Nature has always had a calming effect on mankind. As the world rapidly evolves, more concrete jungles are appearing by the day, resulting in the loss of vital natural environments. In our day and age, technology is essential, but so is nature. A designer created the ‘Gift of Wind,’ which dances without energy but simultaneously shows us the future. This kinetic sculpture could help shape our futures by combining technology and nature, highlighting that both can coherently exist.
This is why technology and nature must coherently exist
The world is changing, but is it for the greater good? According to the United Nations, global trends have shown that the population has increased from 0.7 billion in 1950 to 3.9 billion in 2014, with urbanization having significantly expanded as a result. Projections indicate that the population will be nearly 6.3 billion by 2050, and 68% of citizens will be living in urban regions by then.
Unfortunately, as concrete jungles expand, nature shrinks. Urbanization has a direct and indirect impact on nature and mankind, according to ScienceDirect.com. As a direct result, habitat loss, fragmentation, and decreased biodiversity occur. As an indirect result, the following occurs:
- Pollution (air, water, noise, and light) negatively affects human health and the environment
- Higher resource demand (fresh water and energy), which rapidly depletes natural resources
- Reduced health due to the absence of natural elements (higher stress levels, negative moods, etc.)
In 1983, the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, realized that mankind should be reminded of the historical meditative effects of nature within its urban landscape. This is when designer Susumu Shingu was approached to create a unique sculpture symbolizing both past and future, and technology and nature. It gave us a promising glimpse into the future.
The ‘Gift of Wind’ that dances without energy
Susumu Shingu created the ‘Gift of Wind,’ a kinetic sculpture that dances without energy. According to the Smithsonian, the sculpture has a long cylindrical shaft with three red propellers. These propellers rotate with wind energy, creating a combination of reflection, diffraction, flow, and gravity in the city landscape. The ‘Gift of Wind’ was installed in the city plaza beside the subway station.
The main purpose of the kinetic sculpture, according to MIT, was to arbitrate mankind’s connection with nature by giving shape to wind energy and thus making it visible to the naked eye. To some, this sculpture is just a piece of abstract art, but to others, it gives a glimpse into the future of renewable turbine designs. While this sculpture does not produce energy, it may have inspired these aesthetically pleasing and powerful wind turbine designs.
Showing the world the future of renewable designs
As the population skyrockets, so does the energy demand. Wind energy has always been a feasible solution, but traditional turbine designs are disadvantageous in urban areas for these reasons:
- Turbulent wind patterns
- Decreased efficiency in output
- Difficulty in assessment
- Noise pollution
- Visual pollution
- Space limitations
- Height restrictions
All these reasons have been the drive behind engineering unique turbine designs. Not only do they meet energy demands, but they also integrate aesthetics, possibly inspired by nature, to improve overall health and keep emissions low. It’s a win-win.
Change is inevitable, but that does not mean we have to shoot ourselves in the foot. By turning to unique and innovative designs, such as bladeless turbines and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), the quietest wind turbines ever seen, we can integrate technology with nature, thus improving the overall urban lifestyle and protecting the planet in the long run. Thanks to Susumu Shingu’s ‘Gift of Wind’ and today’s advanced technologies, we can ultimately make our future a better, greener place.
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