Symbiosis

award: first place

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24h Ideas Fire competition

In collaboration with Paulina Gocoł, Małgorzata Radaj and Marta Wróblewska

 

 

In every forest, nature creates a complex net of chemical connections between trees, plants and fungus. They warn each other of incoming fire and try to protect from it. Taking inspiration from this phenomenon, the project focuses on creating a system of linked towers tasked to prevent and suppress the wildfire.

 

Each measurement tower is equipped with a drone unit that gathers various information from its assigned area. The collected data is sent to the main element of the whole system – observation tower. There it is analyzed by the Observer – a person dedicated to protecting the forest. Thanks to the drones, he is able to spot early signs of fire and extinguish it before uncontrolled spreading. Nevertheless, in case of incoming danger, the upper part of the observation tower detaches from the base and starts lifting up. Using a balloon and turbines it becomes a mobile command centre. That allows the Observer to control the whole situation from a safe distance and separate areas engulfed in flames from the forest. Curtains, made from fireproof material, are hidden inside measurement towers and can be rolled out by the drones. Reliable information and fast reaction from the Observer serve as good prevention, detection and suppression methods.

 

However, fires are also an inherent element of the ecosystem. It allows nature to preserve balance. By destroying life it lets new and fresh organisms to be born and grow. Thus, there is no need to always extinguish every fire and try to prevent it completely. The only thing that people need is to contain the fire in enclosed areas.