ecoLogicStudio erects inflatable air-purifying eco-machine at COP26

ecoLogicStudio raises ‘air bubble’ at cop26

following the air bubble biotechnological playground project built in warsaw, ecoLogicStudio now presents the air bubble air-purifying eco-machine, which has been installed in front of the glasgow science center within the COP26’s green zone area. the project takes shape as an inflatable structure made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) pockets with embedded green bioreactors that use algae to filter the air. developed in partnership with otrivin, this new bio digital project demonstrates how the advanced integration of biotechnology in the built environment can lead to a new generation of living, growing architectures.

the air bubble was launched in front of the glasgow science center within the COP26’s green zone area

all images courtesy of ecoLogicStudio

a responsive air-purifying organism

ecoLogicStudio’s structure integrates a series of sensors that detect air quality within the bubble, as well as an array of accelerometers, sensing the wind and the vibrations caused by individuals who interact with the installation. these devices set off a responsive array of growth lighting that in turn supports algal photosynthesis thus increasing air purification. in other words, this bio-digital organism introduces a new kind of symbiosis where the more people play and jump in the bubble, the cleaner the air becomes.

with this project, the london-based studio seeks to encourage visitors, and especially children, to directly experience the air cleaning capabilities of microalgae cultures, while immersing themselves in a bubble of freshly metabolized oxygen. the playful and soft character of the organic structure reminds of a gigantic bouncy jellyfish, while serving as a direct manifestation of the biotechnology it incorporates.

jumping in the ‘air bubble’

easily deployable and eco-friendly

according to the creators, this air-purifying eco-machine contains 6,000 liters of water, supporting 200 liters of living chlorella cultures and filtering 100 liters of polluted urban air every minute. the air and water pressures are enclosed by a TPU membrane that is just 0.5mm thick and comprises only 5% in weight and 1% in volume of the entire construction. the strength of the structure derives from its three-dimensional cellular organization. to achieve this, the installation was completely unfolded into almost 100 CNC cut flat parts which were then welded in position to form a fully three-dimensional matrix of inflatable cells.

this process updates the traditional qualities of inflatable structures to create this newly introduced eco-machine. the resulting structure emerges as a responsive system, with air purifying capability, exceptional wind resistance, and unique deployability. the lightness of the empty membrane makes it uniquely low in embodied carbon and minimizes emissions associated with transportation, installation, and dismantling.