Urban algal biofuel project proposed for Boston high-rise exterior

In Massachusetts, algae biofuels have been proposed by Höweler + Yoon Architecture and Squared as an answer to the stalled Filene’s construction site at Downtown Crossing in Boston. The Eco-Pod, as designed, is a vertical algae bioreactor built with custom prefabricated modules. According to Höweler + Yoon, the proposed pods will would serve as biofuel sources and as micro-incubators for other research and development programs. The designers said that the proposed Eco-Pod is also a research incubator in which scientists can test algae species and methods of fuel extraction, including new techniques of using low energy LED lighting for regulating the algae growth cycles.

The central location of the Eco-Pod and the public and visible nature of the research, would allow the public to, for the first time, experience the energy production process and become “a catalyst for ecological awareness.”

The design features an on-site robotic armature (powered by algae ) is designed to reconfigure the modules to growth conditions and to accommodate evolving spatial and programmatic conditions in real-time. The reconfigurable modular units allow the structure to transform, broadcasting what the designers referred to as ” a subtle semaphore of constructional activity and economic recovery, and a new micro-urbanism that is local, agile, and carbon net positive.”

The designers said that, once the original Filene’s project is restarted, the modules can be easily disassembled and redistributed to various neighborhoods around Boston, infilling other empty sites, testing new proposals, and developing initiatives with other communities. “

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