ZENISC

Raffles College of Higher Education

Project idea

Zenisc is a research center focusing on food and sustainability in Singapore. It tackles the city's food requirements by incorporating biomimicry, which draws inspiration from nature to solve complex challenges. By emulating nature's design principles and strategies, Zenisc integrates innovative agricultural methods and advanced technologies to optimize its operations. Utilizing tools such as AI, AR, VR, farming sensors, and ICT, the center minimizes resource depletion and promotes efficient agriculture, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system.

Project description

The design emphasizes sustainability with a modern and futuristic style. The color palette features white and blue for a clean and contemporary look, while orange accents provide vibrancy and contrast.

Sustainable materials, including recycled sea shells, woven elements, recycled slate aluminum, and carbon fiber, were intentionally selected to align with eco-conscious principles. This design achieves a balance between modern aesthetics, futuristic elements, and environmental consciousness. The white and blue color palette creates a contemporary ambiance, while the orange accent color adds energy to the space.

By incorporating recycled and eco-friendly materials, this design demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. The combination of modern, futuristic, and sustainable elements results in an visually captivating space that embraces innovation, environmental responsibility, and forward-thinking.

Technical information

Zenisc repurposed an existing building into a sustainable research centre for smart city technologies in the food sector. Through interior remodeling, labs and collaborative spaces were incorporated, while energy-efficient systems were installed to preserve the original structure and minimize environmental impact. These systems reduce energy consumption, optimize resource usage, and result in cost savings while reducing the overall environmental footprint.

Integration of Renewable Energy Systems:
To achieve sustainability goals, Zenisc incorporates various renewable energy systems that harness clean and renewable sources of power. These systems include:

1. Solar Power: Zenisc utilizes solar panels installed on the rooftop or integrated into the building's facade to generate electricity. The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, providing a renewable energy source for powering the facility's operations.

2. Rainwater Harvesting System: Rainwater is collected, filtered, and stored for various uses. Renewable energy powers the system, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources and promoting efficiency. Benefits include water conservation, energy efficiency, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. Considerations include system design, water treatment, maintenance, and compliance with regulations.

3. Voids: Zenisc incorporates voids for ventilation that provide not only natural airflow but also vertical connections within the building. These voids serve as pathways for air movement, allowing for efficient circulation between different levels of the research center. By providing vertical connections, the voids enhance the overall ventilation system, promoting fresh air exchange and maintaining a healthy indoor environment throughout the building.