Amphi-Bays

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Habitation property, inspired by human inventions.

Humans, through generations have been refining the art of travelling, of which life on the road has evolved to an extent that habitat on the move is no more a choice. We also looked upon house boats, ships and private jets that accommodate liveable spaces in their respective modes of transportation's.

Amphibian properties, inspired by nature, life appreciated better in land and water.

Model that offers habitat on both land and water for humans. The body of a crustacean that moves both in water and land has 3 main segments, the head, abdomen, and a set of legs. Series of joined appendages helped us come up with a design to enable mobility in land and water.

Aerodynamic shape, for better mobility and protection.

The aerodynamic design helps to withstand high wind pressures during natural calamities. The linear design helps in the mobility of the structure through the traffic and maneuver around narrow spaces.

Sustainable energy sources, for a cleaner environment.

Energy required for the habitat will be self-made through natural resources like solar and wind energy. This will not only help to be self-efficient to meet the basic needs but also helps to keep the environment clean.

DESIGN CONCEPT

The base properties of a 17*6 feet truck were used and further modified to provide features to support the concept, as explained below. The road dimensions and guidelines for heavy vehicle design were also considered. 

The truck of the size, designed to carry heavy weights, forms the base and holds the whole structure. Properties of crustaceans from sensors to rear swimming legs inspired to design a sustainable model in both land and water. The head of crustaceans has all sensors and controls the rest of their body, which in our model is the driver’s cabin. The abdomen, mostly a protected, shelled cephalothorax, forms almost 80% of the crustacean’s body. This part, in our model is considered for the habitual space in the vehicle. The wheels and the rear propeller help the vehicle move in land and water, like the set of legs of a crustacean, mostly found in 2 different groups, the front walking legs and the rear swimming legs.

The propeller is placed at 2 feet height from the back tyre, which activates when touched in water, giving the back tyre the chance to maneuver through the water until it rises to a certain level. 

The wing flaps of the model is inspired by another mesmerising creation of nature, beetles. The incredible structural and mechanical properties of their wings, with rotation angle and locking system, inspired us to design the flaps, helping the model float on water. This can also act as a connecting bridge among the cluster.

SPATIAL PLANNING

Living space is designed in multi levels with a bed on the mezzanine level, having ladder access from the ground floor. Ground floor consists of a bath area, a toilet, TV cum dining space and a pantry, providing all basic amenities for a small family. The sofa can be converted into a bed space of size 120*160.

Wireless vehicle charging pods in the form of "circle of life" has been provided to function on land and water. These are strategically placed to encourage clustered living. 

DESIGN CONCLUSION

The studies and researches carried out to come up with the design, helped us understand how humans can take inspiration from nature. Our proposed model can be easily implemented with current resources and setting, rather than considering this as an utopian futuristic design.