Before setting up new wind farms, the multi-functional ocean station FLORA needed to autonomously monitor birdlife with radar and record meteocean data. Its original design weighed 178.67 tonnes. We had to completely rethink the structure to meet new engineering limits: cut the weight to under 6.32 tonnes and hit a maximum Vertical Center of Gravity (KG) of 12.51 meters. Part of the challenge was also developing clean, pure design into a marine infrastructure-waving goodbye to the traditional design.
PROCESS
A Squircle Superstructure to Beat Marine Monotony
To acheive this goal, we mapped out the technicians' experience and built the station's conceptual design from their feedback. We ditched the traditional circular mold and went for a "squircle" (rounded-square) geometry for the superstructure. It cleared the deck of clutter and let us seamlessly integrate flexible photovoltaic panels right into the perimeter railings. We also developed a full-proof emergency evacuation system, stress-testing every risk scenario to guarantee technicians could get out fast and safe, no matter what went down.
RESULT
Impact Results: Safety, Smartness, and an iF Design Award.
The final redesign rigidly meets every single limitation set by Wedge engineers. By betting on the new "squircle" shape, we forged a distinct visual identity, maximized platform space, and ramped up technician safety. All this positions Flora as the benchmark for operational safety and optimized energy efficiency in autonomous monitoring. The project snagged an iF Design Award in 2024 for "setting a design precedent in the marine infrastructure sector, which traditionally prioritizes pure engineering over design."
Visual Identity and Geometric Differentiation: Breaking the mold of dominant circular marine devices with the "squircle" geometry redesign.
Deck Energy and Foundational Optimization: Integrating flexible photovoltaic panels into the perimeter railings, angled for maximum solar capture.
Improved Maintainability and Equipment Protection: We supersized the roof, making repairs a total breeze.
Safety Upgrade: The personnel evacuation system was a non-negotiable pillar of the redesign.
FLORA wasn't just a design problem; it was a viability crisis. Engineering and industrial design don't just solve issues-they are the engine that transforms a product into something efficient, safe, and with an undeniable brand identity.
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