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THE GREENHOUSE





A celebration of the vibrant Rietveld-Sandberg collective — a testament to the school’s commitment to foster creativity and collaboration. The 400m2 rooftop of the academy harbors an undervalued potential for art, nature, community and sustainability. These are now combined in The Greenhouse project. The proposed space cultivates artistic expression while nurturing a sense of belonging among students, faculty and the local community. Its 160m2 are home to hydroponic cultures that provide both visual splendor and local nourishment. The Greenhouse is self-sustaining, collecting rainwater and powered by cutting-edge renewable technologies such as wind turbines (not windmills!) and transparent solar panels. The house doubles as a versatile meeting, working and chilling area. Designed as a shared space, room can always be made for performances and exhibitions.

A project developed in collaboration with Apecs.
3D renders, scale model, window prints, a small greenhouse; Amsterdam, 2023






Objectives


1 Create a greenhouse on the rooftop of FedLev building, utilizing part of the unused 400 square meters space that is currently exposed to rain and powerful winds.




2
Establish a sustainable, local food source for the Rietveld-Sandebrg community through hydroponic cultures. These proposed structures can produce various herbs and a substantial portion of the vegetables required for the school's canteen meals. Considering the rooftop's weight limitations, aquaponic systems emerge as the most viable choice due to their water efficiency and soil-free nature, ensuring optimal weight management. Collecting and storing rainwater will be integrated into the greenhouse design, allowing the cultivation to remain self-sufficient and environmentally responsible.





3
Create a multi-functional space that can be used for meetings, work, and relaxation, as well as for exhibitions and performances.




4
Electricity generation through renewable energy sources, specifically windmills and transparent solar panels, resulting in a self-sustaining structure and potentially lowering energy consumption for the Fedlev building. During the search for suitable solutions, a groundbreaking technology called Vortex Bladeless was discovered. These innovative wind turbines are not only quiet and bird-friendly but also have the unique capability to harness winds from any direction, making them a promising addition to the project's renewable energy arsenal.



Amid economic challenges, the idea had to be scaled down. At Rietveld's Graduation Show, 5th to 9th July 2023, a miniature will be hosting workshops, art installations, and performances. Witness the power of perseverance, as this tiny seedling represents a future blooming with hope.Photographs of the small greenhouse will be posted soon.

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