in WOW

“Living” Chandelier Made with Algae-Filled Leaves Naturally Purifies the Air

by viralbandit September 27, 2017, 8:23 pm 1.7k Views

Design engineer and biotechnologist Julian Melchiorri—who first gained attention by creating the first synthetic biological leaf—recently came up with an ingenious lighting design that is as beautiful as it is eco-friendly. His “living” chandelier Exhale, purifies air while lighting up your room and was on display at the V&A Museum during the London Design Festival.

The green lighting piece is composed of 70 glass leaves filled with green algae, which absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. The transparent liquid filters through light, giving off a warm glow. While green design is often based on clean lines and ultra-modern styles, Melchiorri’s chandelier is a sophisticated lighting piece that proves eco-friendly concepts can come in myriad styles.

The elegant chandelier is modular, which means that its leaves can be configured into different forms depending on necessity. It’s also functional for both indoor and outdoor use, according to where air purification needs are most dire. By basing his work on the simple principle of photosynthesis, Melchiorri is working to make man-made household items functional for the environment.

For his efforts, Melchiorri was awarded the Emerging Talent Award during London Design Week, which is given out to individuals who have made an impact within five years of graduation. And while the Exhale chandelier is still a prototype, the young designer hopes to bring the technology to larger buildings in the future, helping them combat harmful emissions.