From the Series
Hungarian designer Adam Miklosi envisions a future in which we respond to deforestation with the emergence of portable pavilion oxygen bars. In itself, the concept of an oxygen bar is not unique. But, Miklosi’s Chlorella combines algae photosynthesis with oxygen therapy. According to Inhabitat, the design purifies the air while providing an urban shelter from air pollution.
According to the latest urban air quality database compiled by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 98 per cent of cities in low- and middle-income countries with more than 100 000 inhabitants do not meet WHO air quality guidelines. In high-income countries, that percentage decreases to 56 per cent. Health risks associated with continuous exposure to bad air include stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma.
The decline in air quality can be attributed to rampant deforestation, leading to billions of tons in unabsorbed carbon-dioxide pollution. WHO Director Maria Neira explained that the unchecked rise of air pollution could wreak havoc on human health. “At the same time, awareness is rising and more cities are monitoring their air quality. When air quality improves, global respiratory and cardiovascular-related illnesses decrease.”
Responding to this global threat, Miklosi devised a purification experience. The Chlorella Pavilion energisers patrons with oxygen-rich air created by living algae. The seaweed would be piped through a structure in the middle of the dome to create a swirling algae fountain. The algae absorb the CO2 exhaled by humans and in return, provides the bar with oxygen-rich air.
The outer structure of the pavilion is built using sculpted beech wood and covered with a semi-transparent isolating film. Soaking up sunlight, algae-filled water circulates within tubes inside of the curved outer structure.
Apart from creating an oxygen-enriched space, the pavilions also provide users with a respite from a hectic urban environment.
The design was awarded in both the Grand Prize and the Healing Spaces category in Inhabitat’s Biodesign competition.
