Harvesting Façade
Collaborative Study Project / 2025 / 1 semester
Project Overview
This interdisciplinary studio project proposes a climate-responsive skyscraper in Dubai featuring an atmospheric water harvesting façade. Using plant-based hygroscopic materials, the system captures moisture from desert air to generate usable water. The project culminated in a building proposal and a functional works-like model.
My Contributions
As the product designer, I developed the form, structure, and mechanism of the water-harvesting system, translating material research into a modular façade component. I led the development of the works-like model, prioritizing functional clarity to communicate how moisture is captured, condensed, and delivered through the system.
Tools
System Building
3D Programming
3D Printing
3D Programming
3D Printing
Collaborators
Nhat Nguyen
T.Y. Lee
Jeff Wang
T.Y. Lee
Jeff Wang
Concept
25°12'24.5"N 55°16'25.7"E
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Within a studio framework focused on climate-responsive skyscrapers, our site was set in central Dubai. The tower’s structural cable system became the anchor for a modular atmospheric water generation system that captures moisture from dry desert air and redistributes collected water back into the building and its elevated public connection.
System Operation
Absorption - Moisture Capture
Dry air passes through hygroscopic biomaterials, capturing atmospheric moisture.
Disorption - Release & Condensation
Heat wires activate moisture release, allowing vapor to condense on the cold surface and collect as liquid water.
Module Design
Exploded View
An exploded view of the functional module showing the biomaterial chamber, integrated heart wire system, and condensation plate.
The module was designed and built to simulate airflow, absorption,
and condensation behavior at product scale.
The module was designed and built to simulate airflow, absorption,
and condensation behavior at product scale.
System Architecture & Assembly
Internal Chamber Configuration
The housing and internal chamber system were designed and assembled to support controlled airflow, layered biomaterial sheets, and separated heating and condensation zones.
Thermal Control System
A thermoelectric cooling unit and integrated heat wire network were installed to create controlled absorption and desorption zones within the module.The system separates heating and condensation areas to enable continuous water generation cycles.
Hygroscopic Material Testing
Hydration& Dehydration Testing
The hygroscopic material was provided as part of the studio research framework. My focus was on evaluating its absorption capacity, drying behavior, and thermal release performance under controlled conditions.
Condensation Testing
Hydration& Dehydration Testing
The hygroscopic material was provided as part of the studio research framework. My focus was on evaluating its absorption capacity, drying behavior, and thermal release performance under controlled conditions.
Images
Pocket-Friendly Design