


Also, check out the amazing winners here:

http://www.algaecompetition.com/algae-awards/

(1) http://www.biofuelsdigest.com/bdigest/2012/05/11/peeking-at-the-future-of-algae-international-algae-competition-announces-winners/