Image courtesy of eVolo

Rainforest Guardian Skyscraper protects the amazon from fire

Proposed by chinese designers Jie Huang, Jin Wei, Qiaowan Tang, Yiwei Yu and Zhe Hao, the Rainforest Guardian Skyscraper towers over the Amazonian landscape, protecting the region from the constant threat of fire and drought. The lotus-shaped design, which received an honorable mention as part of eVolo‘s 2014 skyscraper competition, primarily functions as a water tower, but is also a weather station, scientific research center and an educational laboratory.

Image courtesy of eVolo

According to NASA, fires have destroyed 3% of the amazon rainforest over the last 12 years. These outbreaks are hard to predict and even more difficult to control. The Guardian serves as a device capable of preventing, monitoring and combating fire.

Image courtesy of eVolo

The proposal directly captures rainwater that is subsequently filtered and stored within ancillary reservoirs. Aerial roots with a distinct sponge-structure absorb liquid without disturbing the region’s delicately balanced ecosystem. In the case of flames, firefighters fly to the scene and extinguish the inferno with the previously collected water. Research labs enable scientists to monitor climate change and the stability of the environment. These spaces also act as exhibition galleries for tourists promoting environmental awareness.

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