2009 Galleries

The Spark Gallery pages are one of our most popular design destinations, with thousands of visitors each year. Check out some of the latest Spark entries, in the galleries below.

Galleries // 2009 Spark:Concept // Hydrogenerator

Hydrogenerator

Winner - Silver

Competition: Spark:Concept
Designer: Robert Benson & Design Team
Design Type: Architure, Spaces
Company / Organization / School: 4240 Architecture & Gensler

The out-of-use Bloomingdale Train Line's potential too great for it to be solely another park, or another workout regimen as it has been presupposed by many. The Bloomingdale Line should be put to a use with greater purpose, one that will directly affect people in most need within the city. The Bloomingdale Line will be transformed into a great producer for the city, a highly visible three mile long greenhouse with hydrogen production tucked safely below. As it produces this much needed food and energy, it equally releases oxygen as the by-product of photosynthesis and hydrogen production, a truly sustainable loop. At three miles long, the greenhouse will be a visual marker at both day and night, and symbol of hope for the City. It will have the equivalent of 10 acres of land to farm year round. The hydrogen generator below the greenhouse uses the nano-photovoltaic curtain to create the electricity needed to split the water (H2O) molecules into pure Hydrogen and Oxygen. The new fuel cell energy will be used to power nearby Chicago Public Schools.