My mom came across an interesting article a few days ago, which describes the unique way in which the University of Engineering and Technology of Peru has decided to advertise. They have installed a billboard that condenses the highly humid air of Lima into water droplets, filters, and stores it, with a faucet waiting at the bottom for passers-by to utilize. What a neat way to assist the locals who may face difficulties acquiring potable water, and at the same time, advertise extremely effectively for the university! Check out more by reading the article here: http://techland.time.com/2013/03/05/finally-a-billboard-that-creates-drinkable-water-out-of-thin-air/
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What a cool idea! I was just reading out INDEV 308 textbook yesterday, and it talked about how even social enterprises need to use advertising, even though it's considered a corporate evil by some. This is exactly the type of advertising I think they were talking about! Marketing with an impact... I love it!
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This is a REALLY COOL idea, but the article mentioned that the cost is sort of unknown. There is no information about the potential cost of how much money it would require to run such boards (it is run by electricity). The question we should ask; is this method more feasible then having a fully functional plumbing? Is it reliable to use as primary method to access water?
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Considering it's a coastal desert (which is something I had no idea existed before the article) and how expensive plumbing usually is for any kind of dry area, the billboard probably isn't as expensive as that, since there may not be a significant water source around. However, your point is valid since we don't know if this has the same possibility for distribution as plumbing does. I think they have achieved something quite intriguing through their goal of inventive advertising and would be interested in seeing what they do next.
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Mahmoud, I think that I approached it thinking about the advertorial success, and didn't really dwell on the practicality of the idea. However, I do think that is something to investigate. I was just more excited about an ad that included something useful in it!
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Timeless
13/3/2013 07:25:10 am
This is such an awesome concept! I wonder if the electricity required could be generated by a solar panel on top of the billboard? This would be a way to draw people to a centralized location where they could get health care, education or other resources from an NGO. What if elementary schools each had one? There are so many ways this could be leveraged to benefit communities!
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This is such a great concept! I especially like it because it has the good possibility of bringing people together and generating a sense of community, while at the same time providing the service of giving water. I know that if something like this was around when I was a kid, it'd create a sort of 'water cooler' community effect and I'd venture out with friends and cousins to hang out. More fun than hanging around a sink for sure.
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I agree - I thought the same. When I was little, the thing that brought the neighbourhood kids together in the summer was playing in water, and I believe that if you watch the video in the article, some of the kids are dumping water over their heads. I think it would also work similarly for the parents who came to fetch water, as happens around the world today, echoing history.
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AuthorWelcome! My name is Katiana and I am a development professional pursuing my dream to live out Isaiah 1:17 to the best of my abilities. I am passionate about teaching and working with vulnerable families and children to improve their lives sustainably.
CaveatThis blog is composed of my personal opinions, which do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of institutions or organizations that I may be or have been affiliated with.
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