Bio-Cyber-Physical ‘Planetoids’ for Repopulating Residual Spaces

Abstract

Minimal interventions that provide various microclimates can stimulate both biodiversity and social accessibility of leftover spaces. New habitats are often developed for different animal and plant species based on studies of the microclimates typical of such residual spaces. By introducing interventions of 0.5-1.0 m diameter ‘planetoids’ placed at various locations, existing and new life is supported. The ‘planetoid’ described in this paper is prototyped by means of Design-to-Robotic-Production and -Operation (D2RP&O). This implies that it is not only produced by robotic means, but that it contains sensor-actuator mechanisms that allow humans to interact with them by establishing a bio-cyber-physical feedback loop.

Design-to-Robotic-Production and -Operation for Activating Bio-Cyber-Physical Environments

“…Residual spaces resulting from inter al. abandonment of vernacular or industrial buildings due to de-industrialization, migration, political and economic shifts, and ineffective planning (Accordino and Johnson 2000;Haase et al 2016;Oskam et al 2021) contain valuable assets, for instance, unique animal and plant species that inhabit such abandoned places (inter al. Laurie 1979).…”

“…In the first presented case study, the chosen strategy to enhance residual spaces relies on applying 'minimal interventions' (Lassus 1998;Oskam et al 2021) that stimulate both biodiversity and social accessibility. The proposed interventions resemble miniature planets, as they are roughly spherical in shape and have differentiated interiors (Schmidt et al 2007).…”

“…4.1) large enough to relate to the architecture of the site and small enough to be easily handled by humans. Their interior porosity contributes to the development of ecosystems by hosting various species (Oskam et al 2021) either growing from earth balls 1 with plant seeds placed in those cavities, or from colonizing insects and animals. The goal is to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on a local level involving biodiversity loss and urban heat islands (Selwood and Zimmer 2020) by introducing microclimatic heterogeneity that buffers species against local extirpations (inter al.…”

“…Data is recorded and shared via the Internet, where changes detected in the 'planetoids' are visualized and made accessible to potential visitors. The sensors may, for instance, 'indicate' that the soil of the plants is too dry, thus 'inviting' visitors to water them (Oskam et al 2021) or pick them up and move them to locations that have less sun or are better protected from the wind.…”

“…The combinatorial logic has been investigated in studies implemented with Ph.D. and M.Sc. students in connection to several funded projects in collaboration with academic and industrial partners (Bier et al 2021;Oskam et al 2021). The conceptual design involved the study of activities and potential new activities in respective locations ranging from playing to lounging or doing sports.…”