Elegant Embellishments
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Emissions from combustion engines are identified as the largest contributor to air pollution in cities. The tiles, when positioned near pollutant sources, can re-appropriate polluted spaces for safe pedestrian use. The tiles are coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2), a pollution-fighting technology that is activated by ambient daylight. TiO2 is a photo-catalyst already known for its self-cleaning and germicidal qualities; it requires only small amounts of naturally occurring UV light and humidity to effectively reduce air pollutants into harmless amounts of carbon dioxide and water. When positioned near pollution sources, the tiles neutralise Nox and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) directly where they are generated. "We also are big believers of modifying architecture with surfaces- creating decoration for decoration's sake while making buildings smarter without huge overhauls or expense, explains Allison Dring from Elegant Embellishments, "Technology like this one rarely has a face, let alone an interesting one." The name Prosolve370 was chosen mainly in reference to how cars are named: with the engineering of the vehicle in mind. "We developed the tiles with the inspiration of car detailing- smooth and perfect lines that could be machined easily instead of crafted, as often is in architecture," added Allison Dring. Engineered with computer-generated forms and rapid manufacturing techniques, the geometries of the tiles are favorable to the photo-catalysts’ requirements. The multi-faceted surface and seemingly random geometry maximize the effects of the TiO2: by exposing an increased surface area where sunlight is otherwise limited, and by providing omni-directional reception of light.
Working prototypes of the tiles have been used for 2 installations in the London Architecture Biennale in June 2006. Millennium Chemicals developed the de-polluting technology. |
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I love these sculptures and the intentions are good but I'm not sure how effective they are at dealing with pollution.
It's my understanding that TiO2 will take out Nitrogen oxides and VOCs in sunlight but in doing so creates ozone the cause of smog.
There are benefits here but to really improve our cities health we need to cut emissions.
This application reminds me of Gambarelli's Oxygena tiles which Treehugger did a post on Air purifying Floor Tiles
Ozone is not the cause of smog, its just an indicator that's much easier to measure than the complex molecules that make up the real air polution. Ozone is not a pollutant, its just oxygen - 3 atoms instead of the usual 2. Its unstable, and if you breathed a lot of it you'd irritate your throat, but its not even remotely poisonous. It has been used for water and air purification all over the world for many years.
Actually Ozone is very poisonus. Hygienic limit is on par with hydrogen cyanide. Lower concentrations probably do not have any cronic health effects.
I do love these designs, especially the coral/barnacle ones that sorround the tree in the top image.
To Whom It May Concern,
Good Afternoon, my name is Agnieszka Bramska, I am a photo intern at Popular Science Magazine. We are currently working on the October Issue and we want to include Anti-Pollution Tiles in the the Headlines section of the magazine. It would run in the article called: Planet Fixing.
What we are asking for is: HIGH RESOLUTION images of the Project. The files need to be at least 300 dpi , no smaller than 8x10 inches. I am attaching one of the files that we want to publish. If you have more images, we would be very grateful.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
212 779 5042
Best
Agnieszka