The London Oasis

[Chico Man]

The 12 metre high kinetic structure mimics the design of a growing flower: its photovoltaic 'petals' open and close in response to the sun and the moon utilising daylight to generate power. This is supplemented by a hydrogen fuel cell and wind turbine to make it self-sufficient. It even uses rainwater it has collected for irrigation and cooling.

At the base, the Oasis has five 'pods' inside which people are secluded from the noisy and polluted city surroundings, enjoying cleaner cooled air and relaxing sounds. There are also five further areas providing social rendezvous and venues for entertainment.

The Oasis is 'smart' in that it interacts with the environment around it. It senses time, the weather and people, and responds accordingly. At night, it uses energy stored during the day to power a beacon in the form of a light show which responds to the movement of people around.

Lots more here: http://www.thelondonoasis.com/home.html

Anyone have a chance to see this up close and personal? Fascinating stuff.

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Now gone, it seems

Until 31st August 2006

It would have been interesting to leave it there a whole year - see how something that functions in summer does in winter, too.