TANK WORLDS

Jake Nogy

Tank Worlds : Miniaturising the Gigantic
Lessons from the Mangrove

The mangrove tree is an amazing teacher that my work has and continues to learn from. This coastal tree provides habitats for an abundance of wildlife and has an ability to protect coastal communities from harsh storms. These underappreciated trees provide great value to its communities and lessons that can inform architectural design.

The mangrove’s ability to filter water, protect from coastal erosion through sediment buildup, and its ability to trap garbage, preventing its distribution throughout the sea are just a few of its amazing attributes. My tank models explore these traits of the mangrove further, asking questions on what makes these trees so efficient in their filtration process? And how through the process of biomimicry can I transfer these abilities into my own designs?

Using the exploratory process of model making and drawing, I experiment with models closely resembling that of the twisted root system of the tree both in material and shape as well as more abstract representations to better understand these natural processes and the potentials that can come out of them. 

Filter Study - String


Filter Study - Fabric Mesh

Filter Study - Dowels


Filter Study - Metal Cage

Perspective View of Coastal Community

Aerial View of Mangrove Islands/Fishing Area