- Our concept aims to highlight and promote further understanding into the fundamental role that mangroves play in preserving and stabilising our river banks and shores and acting as filters for debris as well as for salt water. Specially adapted roots (known as pneumataphors) extend above the surface of the water, enabling the plant to cope in conditions of high salt. This can be seen in the adjacent diagram.
Diagram from source: Emirites Natural History Group. (1987). Avicennia Marina- The Gray Mangrove. Retrieved from http://www.enhg.org/b/b32/32_02.htm
Mangrove Root Inspiration
In designing and implementing an interactive folie that has the capacity to provide a learning experience, the aim was to create an abstraction of the mangrove root system and install it at the Howard Smith Wharves on the river's edge.
Initial Concept Idea:
Our groups's initial idea involved creating a folie that demonstrated the filtration process of mangroves. While this process would be abstracted, the idea revolved around pumping and filtering water. The concept involved (for the most part) a horizontal channel supported by vertical structures (acting as the roots). Water was to run along the horizontal channel after being pumped up from the water storage area below. Filtered river water was to be used; initially pooling on ground level underneath a perspex cover. The water would flow across the channel; in some areas, sprinkling over and running down the edges of the folie to interact with those in the folie space.
Ideas for horizontal channel that A square and more stylised water channeling system
carries water through the folie
Vignette - Initial Folie Concept
After thinking about the execution of our initial idea, we realised how difficult it would be and that the area itself wasn't really suited to this type of interactive installation. We discussed the reality of pumping water upwards and realised it would require a lot of engineering and be difficult to design and install as well as maintain. Channelling water through from the river to underneath the folie on the boardwalk would also prove both costly and challenging in terms of how this would be engineered. Having pooling water (although underneath perspex) could also pose a challenge with debris likely to become caught up in the filters and the storage area likely to need regularly cleaning and maintenance. The idea of water sprinkling over the edges of the channel could also pose a definite safety hazard with the surface of the perspex becoming slippery; this would also require some kind of drainage system for the run-off.
Second Concept Idea:
After disregarding our initial idea we moved onto thinking less about creating a "building" or enclosure with a "roof" and "walls". Thinking about the role of mangroves we realised their most important function as filters and stabilisers of banks involves their roots. For this reason we decided to base our design on abstracted roots. These "roots" were to be arranged randomly and were to be of varying heights and thicknesses, placed across the 5x5x5m of allowable space. We looked at pumping water from the river through underneath the bank and cutting a section to cover with perspex. The roots will be submerged inside the water (through the perspex) acting as filters; just as mangrove roots filter water and debris.
Vignette - Showing stylised mangrove roots on river bank with an channel sectioned through the middle for water to filter through (this is pumped in from the river)
We decided this idea (while interesting and effective) would be too difficult to execute effectively with such a limited amount of time to finalise this project. If it were to be implemented at the site (in reality), it would be difficult to engineer; as a water pumping and channeling system would have to be installed and it would be difficult and costly to maintain. The perspex, once again would become slippery and degrade with exposure to the elements and with ware and tare.
Third Concept Idea:
As we were happy with our second conceptual idea we decided to stay with the idea of vertical uprights acting as stylised mangrove roots. We were struggling to come up with an idea that enabled the folie to communicate a still metaphorical, but clear message about its meaning and the "learning experience"of the space. We realised (while we had a strong concept) there was little to do or learn in this space; there was nothing drawing people in (particularly without the element of water to intrigue people) - it was more of a space to look at rather than be involved with. We toyed with the idea of having seating around the folie but moved on as we realised this had little, even nothing to do with the concept. We felt for this reason we needed to improve upon this design.
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