Air-Cleaning Architecture | Building A Greener Future
As society looks for more ways to battle climate change, architecture is leading the way. Cities are guilty of emitting high levels of CO2, so transforming urban spaces is essential. Delve into the world of air-cleaning architecture and discover how buildings are taking a stand.
URBAN GROWTH AND POLLUTION
Thanks to human activities, the threat of climate change is becoming more imminent than ever before. Whilst there are many contributing factors, cities are responsible for over 70% of global CO2 emissions. This is largely due to industrial activities and transportation systems that rely heavily on fossil fuels and carbon-intensive materials. Since cities play such a large role in pollution, it is increasingly important for society to review the way we approach urbanisation and city planning. Large communities must focus on tackling climate change.
Buildings that clean the air are a great way to tackle climate change. These structures actively contribute to saving our environment whilst providing the necessary infrastructure for growing communities. In recent years there has been a significant shift towards creating architectural solutions and integrating these buildings into cities. Urban planners, architects and environmentalists have been working together to create structures that clean the air around them.
HOW CAN BUILDINGS CLEAN THE AIR?
There are many ways buildings can do this. Green roofs and living walls are great options that look great whilst improving the surrounding air quality. Green Roofs can help absorb pollutants, reduce CO2 levels, and lower urban temperatures. Living walls are vertical gardens that are integrated into building facades to capture airborne pollutants, produce oxygen and improve air quality. Both of these are also aesthetic additions to buildings, contributing to urban beautification.
Other ways buildings clean the air are more technical. Some have used photocatalytic materials that break down harmful pollutants when exposed to sunlight. Others have advanced air filtration systems that actively pull in polluted air, filter it, and release it back cleaner, functioning as giant urban air purifiers.
PIONEERS IN AIR-CLEANING ARCHITECTURE
Across the globe, there are pioneering examples of air-cleaning buildings that stand as architectural marvels. Here are some of the most notable.
THE SMOG-FREE TOWER, ROTTERDAM
The Smog Free Tower in Rotterdam is the world’s first smog vacuum cleaner. Designed by Studio Roosegaarde, the tower uses ionisation technology to capture and remove smog particles from the air. Up to 30,000 cubic meters of air can be cleaned per hour, reducing pollution in its immediate surroundings.
BOSCO VERTICALE, MILAN
This vertical forest is a pair of residential towers in Milan, designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti. Approximately 20,000 trees, shrubs and plants cover these buildings, making them a living and breathing part of the city’s landscape. The vegetation absorbs CO2, produces oxygen and filters fine particles from the air. Biodiversity is also created by the plants, meaning the towers are home to habitats for various species. All of this contributes towards a healthier urban environment.
THE PALAZZO ITALIA, MILAN
Milan’s Palazzo Italia is another pioneering piece of smog-eating architecture. The building mimics the function and appearance of trees, converting air pollutants into harmless salts that can be washed away in rainfall. Additionally, the roof is covered in solar panels to generate energy. The building was unveiled for Milan’s Expo Site serving as a landmark and representing Italy’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
THE AL BAHR TOWERS, ABU DHABI
In the heart of Abu Dhabi, the Al Bahr Towers are silhouettes of innovation. The two towers’s exterior consists of 2,000 geometric panels that adjust themselves throughout the day. These ‘mashrabiya’ panels take their inspiration from a traditional Islamic shading device, adjusting during the day to optimise natural light and reduce solar gain by over 50%. In hot conditions, excessive solar gain can lead to overheating, increasing the need for air conditioning and energy consumption. By reducing this, these towers cut CO2 emissions by 1,750 tonnes annually. Whilst these towers don’t physically clean the air around them, the advanced technology means that the building is a pioneer in how architecture can reduce carbon emissions and work towards a better planet.
THE OASIA HOTEL DOWNTOWN, SINGAPORE
The Oasia Hotel Downtown is an iconic green 27-story tower. This hotel integrates green spaces into its architecture to improve urban air quality. Similar to Bosco Verticale, this structure is a vertical garden featuring over 21 species of climbing plants, helping to absorb CO2, producing oxygen and increasing the surrounding air quality. Inside the building, natural ventilation and green spaces are prioritised, increasing energy efficiency. The Oasia Hotel is an example of how biophilic design can transform urban spaces into healthier, more sustainable environments.
TORRE DE ESPECIALIDADES, MEXICO CITY
Torre de Especialidades is a hospital building in Mexico City that features cutting-edge air-cleaning technology integrated into its facade. The building is covered with a special type of photocatalytic tile that breaks down harmful air pollutants when exposed to sunlight. This reduces the levels of pollution in one of the world’s most polluted cities. The large-scale application of this technology on Torre de Especialidades demonstrates the potential for the widespread use of such materials in urban environments to combat air pollution effectively.
+ Highlight Image: ©Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore by Far East Hospitality
