Although there is a dire reason why the Living Mountain was conceived, I can't help but revel in its massive and majestic presence. A stunningly beautiful piece of architectural design, it would nonetheless serve a greater purpose than simply looking gorgeous.
Designed by Anna-Maria Simatou and Marianthe Dendrou of Greece for this year's eVolo 2011 Skyscraper Compeition, the Living Mountain concept may have only received an honorable mention, but it will surely reignite the need to respond to desertification. With global warming turning many habitable areas into unlivable deserts, the Living Mountain sheds light on a way to live in these conditions.
By extracting water from the region and creating its own micro-climate, the Living Mountain provides a livable environment in the desert.
Desert-Dwelling Structures
The Living Mountain Concept Counteracts Desertification
Trend Themes
1. Desertification - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop technologies and strategies to combat and reverse desertification, creating habitable conditions in arid areas.
2. Sustainable Architecture - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and construct environmentally friendly structures that can adapt to extreme climates and promote self-sufficiency.
3. Micro-climate Creation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create systems and methods to generate and maintain microclimates within inhospitable environments, enabling human habitation.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the architectural industry by integrating sustainable practices and technologies to address the challenges of desertification and extreme climates.
2. Water Management - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative solutions and technologies for water extraction and management in arid regions, supporting sustainable living in desert environments.
3. Renewable Energy - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Drive advancements in renewable energy generation and storage to power self-sustaining structures and support human settlements in desert regions.