Urbanization, is the word of our times. In 1950 only 30% of the world’s population lives in the city but it is projected that by 2050 over 70% of the global populations will be urban dwellers. With such rapid growth cities are faced with undaunting levels of pollution unheard of just a century ago. As architects and designers we are entering into a new era of environmental thinking that has to either help our planet, recycle some of our creations and consider the biosynthesis of humans with nature. Furniture has always been one of the most vibrant discipline in design as it is comparatively unlimited in its physical restriction thus leaving more leeway to push for innovation. There are many up-cycle creations, environmental conscious ideas and even some that biomorphs with part of our body. But I wonder, what if a piece of furniture that can help your well-being as well as the external environment while still looking good in any given situations. Working with our partners in Italy we have finally came up with solution that can use Light and Air, 2 elements provided by nature, to clean our environment of toxins and bacteria!
Photocatalysis is process that uses nano-particles and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) to clean VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). When exposed to any ultraviolet light source, such as the sun, the treatment oxidative property decomposes harmful organic substances such as microbes on its surface. In addition, the hydrophilic nature of the coating causes water that comes into contact to form an even layer, thereby allowing the dust and dirt that have accumulated on the surface to be washed away. These two properties creates the "self-cleaning" effect. While this process was revolutionary as an architectural material it is very limited to UV rays activation which are harmful in long term exposure to human skin. With our Italian partners we have come up with a new compound with the same benefit but only needs Light and Air to work. This can be done with any present interior/exterior lighting and air from natural wind or even air condition units, thus eliminating any direct exposure to UV rays. This specialized coating can be applied to any surface and is Non-toxic and Bio-degradable.
Our design, FOGLIA (meaning leaf in Italian) was an inspiration taken form nature where sunlight activates Photosynthesis through leaves. During the day when FOGLIA is placed near any natural light it will work to clean the surrounding environment while during the night when the light is switched on, the cleansing action will continue. The light is also dimmable via WiFi App and Voice. There are a series of screens that can magnetically click onto the openings of the lamp thus giving the design infinite in adaptability to any interior design. All screen accessories are also photocatalytic treated thus increasing its environment cleansing ability.
It is the world first environment cleansing furniture that makes you and your family live healthier but also a design that can work on mass to clean our planet. We believe furniture has to be more then just a nice piece of functional art/design and we hope that FOGLIA will lead the way for a new generation of environmental living that any health conscious individuals or environmental planetarian will love to have.