1. Drip Field
A Rotational Aquaponic System
Greg Bugel, Andrea Sreshta, and Rodrigo Zamora

2. +
CONCEPT:
Simple Action, Huge Responsibility
Drip Field, a rotational aquaponic system replaces all
automated components in an aquaponic system—water
pumps, filters, and aerators—with human interaction
and concern. Not satisfied by the idea of flipping a switch
and walking away, our project seeks to maintain an
active and regular presence of humans in the aquaponic
system by requiring that people become responsible for
initiating and maintaning the water cycle.

3. control: open control: open
small top hole small top hole
small side hole small side hole
DISCONNECTION TO OUR FOOD:
Simple Action, Huge Responsibility
In this way, Drip Field both introduces ideas about future
food production in an urban environment and at the
same time re-introduces the ancient connection humans
have lost/cultivated with the earth.

4. control: open
control: small top hole
open
small top hole
small side hole hole
small side
POTS AND PETS:
What we already know and love
In order to make the system more accessible, Drip Field
uses herbs and goldfish, living organisms humans are
already used to caring for in their homes.

5. water tank lid
water tank 1
stresed goldfish
gravel container
drip field
herb garden
growing bed
central rotation axis
DESIGN SOLUTION:
A Rotational System
By making humans responsible for rotating the system,
Drip Field eliminates the need for water pumps.
Through the vertical stacking of “drip” surfaces, gravity
is used to replace mechanical aerators.
relaxed goldfish
base

6. CALLIBRATION:
Cycles
As a mechanism that brings together several different
organisms with specific cycles, Drip Field synchronizes
the cyles of several different actors: humans, fish, plants,
and bacteria.

8. low-pressure pooling
low-pressure pooling
surface turbulence
surface turbulence
TESTING:
Aeration Results Surface:
Surface:
Parabolic punch
Parabolic punch

9. drip field
splash/ moment of aeration
funnel focuses water pressure
on one point
obloid spheroid water droplet
CHOSEN SURFACE:
Aeration + Flow Control
In order to accomodate a rotation of 180 degrees every
twelve hours, the drip surfaces work in two directions,
allowing for water flow and aeration in both directions.

10. 1x
FUNCTION:
aeration
multidirectional water flow
0.5 x
FUNCTION:
contain gravel
water flow control + distribution
SCALING AND FUNCTION:
Three Scales
Through scaling, the same aeration surface was adapted
to accomodate the other parts of the aquaponic system.
0.5 x
FUNCTION:
contain growing media
water flow contorl + distribution
2x
FUNCTION:
contain gravel
contain plants
funnel water

11. FABRICATION METHODS:
Vacuum and Punch
Surface:
In order to achieve the double curve on the aeration
Parabolic punch process
surfaces, a two part mold was used with the bottom
part serving for vacuum-forming mold and the top part
serving as a stamp.

12. FRAME:
Saddle System
1/2” Plywood
3” Metal Pipe
Axel sits on saddle

13. FABRICATION METHODS:
Milling the Aquaponic Saddle

14. FRAME:
1/2” plywood
3” PVC pipe
Axel sits on a saddle
two sheets of plywood
FABRICATION METHODS:
Milling the Aquaponic Saddle
Half of the bottom frame fits on one sheet of 48” x 96”
plywood. With two sheets the complete saddle can
be built.

15. FABRICATION METHODS:
Milling the Aquaponic Saddle

16. Axel sitting on saddle Interlocking Joints Interlocking Joints Interlocking Joints
Structural Strength Gradient Pattern
FABRICATION METHODS:
Milling the Aquaponic Saddle

17. 12.00
2.00
17.00
2.00
19.00
3.50
5.00
90.00
19.00
one sheet of plywood
72.00 80.00
FABRICATION METHODS:
Milling the Frame
The frame for the tower can be created from one single
sheet of plywood. A system of slots hold the surfaces in
the frame and offer versatility to the design by allowing
pieces to be changed in and out.

18. 3
2
1
2
Interlocking Corner
FABRICATION METHODS:
Milling and Assembling the Tank
The tank uses a sequential interlocking system
similar to the saddle and frame.