Wei Zhang

Root Link investigates the potential of bio-integrated structures in the context of future construction and urban greening, with a particular emphasis on utilising plant root systems to improve the structural integrity of living soil structures.

With expanding cities and urbanisation, there is a greater need for green infrastructure, while spaces are decreasing. The concept of constructing urban structures out of self-regenerating living elements such as soil with growing organisms offers a potential opportunity for the construction industry to maximise green areas with limited space under unique conditions.

Using a material-driven design methodology, this study investigates the interaction of plant roots with various structural forms, analysing how these interactions can be manipulated to improve structural stability and functionality. Important findings demonstrate the potential for plant roots to perform critical construction tasks such as bind structures, adapt to different configurations, and contribute to overall stability.

This project provides a valuable blueprint for the creation of sustainable, living architectural structures, with implications for material science and environmental conservation.

The subway system is a universally popular mode of transport. The concentration levels of pollution in subway systems are increasingly high, exceeding outdoor environment levels and the World Health Organization air quality guidelines. Exposure to these high pollution levels has been linked to numerous health risks. 

The Biochar Tile is a tile which uses organic waste from wastewater systems to create carbon-rich biochar, which is used as the main material to make the tiles. In addition to storing carbon, the material used can also passively filter pollution, contributing to the purification of subway stations. Our tile has the potential to reduce odorous and hazardous gases, carbon emissions, and air pollution particles in polluted places such as subway stations. The Biochar Tile aims to provide a healthier environment whilst simultaneously storing carbon emissions from our atmosphere.

The 3D printer enables the creation of mesmerizing intangible light sculptures printed in the physical space of a 3D printer. The light sculptures printed are captured whilst the 3D printer is in motion through a long exposure camera. Although the creation of the final product happens in the physical space, the final light products only exist in the digital realm, enabling a playful interaction without the boundaries of a 3D printer that extrudes physical material.

Visive allows the user to interact with the printer in real-time to distort and alter the printed light sculptures. Visive works similarly to a delta 3D printer, enabling the extrusion point of the printer to move smoothly along the x, y, and z coordinate system. This motion allows the printer to run the motion of boundless shapes and forms.

I composed this workshop for people to build functional structures with pre-treated materials. Provided with an intricate amount of freedom & limitations, participants can trust their intuition and find creative solutions toward their goals. With a combination of video and audio recording documentation, I gained a holistic understanding of participants’ decision-making processes, iteration steps, and fabrication procedures. 

Each participant is unique in their making methods due to different understandings of structural assembly and materiality. Despite this, several behavior patterns emerged: re-apply found mechanisms, develop main features, and build from sub-parts. Moving forward, along with the research, I will compare process maps and conclude multiple intuitive-making frameworks.