M1.1: W.E.E
water emitting entity
[speculative design] [biodesign]
September 2022 - January 2022
Rainwater harvesting is a common method of storing water. Although a very efficient and reliable water supply for small communities in arid regions, it is subject to pollution from human activities. Phagi, a village in northwestern
India largely relies on harvested rain water, collected during monsoon, for their basic water and sanitary needs.
India largely relies on harvested rain water, collected during monsoon, for their basic water and sanitary needs.
Industrial and agricultural leachate has caused stored water to reach unhealthy contamination levels. Green microalgae has the ability to break down these pollutants and render it safe for use. This project proposes a water purification system, WEE (Water Emitting Entity) that harnesses the algae’s ability to cleanse the water of heavy metals, phosphates, and nitrates. By analyzing possible human-algae interactions, we explain how WEE, a living water purification artefact, could look and function. We spoke to experts in the field of water conservation working in the chosen context to validate our concept.
WEE allows humans to mediate everyday activities through algae. The project proposes a speculative solution for water pollution, cultivating a sustainable and empowering relationship between humans and algae.
Right top: zoomed in artefact, right bottom: demoday setup
PI&V Development at the end of M1.1
Over this semester, my identity and vision evolved significantly. I focused on movements like inclusivity and plurality, developing opinions on such design movements that influence my design practice. A key aspect of my professional identity was the emphasis on the democratization of design. This principle guided the project, steering it toward sustainable endeavors aligned with my vision of designing at the intersection of biology and technology. I contributed to the project by scoping its direction and connecting it to existing literature to identify our contribution to the design community.
Through this project, I realized that biodesign operates within a complex network of interrelations, which must be intentionally integrated into the design process. This understanding added a new dimension to my vision. This experience pushed me to identify a unique gap in biodesign that resonates with me on both a personal and professional level.
Competency development
