URBAN LUNG

An Iconic Green Oasis for Cleaner and Playful Cities

URBAN LUNG

02

Feb

2016

Shanghai

Asia/Shanghai

Chinese

Population: 27 Million30 million in 2025

GDP: 251 6.6 %

BigMac: 2.74 us dollars

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.
 
 

© 100architects


 
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.
 
 

© 100architects


 
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.
 
 

© 100architects


 
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.
 
 

© 100architects


 
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.
 
 

© 100architects


 
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
 
 

Street Intervention

What is an street intervention?
This is the smallest scale of interventions that takes place in the public realm of a city, related to the altering of a portion or a whole street or square, whether vehicular or pedestrian, by adding or installing new alienated elements to the existing configuration of the street.
 
This typology intervenes in existing urban settings by occupying the ground of a given area and by acting as an accessible and multifunctional platform, catalyzing social interactions by drawing attention to the “new place”. It is a tactical intervention with a non-territorial nature, keeping a clear formal and aesthetic distinction from the existing surroundings.
 
This type of intervention is oftentimes used by Retail Operators to transform their spaces into unique and visually appealing environments that increase foot traffic, attracting and retaining customers by turning their commercial spaces into “experiential retail” helping them stand out in a competitive market, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty while enhancing their brand presence potentially leading to higher sales, without the need of big renovation investment.


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Latest Moments
Special place rich in colors and activities

Special place rich in colors and activities

the huge dome was very soft and colorful, perfeto for a nice picture

Photo by Magic Jimmy

Taken at THE OTHER NEST

Swinging in Hangzhou

Swinging in Hangzhou

Kids alwayas love to find different ways to play

Photo by Mario Chan

Taken at THE OTHER NEST

Challenging truck for little kids

Challenging truck for little kids

I love this truck cause you can follow it with your son and go from one game to another one.

Photo by Camilla Sam

Taken at MĂ WAY

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Moments & Experiences

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