3D printed Wave Dissipation System

TITLE: 3D PRINTED WAVE DISSIPATION SYSTEM, CUSTOMIZED ON LOCAL NEEDS FOR COASTLINE RESILIENCE, HABITAT ENHACEMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. Challenges and Threats in current environment 3D Printing technology has a vast potential and in AECOM we are seeking to explore its true value in order to create a new infrastructure interface. Nowadays, the urban-centric way in which we live has become increasingly disconnected from the natural environment and the world’s various ecological systems. The degree to which the two are disconnected is anticipated to increase over time. Indeed, by 2050 some two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urbanized areas, this proportion potentially peaking at 90% in regions such as Africa and Asia (2014 UNDESA report). Climate change is bringing forth a new global challenge, impacting on all cities worldwide; sea levels are rising and extreme climatic conditions and natural disasters, such as Hurricane Maria and Sandy, are becoming more frequent. These events and challenges are reshaping the urban form in coastal areas worldwide and the negative impact on coastlines is becoming increasingly pronounced by the day, particularly given that around 40% of the world’s population lives within close proximity to a coastal area (Cooper, J.A.G., 2008). The coastline is representative of the physical link between human beings and the natural environment, the urban form and ecological systems (Tanaka, Y. 2002 & Lewis, J.R., 1964). Typically man-made infrastructure cuts off these various communities by erecting barriers, thus creating further disconnection between systems, instead of viewing linkage as a benefit ((Tanaka, Y. 2002). As architects and engineers, we wish to go beyond merely serving up a short-term solution to this problem. We wish to protect our communities and at the same time create a connection; we wish to use the coastline as an opportunity. Our aim is to create breathing infrastructure, taking care of eco-systems, improving the natural habitat, and taking care of the local community, creating pleasant and educational personal experiences. We hope to make the transition from offering solely hard-engineered protection to providing more of a soft-engineered solution (Jackson, A.C. 2002). 3D printing applied into environment Customized 3D-printed design factors In contrast to the mass production of wave dissipation blocks, 3D printing technology allows complex customization. The inner part of the wave dissipation block is designed to maximize complexity and habitat for a diversity of species in order to enhance marine life biodiversity and to grow a resilient ecosystem around it. All parameters data used to create the inner complexity of the block are collected locally based on multiple aspects: water temperature, tidal system, marine life biodiversity, animal species, and wave energy are some of the key parameters (Miller, J.K., 2016). Unique coastline environment The on-site “fabrication” process is done by connecting to surveying drones and designing accordingly to very specific littoral coastline environments, making it easy to deliver the most suitable product in practice (Ban, N.C., 2014). On-site material usage While traditional shoreline design discourages people to interact with the coastline and often decreases the quantum and diversity of marine life, 3D printing technology can customize the format delivered to targeted species, whilst at the same time create opportunities for people to safely engage in nature (Chapman, M.G., 2009). 3D printing is more adaptable and flexible to materials and fabrication conditions. This allows us to use on-site materials – such as sand already present beneath the sea – with ease and reduce waste associated with the construction process. The 3D printed wave dissipation system (3D-WDS) protects the local community minimizing risks, creating awareness of climate change, developing economies around water and ultimately it creates a connection between human beings and the natural environment. The new interface infrastructure creates helps to grow a social ecological resilience, connecting harmoniously local communities and nature (Goff, M. 2010). Other innovation technology related application The possibility to combine this with smart technologies gives rise to the potential for 3D printed wave dissipation system (3D-WDS) blocks. Real time monitoring sensors can be directly connected to Research centers around the world creating a world-wide database of relevant scientific information; micro hydro turbines included in the block produce clean energy to sustain the monitoring systems, creating an interconnected self-sustaining global system that can be used in any kind of circumstances. CONCLUSION: This project investigates the value of 3D printing technology related to global issue like climate change, sea level rise and natural disaster. The use of 3D printing technology applied to a wave dissipation system can help us to protect our communities meanwhile growing a social resilient eco system harmoniously connected with the urban development (Dyson, K. & Yocom, K. 2015). We aim to 3D print a resilient future.