3D Printed Sand Pods Create Cooling Microclimates

Efficient <a href="http://inhabitat.com/desert-architecture-by-binary-design-studio/" target="_blank">desert architecture</a> harnesses low-tech and natural materials to minimize the effects of sweltering heat by controlling exposure to light and encouraging airflow. Inspired by these traditional desert cooling methods, London-based design firm <a href="http://www.postlerferguson.com/" target="_blank">PostlerFerguson</a> created a series of 3D-printed pods that provide energy-free <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evaporative_cooler" target="_blank">cooling through evaporation</a>. The beautiful cooling units can be installed in plazas and public areas to create comfortable microclimates.

The pods harness evaporative cooling to create cool microclimates in desert areas.

PostlerFerguson combined traditional Islamic architecture with advanced production techniques and local materials to create Microclimates.

These sand pods are created using rapid prototyping printing process that layers sand in a complicated structure to create a large surface area.

As water is drawn up into the pods, it spreads out over the surface area and evaporates, cooling the air that passes through.

The pods are intended as both an art installation as well as a public utility.

The conceptual cooling system would utilize locally-sourced sand and a magnesium binding agent.

The rapid prototyping machine would print layer after layer of sand to create the 3D object.

The project was inspired by traditional Islamic architecture as well as advanced production techniques.

Microclimates make use of passive and low-energy cooling methods to provide cooler microclimates in a sustainable manner.

"Microclimates is not just an installation, but a building language that can be reused again and again to create new public spaces."