Brooks + Scarpa’s Vortex Generator is an Out of this World Concept ⇒ Led by principals Angela Brooks and Larry Scarpa, the Los-Angeles based collective of architects Brooks + Scarpa have envisioned an out of this world and thought-provoking concept that consists of a public energy-harvesting pavilion entitled Vortex Generator. This unique concept was imagined for the P.O.D System Architecture, which is a phenomenal collaboration between Dezeen and Adidas Originals. Today, CovetED will explore the dynamics of this enticing design project.

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Portrait by Injinash Unshin

The most outstanding aspect of this project is that it will combine the structure of a public pavilion with a renewable energy power plant, something that has never been fully conceptualised in this industry. The conceptual building is being imagined for the Sarasota Bay in Florida since it is a location that has plenty of the hot sun but at the same time intense lighting storms, making it the perfect place to give fruition to the Vortex Generator.

When it comes to its form, this project will feature a spiralling, gas-filled structure that it will be made from a flexible and conductive mesh material. Its top will have a ring of solar panels so it will be able to absorb energy from the sun as well as lightning rods. Now, in regards to how it works, as soon as a storm makes its way, the funnel-like pavilion will inflate and then rise up in order to attract the lightning strikes which in turn will be directed to the electrical substation below.

“When the sun is out, it is essentially a deflated structure. When a storm comes across, it rises three-hundred feet to harness the energy of lightning and it become a completely different space,” disclosed Angela Brooks.

The general public will actually be able to assist to a natural phenomenon without fearing for their safety as there will be a walled walkway, located below the water level of the bay that will rise up out of the water and then spiral around the base of the Vortex Generator. The central portion of this structure will act as a massive lightning rod in order to ensure that no person gets hurt.

All in all, this whole project will sort of act as a source of entertainment for people to enjoy something rather unique, as Scarpa adds, “When lightning strikes, the energy captured in it would glow like a lantern. The moist air would steam up and it would actually come out at the top, almost like a smoke ring.”

We don’t know exactly how this highly ambitious design project will take precedence but it is certainly intriguing. There’s still a lot of work to be done seeing that harvesting electricity from a lightning bolt and making it useful is nearly impossible, but the group seeks to inspire people to think outside the box and really ponder about possible outcomes when it comes to renewable energy sources.

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Source: Dezeen