Lily Aldridge

A render of my most recent project entitled; 'The Nest'. Situated in Royal Park, this project focuses on improving the air quality and local ecology through architecture. Introducing a wetland topology to what used to be a floodplain works to embrace native flora and fauna, while establishing bioluminescent algae, a proven solution to worsening air quality. Recycled materials and reed structures serve as the central 'nest', using regenerative materials grown on site.

Key section of 'The Nest' indicating the fantastical nature of the design. Similar to the birds observed on site, this nest incorporates discarded rubbish, including palettes and fishing nets into the design. This design provides places for workshop, meeting, data collection and observation.

During the mid-semester reviews we presented our three main 'tectonics', still in their preliminary stages. This tectonic was the one used largely in later design, embracing children (the victims of worsening climate events) as the target demographic. Bioluminescence algae in the wetlands becomes activated via child play, creating a playground typology.

During the mid-semester reviews we presented our three main 'tectonics', still in their preliminary stages. This tectonic was grounded in using biophilic algae structures as the structural bones, customisable via connection to create larger meeting spaces and more intimate moments.

During the mid-semester reviews we presented our three main 'tectonics', still in their preliminary stages. This tectonic uses a lung as the precedents, directly referencing worsening air quality. Using a plastic bag skin this design has minimal impact on the current site, preserving the native grassland ecology. The breathability of this tectonic inflates when air quality at the local scale is good, de-activating when air quality is poor, serving to indicate air quality to the general public.