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
| Mar 2, 2012
By the Numbers
66 skyscrapers to built in China over six years; 1,000 questions in the Modern Architecture game; 21,000 new jobs.
| Mar 1, 2012
AIA: A clear difference, new developments in load-bearing glass
Earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units by studying this article and successfully completing the online exam.
| Mar 1, 2012
Bomel completes design-build parking complex at U.C. San Diego
The $24-million facility, which fits into a canyon setting on the university’s East Campus, includes 1,200 stalls in two adjoining garages and a soccer field on a top level.
| Mar 1, 2012
Reconstruction of L.A.’s Dunbar Hotel underway
Withee Malcolm Architects’ designs for the project include the complete renovation of the Dunbar Hotel and the Somerville Apartments I and II.
| Feb 28, 2012
Roofing contractors recognized for workmanship
Sika Sarnafil announces Project of the Year winners; competition highlights visually stunning, energy efficient, and sustainable roofs.
| Feb 26, 2012
Milwaukee U-Haul facility receives LEED-CI Silver
The new elements of the facility now include: efficient lighting with day-lighting controls and occupancy sensors, a high-efficiency HVAC system used in conjunction with a newly constructed thermal envelope to help reduce energy consumption, and the installation of low-flow fixtures to reduce water consumption.
| Feb 22, 2012
Siemens earns LEED certification for Maryland office
The Beltsville facility, which also earned the ENERGY STAR Label for energy performance, implemented a range of energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable operations measures as part of the certification process.
| Feb 22, 2012
Suffolk awarded Boston post office renovation project
Renovation of art deco landmark will add 21,000 square feet of retail and 110 new parking spaces.
| Feb 20, 2012
Comment period for update to USGBC's LEED Green Building Program now open
This third draft of LEED has been refined to address technical stringency and rigor, measurement and performance tools, and an enhanced user experience.
| Feb 17, 2012
Tremco Inc. headquarters achieves LEED Gold certification
Changes were so extensive that the certification is for new construction and not for renovation; officially, the building is LEED-NC.