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.
Design project at Industrial Design master’s program at Eindhoven University of Technology (Teammates: Midas Zegers, Dion Tjokroatmo; Supervisor: Bahareh Barati, Experts: Advit Foundation, Studio Groovido)
