As an entry for the Land Art Generator Initiative Competition 2012 – Freshkill Park New York, ‘Wind Fountain’ is based on an adaptation of the piezoelectric effect – a well known property of certain materials to produce electrical power when they undergo strain and stress. Designed by Gembong Reksa Kawula, the project is shaped as an artificial tree, with each unit consist of 450 flexible thread 30 meters high made of carbon fiber reinforced resin pole that will sway in the wind. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Vibrations can create enough stress and strain on piezoelectric crystals to generate electric current. Based on recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology, new, low – cost, micro-sized crystals can now be assembled to create more efficient piezoelectric materials. The interior of each independently flexible Thread are covered with corresponding piezoelectric transducer, which is a device made of a ceramic or polymer that emits electrons when stressed.
