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! Let me explain more:
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 viruses, bacteria and mildews on its surface. In addition, the hydro and oleophobic 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 of the creates the "self-cleaning" effect. While this process was revolutionary as an architectural material it is very limited to UV rays which are harmful in long term exposure to human skin. We have come up with a new compound creating the same cleansing effect. What this offer as an advantage is that the activation process only needs any source of light and natural air to start the process. 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, started life as a tribute the amazing rolling hills of Guilin in China. The design has a rectangular base that is embedded with LED lighting and 5mm acrylic panels (I call them the Hills!) in variety of texture and finishes can be placed freely on top of the grooves situated on the base. Once the light is switched on the acrylic will absorb the vertical illumination. All the “hills” are photocatalytic treated thus cleaning your environment during day and night.
There are 2 sizes for this design, one is a table top lamp that can clean your environment and illuminate during your sleep or work while a second much larger size can act as partition zoning for different area of interior or exterior spaces (partition screens are also a traditional Chinese invention). Due to the difference in size the photocatalytic cleansing effect increases because the larger the surface area, the effect becomes stronger. If you purchase more “hills”, the better it can clean your environment and our planet; you become part of the great change.
It is the world first environment cleansing lighting system that transforms into an architectural space. Movable freely as we want to empower your inner artistic talent. Be free to create, illuminate and contribute to a better environment for our present and future generations.