Chulalongkorn University
Carbon Reduction Project
Proposal 1
Chulalongkorn University Central Park
Traffic congestion worsens air quality. Earlier this year, Bangkok's air quality had degenerated to an unsafe level. Currently, the carbon dioxide emission rate from passenger vehicles is still unsatisfactory. A study of parking spaces found that Bangkok was one of the two highest cities with parking spaces in Asia.
Consequently, there are more cars inside the city and thus ever-increasing traffic congestion.
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My project aims to reduce carbon dioxide emitted from vehicles in Chulalongkorn University's main campus, which is recognized as a green area in the heart of Bangkok.Regarding the university, there is Phayathai road separates the main campus into two areas. The Phayathai road is always crowded from traffic and produces much pollution to the surrounding area.
In an effort to combat carbon dioxide emissions along Phayathai road, my proposal aims to transform it into a vibrant park and pedestrian pathway, named Chulalongkorn University Central Park or CU Central Park. This innovative project not only mitigates carbon dioxide but also serves as an extension of greenery, seamlessly connecting the east and west sides of the main campus. Moreover, CU Central Park serves a dual purpose by acting as the "ceiling" for the new Phayathai underground road, providing an aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly solution.
The traffic congestion is moved from on the road to the underground Phayathai road. A carbon capture machine can capture carbon dioxide from ambient air. It is a new technology in Thailand and will first be adopted in this project. I plan to install two giant carbon capture machines on the underground road's ceiling.
The carbon capture machine performs the crucial task of absorbing CO2 molecules from the Phayathai road. As the ambient air enters the machine, the CO2 reacts with a chemical agent present on the filter, resulting in the formation of a salt. This CO2 salt then proceeds to the inner filter where it undergoes heating to reach a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. Following this heating process, the CO2 salt is released in a liquid state and travels through a network of pipes. Inside the carbon capture machine, there are six tanks specifically designed to store the liquid CO2. These tanks can be easily removed through a top opening for maintenance. The liquid CO2 obtained from the carbon capture machine plays a vital role in supporting crop growth in greenhouses, as CO2 is a fundamental component for plant development. Additionally, the underground organic farm situated within the campus area also utilizes CO2 tanks as part of its farming operations.
Proposal 2
Underground Farm at Chamchuri Square
Chulalongkorn University campus has an abundance of underground and indoor spaces. I decide to start the first underground hydroponic farm with the Chamchuree Square's underground car park to grow organic crops; rocket, cabbage, spinach, tomato, and strawberry. These crops are perfectly suited to be grown underground. I plan to use pink light, which is matched the photosynthesis needs of plants, and make plants
given an almost 20 percent faster growth rate and save a lot of energy.
Chamchuri Square, located at the intersection of Rama 4 and Phayathai road, serves as the ideal location for my envisioned underground farm. The building encompasses a commercial office tower, a residential tower, and an office building, offering a multifaceted environment. Adjacent to the parking lot, visitors can find convenient amenities such as a food court and a supermarket, further enhancing the accessibility and convenience of the site.
The underground farm encompasses various sections designed to provide a comprehensive farming experience. Upon entering through the main entrance, visitors are greeted by an inviting exhibition space .As visitors venture further, they encounter the innovative aquaponics zone, where a new farming practice is proudly showcased, contributing to the advancement of agriculture in Bangkok. Additionally, the farm encompasses salad bars that offer an abundance of freshly harvested greens, a DIY hydroponic zone that allows visitors to engage in hands-on learning, an incubation room dedicated to nurturing crops from their early stages, and an intensive farm lab serving as the primary hub for crop production.
With its extensive area of 6,000 square meters, the underground parking lot holds immense potential for meeting the dietary needs of Chula students and staff. My proposal entails replicating this flagship farm in six additional spaces across the Chula main campus, resulting in a collective effort that can eventually provide sufficient meals for all Chula staff members on a daily basis. Furthermore, the impact of this expansion extends beyond the campus borders, as it will enable us to distribute over 1,000 packs of fresh and nutritious vegetables to the people residing in the Pathumwan community.
The underground farm located at Chamchuri Square welcomes visitors with hydroponic planting shelves prominently displayed at the main entrance and exhibition room. These shelves showcase the innovative techniques employed in cultivating crops in a controlled environment. Complementing this immersive experience is an exhibition space where a replicated carbon capture machine, situated beneath CU Central Park, is showcased. This exhibition aims to educate and engage visitors by providing a firsthand glimpse into the functioning of the carbon capture technology
The Incubation workshop offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn the process of starting an organic crop right from the incubation phase. With the aim of being a space for innovative knowledge sharing, we have dedicated professional staff members to guide and assist visitors throughout their learning journey. By participating in the workshop, visitors can gain valuable hydroponic knowledge, equipping them with the necessary skills and understanding to initiate their own crop cultivation at home.
