Oscillating fans and sun umbrellas aren’t effective for cooling in hot and humid climates. Considering that, CallisonRTKL is developing Xylem, a self-sustained outdoor cooling system that can lower temperatures roughly 9°F when compared to shaded areas.
The martini-glass-shaped pods have a canopy with PV panels and a green roof, which blocks the sun and cools the air above through evaporation. The stem allows natural air movement and radiant cooling, as air emanates from both the insulated stem and the porous ceramic flooring.
The project’s genesis comes from “xylem,” the transport tissue in plants that moves water from roots to shoots and leaves. For the pods, cooled water circulates from the base through its structural core and conductive cladding.
“It works like a tree, but in many ways, it augments the qualities of a tree,” says Pablo La Roche, an Associate VP with CallisonRTKL and Xylem’s creator.
A single Xylem pod will provide comfort for individuals, but clustering them will be more effective. A strategy involving multiple Xylems and trees, green roofs, cool roofs, and cool pavements will reduce sun-exposed pavement and lessen the effects of a heat island.
“If we had many of these Xylems, combined with all sorts of different strategies, you can reduce the temperature of the air around the city by maybe 1.5°F to 2°F,” says La Roche.
The pods come in heights between 11 and 23 feet and are suited for markets, playgrounds, beaches, and other community spaces.
The first Xylem prototype will be tested at the end of August in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Read about more innovations from BD+C's 2016 Great Solutions Report
Related Stories
Cladding and Facade Systems | Apr 5, 2023
Façade innovation: University of Stuttgart tests a ‘saturated building skin’ for lessening heat islands
HydroSKIN is a façade made with textiles that stores rainwater and uses it later to cool hot building exteriors. The façade innovation consists of an external, multilayered 3D textile that acts as a water collector and evaporator.
Transportation & Parking Facilities | Mar 23, 2023
Amsterdam debuts underwater bicycle parking facility that can accommodate over 4,000 bikes
In February, Amsterdam saw the opening of a new underwater bicycle parking facility. Located in the heart of the city—next to Amsterdam Central Station and under the river IJ (Amsterdam’s waterfront)—the facility, dubbed IJboulevard, has parking spots for over 4,000 bicycles, freeing up space on the street.
Concrete | Jan 24, 2023
Researchers investigate ancient Roman concrete to make durable, lower carbon mortar
Researchers have turned to an ancient Roman concrete recipe to develop more durable concrete that lasts for centuries and can potentially reduce the carbon impact of the built environment.
Sponsored | Resiliency | Dec 14, 2022
Flood protection: What building owners need to know to protect their properties
This course from Walter P Moore examines numerous flood protection approaches and building owner needs before delving into the flood protection process. Determining the flood resilience of a property can provide a good understanding of risk associated costs.
Giants 400 | Nov 14, 2022
4 emerging trends from BD+C's 2022 Giants 400 Report
Regenerative design, cognitive health, and jobsite robotics highlight the top trends from the 519 design and construction firms that participated in BD+C's 2022 Giants 400 Report.
AEC Tech | Apr 13, 2022
A robot automates elevator installation
Schindler—which manufactures and installs elevators, escalators, and moving walkways—has created a robot called R.I.S.E. (robotic installation system for elevators) to help install lifts in high-rise buildings.
AEC Tech Innovation | Mar 9, 2022
Meet Emerge: WSP USA's new AEC tech incubator
Pooja Jain, WSP’s VP-Strategic Innovation, discusses the pilot programs her firm’s new incubator, Emerge, has initiated with four tech startup companies. Jain speaks with BD+C's John Caulfield about the four AEC tech firms to join Cohort 1 of the firm’s incubator.
Great Solutions | Jan 18, 2022
Researchers develop concept for rechargeable cement-based batteries
Researchers from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, have created a concept for rechargeable batteries made of cement. The concept involves a cement-based mixture with small amounts of short carbon fibers added to increase conductivity and flexural toughness.
Great Solutions | Nov 22, 2021
Drywall robots take the risk out of the finishing process
Canvas is using robots to complement the work already being done by drywall professionals.
Great Solutions | Sep 23, 2021
Seattle looks to become America’s most walkable city with a new citywide wayfinding system
Seamless Seattle will support the Seattle Department of Transportation’s commitment to increase the percentage of trips made by walking to 35% by 2035.
