ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

While visiting Madeira Island of Portugal in 2009, this photograph was taken with my digital camera. It is not only an image of ‘Stairs to the sea’ but also a reminder of the beautiful place my mum grew up as a child and the great memories I spent there with my family and relatives during the trip. As you can see the image is not enhanced or altered as there is very little to edit. Being from a European background this was my first trip overseas and was definitely a holiday to remember!

GREAT PIECE OF ARCHITECTURE

In 2009, The Wall Street Journal asked William McDonough + Partners, an architecture and community design firm to envision a sustainable home of the future. Using nature as a source of inspiration and guidance, the team set out to design a home that functions like a tree. The house uses sunlight to generate energy, cleans water, sequesters carbon, provides natural habitats, and produces oxygen and food. In order to accomplish this, several nanotechnologies are incorporated into the design. While these technologies are conceptual, some are already in early development today. This great piece of architecture was what sparked the idea for me that there is cement that through a chemical process can absorb carbon dioxide and in affect reduce harmful emissions for future constructions.  Along with this astounding element of the design what really draws me in is its seamless link with nature through its curved roof and large eaves that provide shade.  

BEST PIECE OF CREATIVE WORK

This is my Major Design Project completed in year 12 and is one of my best creative works to date.  Australia is one of the highest carbon emitters per capita and is the ninth biggest contributor to increased global carbon emissions. This leaves the future to be governed by green technologies for sustainable environmental management such as this Low Impact sustainable Structure I designed. I saw a great need to change the way homes are built by redefining the ‘common home’  with this uniquely  designed structure that incorporates many emerging technologies such as TX-Active Cement and efficient L.E.D lighting as well as a water management system that is built into the structures frame. This studio orientated holiday home designed for getaways or general living offers a rapid accommodation solution achieved via off-site prefabrication usually in standard sections that can be easily shipped and easily assembled.  The project definitely allowed me to develop and experiment with a range of 3D Design programs such as Google Sketch Up and Artlantis 3D render Studio and Photoshop for the overall presentation of the concept.