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Work Archive of Cris Liu

Swap
Edible Insect Farm in Newburgh

  
Status: Concept
Instructor: Lindy Roy

The project is trying to use creative spaces to raise public attention on insects - an essential role in balancing our ecosystem and yet being treated with indifference and currently endangered. One of the main reasons leading to this indifference is that the world is exhibiting insects in the wrong way. Insects are never staying alone, they are swarms with a continuously movable volume. They are also highly social-active as well.

Another point is that the increasing demand for insects as a resource for different industries urges architects to create a new spatial typology for insect farming. This project takes this opportunity to try to transform the conventional insect farm into an educational, inspiring, and efficient factory where people can visit and give more attention to this special group of creatures. A new program triggers a new form and space. This is a courageous attempt to position architects in our contemporary societ.
  

Insects in History

Ancient Crimson-Dye-Producing from Cochineal Anthony van Dyck - Portrait of Agostino Pallavicini, 1621, Red Pigments from Cochineal

Diversity and Swarm

Modern Insect Industry

Cochineal

Silkworms

Ladybugs

Houseflies

Crickets

  

Swapping Concept



Break the conventional way of insect exhibition and bring the swarm of insects into public. Turn the industrialized protein production process of insects into an educational, spatial experience.

Spatial Concept



The project is composed of several farming modules in which the visitors would have a chance to witness the sociality and volume of insects before they become protein products.

Massing Model

Final Drawings

A series of sectional diagrams showing the spacial relationship between human and insects. The project is composed of several sophisticate layers to achieve the proximity between human and insects.