Urban Algal Biofuel Project Proposed for Boston High-Rise Exterior
Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Massachusetts, algae biofuels have been proposed by Höweler + Yoon Architecture and Squared as an answer to the stalled Filene’s construction site at Downtown Crossing in Boston. The Eco-Pod, as designed, is a vertical algae bioreactor built with custom prefabricated modules. According to Höweler + Yoon, the proposed pods will would serve as biofuel sources and as micro-incubators for other research and development programs. The designers said that the proposed Eco-Pod is also a research incubator in which scientists can test algae species and methods of fuel extraction, including new techniques of using low energy LED lighting for regulating the algae growth cycles. The central location of the Eco-Pod and the public and visible nature of the research, would allow the public to, for the first time, experience the energy production process and become “a catalyst for ecological awareness.” READ MORE and MORE
