Aquavent
In the wake of climate change cities such as London are facing unprecedented changes in precipitation and temperature, resulting in water shortages, energy blackouts, and heat waves.
In response to these interdependent challenges, we developed Aquavent, an adaptable rainwater harvesting and passive cooling system for urban areas that aims to reduce stress on water and energy systems while providing comfort for people.
Aquavent consists of three primary components - a hydrophobic rainwater harvesting screen (RWS), a water storage system, and a hydrophilic passive cooling screen (PCS) - that can be deployed on the exterior of buildings at windows or freestanding in public spaces. The RWS is folded in an origami fold, allowing it to be expanded and rotated when it rains to maximise the personal water catchment area. The rainwater collected is then usable for flushing the toilet, watering plants, cleaning, and passive cooling. When it is not raining, the RWS can serve as a sun shade or be compacted away. On a hot day, the PCS takes from ancient techniques and utilises capillary action and porous natural materials to cool warm air passing through the screen through evaporative cooling.
