URBAN LUNG

Urban Lung
Shnaghai | China

The object known as “the urban lung” derives its name from its unique cylindrical structure, adorned with lush greenery. Its metal framework allows plants to climb and settle in a cylindrical shape, creating a captivating spectacle that reaches a remarkable height of over 8 meters.

At its base, this project serves as a platform for interactions, transforming into an object-plaza where people can relax and engage in recreational activities. Its distinctive morphology provides a diverse range of functions for public use, offering a landscape of possibilities.

Above the object-plaza rests the cylindrical green lung, a vertical structure standing 6 meters tall, extending the total height to 8.4 meters. This green cylinder serves as a vertical wall, creating a refreshing and unconventional space that acts as a natural absorber of smog, particles, and other pollutants commonly found in polluted cities.

The green vertical cylinder is adorned with a carefully selected variety of plants that serve as nature’s purifiers. These resilient and adaptable species possess remarkable capabilities to absorb and filter pollutants that plague our urban environments. The foliage includes a mix of air-purifying plants such as ferns, ivy, spider plants, and peace lilies, each contributing to the cleansing process in its unique way. They actively absorb harmful particulate matter, including dust, smoke, and soot, effectively improving the air quality within their green embrace.

Additionally, these plants are adept at absorbing gaseous pollutants like carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are common contributors to urban pollution. Through their natural processes, these plants play a vital role in mitigating the harmful effects of pollution, creating a fresher and healthier atmosphere for the surrounding area.

This project is not only a sculptural masterpiece but also an authentic piece of street architecture. It becomes a memorable focal point, attracting attention and serving various functions beneath the green cylinder. From a slide playground and grandstand to a table area or wooden deck, it provides users with new and exciting ways to enjoy public space while contributing to the purification of the air we all breathe.

Elevated from the ground, the silo acts as a prominent landmark and a wayfinding element. It enhances the surrounding cityscape, creating a visually stunning and playful landmark that draws people in and encourages interactions. Moreover, it has the potential to serve as an ideal catalyst for commercial schemes, adding value to the urban environment.

This proposal represents a fresh perspective on public space, bringing it closer to the users and generating a strong sense of identity. By introducing new possibilities to urban spaces, it fosters a vibrant atmosphere and invites people to experience the city in innovative ways.

CREDITS:

Project Name:Design: 100architects (Shanghai)
Design Team: Marcial Jesús, Javier González.
Completion: February 2016
Location: Shanghai, China

Redefining Urban Artifacts for the Future

Shanghai Smart Booths is the result of 100architects’ second collaboration with the Shanghai Branch of China Telecom, the state-owned Chinese telecommunications company, after our previous Orange Phone Booths, where we did an exercise of turning these old relics into modern functional urban furniture. This time we went beyond that.

A bus stop inspired by the Azalea flower that collects the rain water

The proposal is strongly inspired by local nature, dragging inspiration from Azalea flowers, often seen in not only in Jiaxing City, but also in Zhejiang Province. The design strategy is over-scaling the leaves of Azalea flower in order to create structures which offer shelter to citizens and users of the bus public transportation.