Researchers at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill have created something called the Active Phytoremediation Wall System, an interior modular system of pods that promote airflow and produces fresh air.
The Active Phytoremediation Wall System comprises a series of pods, which house hydroponic plants. Designed for large commercial interiors, the system can also work in smaller environments and provide the same effect of having 800 to 1,200 house plants!
The system itself is a "bio-mechanical hybrid" one that can clean and produce air from the interior, which means decreased energy waste and use. Further, the plants' roots are exposed, as Evolo points out, something that ultimately enhances the plants' air-cleaning capacity by 200 to 300 percent. The pods themselves are made of vacuum-formed plastic, which is both functional -- ensuring a maximum amount of air will reach the plants' roots -- and aesthetically beautiful.
Interior Fresh Air Pods
The Active Phytoremediation Wall System Reduces Energy Consumption
Trend Themes
1. Interior Phytoremediation Systems - This trend of using interior modular systems with hydroponic plants to promote airflow and produce fresh air can disrupt traditional air filtration systems.
2. Bio-mechanical Hybrid Designs - The development of bio-mechanical hybrid systems like the Active Phytoremediation Wall System presents an opportunity to reduce energy waste and improve air quality in large commercial interiors.
3. Aesthetically Beautiful Functional Designs - The use of vacuum-formed plastic in the pod design not only ensures maximum airflow to the plants' roots but also creates aesthetically pleasing interiors, offering disruptive opportunities in architecture and interior design.
Industry Implications
1. Green Building and Architecture - The Active Phytoremediation Wall System has applications in green building and architecture, introducing innovative approaches to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption.
2. Hydroponics and Indoor Farming - The use of hydroponic plants in interior modular systems provides opportunities for the growth of the hydroponics and indoor farming industry, focusing on sustainable and efficient air purification methods.
3. Air Filtration Systems - The interior fresh air pods trend challenges traditional air filtration systems, creating an opportunity for disruption and innovation in the air purification industry.