Senior, Stamps School of Art & Design
Video
Abstract
Mimo-Skeleton ULTRA is an original concept of BioDesign, which stands for pioneering new uses or formats of the application of either biotechnology or biology itself. Mimo-ULTRA is my response to the hardships that Hurricanes bring onto less-developed countries and cities, reflecting of currently existing module of Aerodynamic design.
Mimo ULTRA uses the Mimosa Pudica plant as the main structure of a building, that has been genetically modified to be enlarged and fortified. Mimo ULTRA maximizes the aerodynamics of the building with its self-closing leaves and morphable branches. Mimo ULTRA can also enhance structural stability and nurture the damaged soil.
Mimo-Skeleton ULTRA uses Mimosa pudica plant solely as the inner-structure of the building, which has been enlarged and fortified by gene-modification. The single mimosa pudica plant will be as tall as any other traditional residence building, and as hard as 1200-2400psi, with 1200 psi being the current industry standard. With Mimo ULTRA, the leaves of the plant act as the base of each floor. With 1200(industry standard)-2400 psi, Mimo leaves alone will withstand any home activities as a floor. On top of the leaves, a layer panel would be installed, either transparent to emphasize the organic aesthetic or plain colored one.
The coolest part of the design comes to the fact that Mimosa Pudica closes its leaves by itself when stimulated to certain point. It is a reaction called nyctinastic movement driven by turgor pressure. Closed leaves will even wiggle its organic structure in accordance to strong wind and its direction, opting themselves into the optimized aerodynamics with various directions of winds.
Mimo ULTRA is extra-stable through a turbulance without having to artificially dig deep into a ground to set under-pillars since it has the ULTRA big, thick, and dense root system that will grow itself into a deeper ground, tightly grasping the soil.
Also, Mimo ULTRA can withstand the environment of tropical area like sea-salt water, humidity, drought, etc, as it’s considered one of the most enduring, vigorous plants. It is also Anti-mold as it’s a living plant that continuously consumes water.
Lastly, Mimo ULTRA is the perfect solution for damaged soil and crop system after Hurricane, because Mimosa Pudica is a “Nitrogen-Fixer,” that naturally creates and releases extra nitrogen to the soil.
The design of Mimo-Skeleton ULTRA is my call for people and the world to contemplate some of the unprotected areas to such natural disasters like hurricanes and people’s hardships, and to ultimately inspire people to look into the possibility of Biodesign as a novice candidate for solving struggles around the world.