Using one of NASA's discarded ideas as inspiration, design firm DesignLibero developed a rotary hydroponic garden known as The Green Wheel. This futuristic invention allows plants to rotate around a light source as gravity optimizes plant production. Over the years, NASA has come up with several ideas for similar products that were meant to provide astronauts with a constant supply of fresh greens on long space missions. Due to time and budget constraints, several of these plans were abandoned. Thanks to DesignLibero, this particular product was revived in a streamlined design that can be used here on Earth.
The Green Wheel's substantial growing area allows users to cultivate a large variety of plants. The plants revolve around a light source that is at the center of the wheel. This feature helps to reduce light consumption and makes the device eco-friendly. Within this multilayered structure's outer case, there is an engine that rotates the plants, along with a water reservoir and pump for automatic plant irrigation. And inside its inner wheel, there are vases containing coconut fibers, which provides perfect support for both the plant and its roots.
With a smartphone or tablet, the wheel can be controlled and managed. While on the move, users can set the amount of illumination, adjust light temperature, and keep track of water levels. This helps gardeners to grow virtually any herb or vegetable they can get their hands on. DesignLibero's founder Libero Rutilo describes this visionary creation as “an iconic garden object for residential use, like a TV.”
DesignLibero Website
via [Beautiful Life, Inhabitant, Co.Design]
