London design practice EcoLogicStudio has created a collection of everyday objects using al،, including a desktop air purifier that outputs material used to create furniture and accessories, to be s،wn at Milan Design Week.
The P،toSynthetica collection is anc،red by the AIReactor, a desktop “p،tobioreactor” that uses al، to purify the air. The biowaste from the process is then used to create biopolymers integrated into 3D-printed objects, such as the stool and ring that complete the collection.
The collection grows upon the research project EcoLogicStudio’s P،toSynthetica launched in 2018, which includes a m،ive tree sculpture created using biom،, or waste material, harvested from microal،.
“There are several motives behind the creation of this collection,” the studio told Dezeen.”First and foremost to support the scaling up of the P،toSynthetica technology, thus allowing its deployment in urban areas with high levels of air pollution, offering immediate benefits to densely populated areas where air quality is a significant concern.”
“By harnessing the natural air-purifying properties of al،, the technology effectively removes pollutants such as carbon dioxide and particulate matter from the atmosphere, thereby reducing air pollution levels.”
The AIRreactor, standing at 3 feet (1 metre) tall, was created using a birch plywood frame that can be recycled or composted, according to the team. It supports a gl، “p،tobioreactor” at its centre, which contains 10 litres of a bright green liquid containing micro-al، cultures.
Air is introduced to the liquid by a “reactor” at the bottom, which constantly stirs the mixture to emulate natural marine waves and currents.
The al، then filter carbon dioxide and pollutants from the air and convert it into biom، and oxygen through p،tosynthesis, the waste of which was collected to create the accompanying stool and ring.
“In addition to capturing pollutants, the microal، cultivated in AIReactor can be harvested and utilized to ،uce biopolymers for 3D printing ،ucts,” said the studio.
“After harvesting, the al، biom، can be dried and then undergo further processing to ،uce biopolymers, which are natural polymers derived from renewable plant-based sources.”
The stool, which features a ribbed, amorp،us ،y, was created in collaboration with the Synthetic Landscape Lab at Innsbruck University, and is composed of up to 30 per cent of the biopolymer created from the AIRreactor, according to the studio.
A PLA/PHB compostable polymer was used for the remaining material composition.
Its material makeup allows the objects to be flexible and “creates the possibility for near infinite customisation of the ،uct”.
The Bio-di،al ring is similarly made up of 30 per cent of algal biom،, with a base of polylactic acid. It is composed of layers of 3D-printed polymers to create a topographical, ،py m،.
“In the uniqueness of this object we can recognize one of the most significant aspects of contemporary technological evolution: its inevitable convergence with the world of living nature,” said EcoLogicStudio founder Claudia Pasquero.
All three objects were created to il،rate the circularity possible when using biobased objects and materials, as well as to introduce a “m، customization” of design technology into everyday objects.
“We want to accelerate the m، customization of the design technology to suit different environments, including residential areas, commercial districts, industrial zones, and public ،es” said the studio.
“Catering to diverse needs and requirements, thus introducing circular economies of biomaterials.”
EcoLogicStudio also used al، to purify air inside an enclosed playground and created a DIY al، growing kit during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The P،toSynthetica collection is set to debut at Milan Design Week, along with a bright orange, sculptural toilet by designer Samuel Ross for Kohler.
The images are by Pepe Fotografia
The P،toSynthetica collection will be on view from 15 to 21 April as part of Isola Design Festival 2024 during Milan Design Week. See Dezeen Events Guide for more architecture and design events around the world.
منبع: https://www.dezeen.com/2024/04/04/ecologicstudio-air-purifie-al،-milan-2024/