Raise the Cloud

http://www.raisethecloud.org

Raise the Cloud: An ensemble of glowing spheres anchored by lightweight, transparent towers, will float over the Olympic games in London come 2012. The Cloud is a new kind of architectural landmark that will be built through grassroots fundraising and social networking efforts. (You can visit their Facebook page here to begin contributing.) It was designed by a multidisciplinary team that includes architects Carlo Ratti and Walter Nicolino of carlorattiassociati, Alex Haw, an independent architect based in London, artist Tomas Saraceno, lightweight structures expert Joerg Schlaich, engineering company ARUP, landscape architects Agence Ter, Internet giant Google and graphic designers Studio FM and GMJ.

"The physical growth of the cloud is linked to the distributed fundraising online," says Ratti. The vision is that it will continue to grow in that matter, becoming a symbol of "global ownership."

All images: MIT Senseable City Laboratory, Raise the Cloud

Net Zero Energy: Minimal use of materials will give the slender towers and supporting cabling an airy feel. People can chose to walk or to bicycle to the top. Solar cells and elevators equipped with regenerative brakes will allow the structure to generate its own energy, achieving carbon neutrality. Water collectors among the spheres will harvest rainwater, so that none has to be pumped up from ground level.

Head in the Clouds: The spheres will be supported by thin, metal frames, making it possible for people to inhabit them. Each bubble will have an air pump that will let air in and out during the normal and cooling cycle of the day to keep temperatures regulated. Spheres on the periphery will float freely on the breezes, while moving air will naturally ventilate the interior.

Pixel Cloud: A suspended field of LEDs within the Cloud will create three-dimensional displays conveying real-time energy use, spectator numbers, decibel levels, medal updates, transport patterns, mobile phone activity and Internet traffic. Hidden sensors will pick up the movements of visitors from inside and below and use the information to create animated patterns within the spheres. This is truly cyber-space.