ELECTREECITY

Abstract

The nature of this thesis is a little complex because this thesis has two aspects. The first aspect is a technical one which studies vibrations and how they can be harnessed from the expressways and converted into electrical energy. It focuses on the physics of how vibrations from roads can be converted to electrical energy. This technical idea has more value than the final design itself because it is a breakthrough in the search for an alternative source of sustainable energy. Hence this thesis has huge implications because it would change the way we think about alternative energy as not just limited to solar, wind and wave technologies. We would be looking at a new type of renewable energy that is more efficient than solar, or wind energy and even comparable to fossil fuels. The second aspect of this thesis focuses more on the condition of expressways in cities. It looks at the conditions of expressways and how they dissect spaces, especially residential spaces that are divided by the expressways as well as aversely affecting the health of people living beside the expressways. Through the strategy of urban weaving, this thesis proposes a way to connect residential HDB and Condominiums on the 3rd level to facilities like MRT, shopping centres, schools and facilities so circulation for pedestrians over the expressways would be seamless, without the need to stop and wait for a traffic light before crossing the road to the other side. The second aspect, which is really the final design for my thesis looks to connect residential spaces over the expressways and adding a 1km strip of urban plaza above the expressway to block off noise and air pollution from the expressway.