Botanicalls plants now can check on each other before making phone calls–part of my Sociable Objects thesis that explores using local sources to drive better-informed behaviors. Here’s the scenario:
Fiddle-leaf fig is low on light. Its light level for the last two days is only 30% of optimal and its Botanicalls event sensor is triggered. But is it time to make a phone call? As a Sociable Object device, its decisions don’t need to rely on single data points. The fig begins making contact with the Botanicalls plants around it. If they haven’t gotten enough light either recently, the call for help will be postponed because it’s probably been cloudy and that’s not a reason to disturb humans with a useless phone call. However in this case the spider plant, cuban oregano and prayer plant all respond that their light levels are close to optimal. So it’s not cloudy and Fiddle-leaf fig places a call for help.
Next steps will be checking the solar panel on ITP’s roof, the broadcast time clock and at least one interactive project so that the plant can double-check on sun, know it’s daytime, and detect that someone is around to answer its calls.
Initial Sketch for Project Icons
The ITP Solar Powered project will channel power into many of the small electrics on the ITP floor, using energy created by our rooftop solar panel. The aim of the project is to create high visibility for sustainable power while fully utilizing our limited clean energy resources.
Currently the solar panel is set up to charge two 60Ah lead-acid battery packs in alternation. While one battery drinks up sunny delight on the 12th Floor, the other is wheeled down to the 4th Floor for use. There its built-in inverter will power a set of AA and 9-Volt battery charging units. The small batteries, once loaded with solar-sourced electricity, will be able to power microcontrollers, motors, art projects, remote sensing systems, cameras, sound recorders and anything else with modest electrical needs. If enough capacity remains, video cameras, iPods and laptop computers could also plug in and take a drink from our nearest star. Because rechargeable batteries are reused rather than being thrown away, the project will also save the materials used in creating alkaline batteries while removing their toxic products from our waste stream.
Batteries are pretty small and the power inside is invisible. There needs to be a clear indication of which projects and devices are running off the sun, so that this project can pave the way for bigger things. Visibility, labeling and signage will be as important as the power and technologies that are used. The main battery charging station should be in a high traffic location with clear signs and attractive color graphics. It needs to be obvious to members of the ITP community so that they are reminded to use it, and for visitors so that they can learn more about our sustainability endeavors. Rebecca Bray will be creating the graphic designs for the project. Gallery exhibits and show pieces will be able to feature an ITP Solar Powered logo on their signs and web sites. Stickers and hang tags will be available for anyone who uses solar juice in their camera, recorder or iPod. To expand the initiative, similar identification materials will be available for projects that are human-powered, recycled, reused or otherwise “green” in nature.
It is hoped that this small beachhead for clean power can be useful as a demonstration of our commitment to sustainable energy, support expansion of our rooftop solar system, and continue the promotion of sustainable practices at ITP and NYU.
On Saturday, February 3rd we braved a cold New York morning for the Green Roof Tour at Silvercup Studios in Long Island City, Queens. It was co-sponsored by the Wagner Environmental Policy in Action (WEPA) group and UPSA. Silvercup Studios boasts the largest green roof in NYC over the buildings where they shot The Sopranos, Sex and The City and are now shooting 30 ROCK.
Here’s a view of one of the roofs:
Each roof is made up of planter-box modules. The modularity made it easier to install and maintain:
The Green Roof is monitored for temperature differences between the plantings and bare roof:
The tour ended below the landmark Silvercup bakery sign:
Green roofs are somewhat controversial. Proponents tout their energy-saving and runoff-reducing qualities, along with their aesthetic beauty. However there are others who point out that energy savings could be acheived simply by painting the roof white, and that the expense for aesthetics are wasted on a roof where nobody can see it. Street trees would be much less expensive and much more available. These are interesting arguments and certainly worth considering. I personally like the idea of green roofs because they increase habitat that has been lost to development. Birds, animals and native plants need a place to live. Bio-diversity cannot be enhanced simply by painting the roof white. For me this alone would be reason for planting greenery on the roof.
Update:
See also this interesting article by Michon Scott on research by Gaffin et al.
