Milena Pukalo

After sketching and having a solid idea on how it could look, I went into RHINO (a cad modeling software program), and began to make the base, branches, and 'leaves' in different parts. I used different 'commands' in the program, like revolve, and started by drawing in flat 3d then making it a surface then a 3d object (pushing and pulling). After that, we threw it into Keyshot which allows us to apply colors and materials to make it look real, like photography playing with lighting and scenery.

After meeting with Andrew, and thinking through how it could work, I began to sketch out some ideas. Keeping in mind having it look like a tree, I wanted to develop how the solar energy could work and how people can use it. For sketching, I just drew out some ideas then played with form (traced over) on my iPad to keep it working! I then kept in mind the scale , to show size and how people would interact with the concept.

To begin, Andrew wanted to bring his idea of a tree-like object in parks and cities that can power people, their phones, maybe their EV's and bikes. His concept surrounded a solar powered and 'wind-sucking' leaves that can harvest and keep energy. First, I set guidelines based on what Andrew said and how he envisions his Tree- Winder: for who, how, what and why. Then, I decided to look into how we can make this possible with the technology we have now... taking some notes, looking into some articles, and highlighting key points so we have a scale and understanding of what we would need to make it work before sketching. I found this concept called 'piezolelectricity' which basically does exactly what Andrew said. Particles rub together and create energy- which can be kickstarted by wind, basically. This allowed name to brainstorm how we can make it work and where- a system of leaves, tied onto 'branches' which collect that energy than harvest it into the base and keep it in a reserve in the 'tree'!