GESTERBINE / gesture + water + turbine / The anti-steppisation device.

/// problem

The main reason of steppisation in Greater Poland (Wielkopolska) is the specific location – the area between oceanic and continental climates characterized by a small amount of precipitation (even less than 500 mm a year, the country’s average of 600 mm), while high evaporation (the difference between rainfall and run-off, on average 400-450 mm per year). It’s also affected by high permeability of the soil in the central part of the Warta River bed.

The other reason of steppisation is decreasing area of forests in the last century due to agricultural needs. As a result of new field division a lot of ponds and swamps surrounded by green oasis disappeared. In addition Warta river due to the inland navigation has been drastically regulated – (straightened) – which shortened the river bed over 100 km – this means that water flows faster through the land and the hydration is smaller. This tendency has quickly lead to lowering of ground water level so important for water circulation in nature.

/// resources

In terms of wind energy resources Wielkopolska is classified as “very good” due to high average wind speed and good topographical conditions – mainly flatlands.

/// conclusions

During the day, when there is a high electricity demand, GESTERBINE looks like typical power plant supplying average households, farms, small offices etc. During the night, when the demand for electricity is rather low, GESTERBINE works as a self-sufficient water pump which transports river water into the land. This water if further used to support or even create small retention water reservoirs across the land. This action should go along with planting new trees to keep the surface water as long as possible within the land in order to raise ground water mirror.

/// form

Human energy into energy for humanity. The form is an effect of experiments on human gesture kinetics. The idea is to transpose human body kinetic energy into vectors. These vectors are used afterwards to build an energy producing skyscraper. Chosen method of human gesture research: human body tangled in LED lights and camera set on long exposure in the darkroom and experiments in 3D using cardboard models out of vectorized photos.

Project established with prof. Włodzimierz Dreszer from Academy of Fine Arts in Poznań.

Posters for eVolo 2010 Skyscraper Competition:

Imagine an injection of natural vitality spreading among dense and solid tissue of Bronx district. Imagine green tentacles budding with farms, greenhouses and gardens like a branch budding with fresh leaves. Imagine the cradle of urban culture crossing-over with organic rural habits. Welcome to The Green Concourse!

The Green Concourse is an effect of implementing three processes into the Bronx using Grand Concourse as an existing axis that created the whole district.

Green Injection

GI gradually spreads inside the district like a real injection using existing streets like a real injection uses veins to spread within the body and cure it.

REdefining Communication

REC respects the existing communication axis due to its intensity and functionality. Its purpose is to attenuate the car flow and create a net of pedestrian friendly paths.

REC creates a new layer of the area which provides new space for recreation, small commerce and boulevards. Finally, there is a balance between urban factors and green areas. This redefinition is also an argument for a formal solution.

REapplying Farms

REF is an echo of Bronx former identity – it will not only raise inhabitants’ awareness about Bronx history but also encourage them to “act in order to get”. It is a solution for food supply problems. Some existing green areas become more functional as well.

The Bronx and Grand Concourse as an effect of cultural cross-over can further develop by another cross-over. Let the affirmation of urban lifestyle meet the joy of natural simplicity and organic basics.

One big gesture is the beginning for a multitude of opportunities! This urban-scaled solution stimulates further activities of architects, designers, artists,

landscape experts etc.

THE GREEN CONCOURSE is an answer for today’s Bronx problems and a worldwide trend-creating action once again in the history!