On the topic for the theme report, I was wondering what would be the best environment related job, when I came across a unique project. While reading about the project, I realized that any job or any profession in the world can be an environmental job if we keep the conservation of the environment as a guiding force behind the work.

I want to introduce the forum to a unique award winning architecture project called ‘The 8^th Continent’. The project has been designed in an innovative way using technology and creativity to serve the environment with its existence as it not only self sustains but also restores ocean health and recycles plastic.

INNOVATIVE, UNIQUE AND SUSTAINABLE! Does this not make the work of architects and engineers engaged on such projects eligible as environmental jobs!!!

Lenka Petrakova, a Slovak architect designed the 8^th CONTINENT as a floating structure in the shape of a sea flower in the ocean serving as a research station and cleaning the marine plastic pollution. The prototype that may well be the future of clean oceans, won the Grand Prix Award for architecture and marine innovation from the Jacques Rougerie Foundation, and rightly so for such a unique combination of science, engineering, art and design towards an environmental solution.

Harmful effects of plastic pollution on marine species and health of our oceans are known to all. Petrova, planned the proposed project on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (8^th Continent) that has been formed a huge landmass like island of collection of plastic waste in the ocean.

The model is comprised of five main interconnected buildings;

1. Barrier that floats in water to collect the waste (mainly plastic residue and debris) by moving it towards the collector. It also harvests tidal energy which powers the turbine to collect the waste.

2. Collector at the centre of the complex optimizes waste handling. It serves to such the waste from the water, sort and break it down into recyclable content, and store it. It also serves as well to clean up the water.

3. Research and Education Centre linked to the collector and greenhouse, is engaged in study of aquatic environment and water processes.

4. Greenhouse for hydroponic agriculture. It also has solar panels for regular source of power heating the water reservoirs for desalination process.

5. Living quarters to house the staff.

The futuristic prototype facility will be self-sufficient in a way that it will both contribute to and benefit from its ocean environment. The buildings, all adapted to suit their function, are in the shape of petals of the flower standing on tentacles. They are shaped to optimize condensed water collection and resemble large sails to allow wind to navigate the station, also giving it the appearance of a ship’s keel.

The buildings are perforated to allow passing of wind to resist strong ocean currents. Public spaces and support facilities pass through the whole complex connecting all parts. For power, the proposed complex relies on tidal and solar energy. Water is managed in a way that after wastewater extraction, filtered clean water is to be either desalinated or used for hydrophobic cultivation of halophilic plants.

Lenka petráková envisages her the floating station as an interdisciplinary platform. To quote Petraková the building is not a solitaire, but part of the environment. "The principle of interdependence - the relationships between the characteristics of buildings and the environment - are interdependent. The floating station responds to and evolves on external stimuli. It cleanses the ocean and restores balance in the marine environment. At the same time, natural forces affect the movement and location of stations, as well as the indoor environment. "

As a Marine Science student myself, I am eagerly waiting for the project to be realized and serve as an inspiration more creative solutions to solve environmental problems. It will be a perfect illustration of an interdisciplinary collaboration of science, environment, marine biology, architecture, design, engineering and many other related professions contributing towards environmental sustainability.

Sources and References:

https://www.euronews.com/living/2021/02/04/this-floating-continent-is-self-sustainable-and-cleans-the-ocean

https://www.startitup.sk/grandiozny-uspech-slovenskej-architektury-slovenka-navrhla-plavajucu-stavbu-ktora-cisti-oceany/

https://spectator.sme.sk/c/22571463/slovak-designer-wins-top-prize-for-ocean-station-that-removes-plastics-from-sea.html

https://www.designboom.com/architecture/the-8th-continent-lenka-petrakova-clean-up-oceans-01-06-2020/

Image Credits
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