Global Futures Design Lab Presents:
The National Landmark Project
a study of sustainable urban design created by the 3DuxDesign Team
The 3DuxDesign Global Futures Design Lab (GFDL) is a student-centered project based learning program is a multi-media initiative connecting kids worldwide. With lessons, building materials and an online student showcase, your young innovators will transcend national boundaries to bond over a shared passion - building a brighter future.
The Landmark Project is a learning module that can be adapted for all ages. It can be done as a stand-alone design challenge or as a part of the comprehensive GFDL. Students will learn about the form, function and historic value of landmarks as they are challenged to design and build a landmark for their own community!
Our team decided that our community should subscribe to the Sustainable development goals and thus the landmark's main design feature will act as a leading example for sustainable building design for the future. J0in us on a tour of the Re-New Civic Center
Our 5 story carbon neutral structure functions as a public space for both leisure and collaborative work. A key goal was to design the building with zero disruption to the land. The ground level is a glass-enclosed life-size terrarium where people can enjoy the original native flora. Balanced cantilevered floors with sloped roof-lines increase the floor space while maximizing natural light. An outdoor balcony offers a nice area to work and eat outside and also provides a shady outdoor space with a bench below. We used an organic milk-paint on geometrically cut paving stones to add a modern flair.
Our building uses 100% renewable energy. In addition to using skylights for natural lighting, we have solar panels and our own modern version of a windmill. The geometric shapes to the left are actually turbines suspended by cables that spin with wind, recharging an underground battery. So sunny and windy days are covered. Our plan is to next include a rain-activated turbine system for hydroelectric power for rainy days. You can learn more about wind power and other renewable energy sources here.
We were also inspired by a wonderful documentary about a boy in Kenya who saved his community by designing a windmill to pump water to save the local crops. We suggest you watch The Boy who Harnessed the Wind. It's a tribute to what kids can accomplish with creativity, passion and persistence.
The ReNu Civic Center is purposely located adjacent to the local pop-up food market where locals can grab a quick bite and visitors get a taste of the local culture through the culinary artisans that live in the community.
We also decided it should be close to the local Maker Space so going from work to pick up dinner at the pop-up food market and then your kids at the after-school program is super-easy!