London-based architecture and innovation firm ecoLogicStudio, headed by Claudia Pasquero and Marco Poletto, has unveiled AirBubble as the world's first biotechnological playground for children to integrate air-purifying micro-algae. Located in Warsaw (Poland), the project is designed for Otrivin Breathe Clean, a non-medicated Nasal Wash containing Natural Ingredients. As per World Health Organization, air pollution is the biggest global health threat. Also, 93% of the world's children breathe polluted air while they play. So, the Air-bubble-the biotech playground is an answer to our environmental pollution that creates a purified microclimate for children to play in, described as "a true bubble of clean air". SURFACES REPORTER (SR) presents below more about this sustainable installation.
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As Warsaw was one of the most polluted cities in Europe, this site has been selected as the first activation for this project. The biotech playground is located within the public green space outside of the Copernicus Science Centre (Centrum Nauki Kopernik). This site will also host a dedicated exhibition depicting the design innovation behind the invention of AirBubble.
Cylindrical Timber Structure Wrapped in ETFE Membrane
The architectural morphology of the AirBubble incorporates a cylindrical timber structure covered with an ETFE membrane shielding 52 glass algae reactors. This forms a natural urban algae greenhouse. The playground also contains foot pumps, ropes, and bouncy spheres. It can work as both a playground and outdoor classroom.
The white bubbly noise of the algae garden suppresses the outside noise to provide a peaceful space for play and interaction.
ETFE membrane is an evolution of the PhotoSynthetica urban curtain system showcased in Dublin in 2018 by the London-based ecoLogicStudio.
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This filter controls the microclimate inside AirBubble.
The inverted conical roof further stimulates the filtering process. It recirculates the air inside and allows natural ventilation.
"The AirBubble contains 52 large bioreactors in borosilicate glass which hold 520 litres of living green Chlorella sp algae cultures that can filter a flow of polluted air of 200 litres/minute. While the liquid medium washes particles, the algae actively eat the polluting molecules as well as carbon dioxide to release fresh, clean oxygen then."
Integration of Photo.Synthetica
As per the studio, AirBubble integrates the Photo. Synthetica technology advanced the integration of photosynthesis in the built environment. Moreover, its monitoring system adds urban air pollution sensors and is joined to a data processing platform to compare measurements in real-time.
It can further highlight the Air Quality Index for six core pollutants: ground-level ozone (O3), fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2). The installation can also absorb 97% of the nitrogen and 75% of the particulate matter in the air.
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The purifying process is powered by solar energy. An excellent place for kids to enjoy, have fun and interact by jumping on four water foot pumps placed on the land while balancing on the bouncy bubbles and the internal rope system.
"There is untapped value in bringing the bio-intelligence of natural systems into cities, turning buildings into living machines that produce energy, store CO2 and clean the air," said Marco Poletto, co-founder of ecoLogicStudio.
Reductions in PM2.5 Concentrations
The firm collected data in May 2021 that demonstrates an impressive decline in the concentrations of PM2.5 within the playground within the recommended WHO limits(green zone, AQI below 20).
The data has been collected by comparing readings from a polluting sensor affixed outside the playground with real-time data feeds from a monitoring device fitted inside. The monitoring process will continue in summers and autumns to further check the promising achievements of the project over a longer period, under varied climatic conditions and patterns of use.
The installation will become a special urban laboratory, and its applications would help combat air pollution and reduce its effect on children's health.
Project Details
Architects: ecoLogicStudio
Year: 2021
Photographs: Maja Wirkus
Structural Engineer: YIP London
Photo Courtesy: Maja Wirkus
Source: http://www.ecologicstudio.com/
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