Inspired by UAE watchtowers, this design utilized a car's shell to monitor insect migration sustainably. It offered public access for real-time observations while contributing to radar entomology research.

The IMR (Insect Monitoring Radar) Tower, inspired by the UAE's historical defensive towers like the Al Bidyah mosque watchtower, addressed the urgent need for sustainable agricultural protection against invasive insect species. The tower proposed a radar system that was under development by Dr. Lutfi Albasha, Dr. Hasan Mir, and Dr. Christopher M. Kaltenbach for monitoring insect migration in the UAE.

The architectural design reused a car's hollowed shell, standing over 6 meters with a 5.75-meter elliptical footprint. The steel-framed tower featured two platforms. Platform One, accessed by a detachable staircase, allowed visitors to observe a simulation of real-time insect movement on an LED display. Platform Two, reached by a pull-down ladder, offered elevated views and, in the future, would house the electronics for operating the antenna.

The tower was open to the public during limited hours, with technicians providing additional information about the research project. Ultimately, this installation contributed to a publishable paper, highlighting the prototype IMR Tower as both a functional structure and a symbol of radar entomology in the UAE.

About Christopher Kaltenbach:

Christopher Mark Kaltenbach, Ph.D., is the founding director of the interdisciplinary design studio actionfindcopypaste, serving clients such as Sony, Kirin, Mitsubishi Jisho, Aigle, and the UNM Art Museum. With experience in design and education across Australia, Canada, Japan, Macau, and the U.S., he is currently an Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah. Since 2013, Kaltenbach has expanded his design practice to include environmental advocacy. His 2019 Ph.D. in Architecture and Urban Design from RMIT University focused on reframing the insect through design. His writing is featured in the book “Insectum” and Dutch magazines FRAME and MARK.