# Bio-Digital City Structures Urban Algae Canopy by ecoLogicStudio Cleans Air in Metropolises By Meghan Young | Published 2014-07-04 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-algae-canopy References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2014/07/photosynthesis-algae-canopy.html) & [ecologicstudio](http://www.ecologicstudio.com/v2/project.php?idcat=3&idsubcat=59&idproj=129) The Urban Algae Canopy is not simply a public sculpture create to make its immediate surrounding more interesting. It was designed to clean the air in cities. The first of its kind, it "uses micro-algae photosynthesis to produce the same amount of oxygen as four hectares of woodland" as well as up to 330 pounds of biomass per day, reports Psfk. Part of a movement called algaetecture, the Urban Algae Canopy could make a huge impact on people's lives as well as the environment. Designed by [ecoLogicStudio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treeone), the Urban Algae Canopy boasts a custom-designed four-layer ETFE cladding system and a CNC welded frame. Part of the studio's HORTUS series, the bio-digital structure will be part of the EXPO Milan 2015 Future Food Project curated by Italy-based architectural practice [Carlo Ratti Associati](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aquapraa). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Algaetecture Movement:** The algaetecture movement could bring significant benefits to the construction industry by rethinking building materials and eco-friendly infrastructure designs. - **Bio-digital Structure Design:** The bio-digital structure design presents fantastic business opportunities for architects to create sustainable and eco-friendly urban structures. - **Micro-algae Sustainable Solutions:** The use of micro-algae for sustainable solutions could disrupt the agriculture and food industry as a feasible source of biomass. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture Industry:** The algae canopy represents untapped opportunities for architects to create more sustainable and eco-friendly structures in urban environments. - **Construction Industry:** The construction industry stands to benefit from a potential shift towards more eco-friendly building materials such as micro-algae. - **Agriculture Industry:** The use of micro-algae for sustainable solutions could disrupt the agriculture and food industry as a feasible source of biomass. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Air-Purifying Tree Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treeone.md) - [Barcon-Negative Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/picoplanktonics.md) - [Algae-Powered Air Purifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/algenair-aerium.md) - [Algae Resin Pavilion Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puddle-pavilion.md) - [Air Purifying Architectural Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verto-air-purification.md) - [Living Structure-Based Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canada-pavilion.md) - [Urban Food Ecosystems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-sphere.md) - [Floating Canopy Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/piloti-canopy.md) - [Algae Lit Retail Caves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aesop-hainan.md)