Circular Prototypes: F.E.W. Rooftop Infrastructures, Seoul Biennial 2021

The proposed 4x4x4m modular solution developed by Rice Architecture Assistant Professor Juan José Castellón and his research team at Rice University, lends itself to operate as a prototypical flexible module able to be deployed onto any pre-existing urban rooftop. 

 

The modular system is comprised of post-tensioned hollow ceramic pieces acting as structural columns and water collectors. The materiality of the modular columns, developed in collaboration with the Catalan company Ceramica Cumella and the architecture practice xmade, combines traditional techniques and robotic fabrication technologies. The result is an elegant structural component that with its high thermal inertia, also provides energy-saving cooling benefits. The resulting hybrid prototype integrates food, energy, and water (F.E.W.) infrastructures into a minimum loss and minimum waste circular system, while helping to foster a sense of community and social interaction.