The work titled. "Breath" received the award for the best student environmental project in the PLGBC Green Building Awards 2019.
The winning concept for a universal, ecological spatial solution was designed by Małgorzata Barwinska, Justyna Bielak, Kamil Brończyk, Natalia Choinacka, Aleksandra Dębicka, Laura Janik and Veronika Radzięta. The students of the Cracow University of Technology proposed placing the structures in several sensitive, most polluted places in the center of Cracow.
A map of Krakow showing the spaces where "Breath" was proposed.
© Małgorzata Barwińska, Justyna Bielak, Kamil Brończyk,
Natalia Choinacka, Aleksandra Dębicka, Laura Janik, Weronika Radzięta
universal object
"Breath" is an air-filtering structure for improving the quality of life in the city. Thanks to its modular design, it is adapted to different types of empty spaces: it can be installed between buildings, in vacant corners of quarters and on gable walls.
The structure, overgrown with rich vegetation, was created from recycled steel. What's more, the structure's columns and horizontal beams were coated with titanium oxide, which neutralizes the effects of harmful substances when exposed to sunlight. The photocatalytic reaction taking place on the surface of the paint, using titanium oxide nanocrystals with the active participation of oxygen, moisture and UV light, transforms pollutants and toxins into harmless products such as carbon dioxide and water.
Wind turbines installed at the facility supply energy to an anti-smog tower that purifies the air. The turbines have a vertical axis of rotation and are equipped with additional measuring devices that collect information on noise intensity, air flow parameters and meteorological variables, among other things.
Thanks to its modular design, the structure can be used in various types of spaces
© Małgorzata Barwińska, Justyna Bielak, Kamil Brończyk,
Natalia Choinacka, Aleksandra Dębicka, Laura Janik, Weronika Radzięta
vegetation that purifies
The project uses anti-smog plants that purify the air by trapping dust particles and harmful substances. Facades covered with vegetation improve the microclimate near the buildings by reducing the amplitude of humidity and increasing the favorable oxygen balance. The ivy and mosses used to make the panels act like a curtain, lowering the temperature in the construction area.
Installation installed on the building of the former Forum Hotel
© Małgorzata Barwińska, Justyna Bielak, Kamil Brończyk,
Natalia Choinacka, Aleksandra Dębicka, Laura Janik, Weronika Radzięta
old objects - new function
The project has a three-dimensional form, but it is possible to make a flat installation, mounted to the facade of unused objects - as an example of such application, the students proposed the building of the former Forum Hotel.
"Breath" also affects the aesthetic aspects of developed urban spaces. It also has the advantage of being temporary - founded on tubular micro-piles, it allows for quick and easy installation, and its modification possibilities make it a timeless project.
Check out the rest of the results of the PLGBC Green Building Awards 2019.
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illustrations courtesy of Małgorzata Barwińskaska, Justyna Bielak, Kamil Brończyk,
Natalia Choinacka, Aleksandra Dębicka, Laura Janik and Weronika Radzięta
