According to the World Health organization, around 2.4 million deaths that occur in China every year can be attributed to air pollution. The thick pollution found in many rapidly developing Chinese cities creates and exacerbates asthma and cardiovascular issues, resulting in premature death.
As Architectural Digest reports, new, stricter emissions regulations are stymieing the amount of dangerous particulate matter in the air, but pollution levels are still well above what is considered safe or acceptable.
If only someone could develop a scaled-up version of a common indoor air purifier that could be used to help purify the air outside, maybe some relief could finally come to many smog-filled cities. But that’s not plausible, is it? Well, apparently it is, as someone has done just that. A Netherlands-based team led by Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde has created what is essentially a 23-ft tall outdoor air purifier to help clean the air of some of the world’s most polluted cities.
The structure uses ion technology to attract about 30,000 cubic meters of pollution per hour and operates almost exclusively on wind energy. While the amount of pollution one of these towers can filter is just a drop in the bucket for China’s polluted cities, deploying them in large numbers around the country could create a significant impact. Similarly to photovoltaic solar panels, one may not provide much benefit, but when used in large numbers, their output increases exponentially.
In an effort to raise funds for the project, Roosegaarde launched a Kickstarter campaign where backers could receive cubes, rings, and cufflinks made from the compressed particulate matter, mainly carbon, collected from the filter. According to the Kickstarter page, each Smog Free ring acts as a symbol of 1000 cubic meters of clean air.
The campaign raised €113,153, easily surpassing its goal of €50,000. It is thanks to the funds raised through the Kickstarter campaign that allowed the Smog Free Project to travel and open in Beijing on Sept. 29. The filter will also travel to additional Chinese cities and is looking into traveling to India and other countries around the world, as well.
Related Stories
Green | Apr 14, 2017
Sunqiao looks to bring agriculture back to Shanghai’s urban landscape
Vertical farms will bring new farmable space to the city.
Sustainability | Apr 13, 2017
How to make a concrete bunker livable
SOM’s design for New York’s second Public Safety Answering Center leans on strategically placed windows and the outdoor environment.
Green | Apr 11, 2017
Passivhaus for high-rises? Research demonstrates viability of the stringent standards for tall residential buildings
A new study conducted by FXFOWLE shows that Building Teams can meet stringent Passivhaus performance standards with minimal impact to first cost and aesthetics.
Codes and Standards | Apr 6, 2017
Product-specific EPDs seen as key aid to earning green building credits
The product-specific EPDs allow designers to more quickly earn a LEED v4 credit in the Materials & Resources category.
Sustainability | Apr 4, 2017
Six connected CLT towers create an urban forest in India
The mixed-use towers would each rise 36 stories into the sky and connect via rooftop skybridges.
Green | Mar 29, 2017
Copenhagen Zoo and BIG unveil yin yang-shaped panda habitat
The new habitat will sit between two existing buildings, including the Elephant House designed by Norman Foster.
Green | Feb 10, 2017
Radical proposal would transform Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive and create new lakefront park space
Over 70 new acres of public space would be created between Ohio Street and North Avenue.
Green | Feb 6, 2017
A to Z: Seoul’s elevated park features 24,000 alphabetized plants
The plants will represent 250 species found in South Korea.
Green | Feb 3, 2017
Nanjing Green Towers will be Asia’s first vertical forest
The project will be covered in 1,100 trees and 2,500 cascading plants and shrubs.
Sustainability | Jan 27, 2017
An office building proposed for Norway would generate more power than it uses
Over it’s 60-year lifespan, the power generated form the project would cover the energy cost of construction, production, and material transportation.