CO2MP

Was es macht

CO2MP consists of stackable bio-reactors, which provides living space for a CO2-absorbing plant. In addition to the primary purpose of CO2 absorption, the system also offers architectural added value by means of facade greening and biomass prodction.

Deine Inspiration

Since cities are the centers of our lives, I am convinced, that in times of climate change and rapid social change, they they have to change as well in order to maintain a balance in our ecosystem. My vision here is to use facades and vertical surfaces to absorb CO2 through the use of green plants. I see innovative facade installations as a possible solution for dealing with the CO2 problem in urban areas without taking up usable space. In this case, not only high-tech solutions should be a solution approach, but also the use of plants with special potential for CO2 absorption.

So funktioniert es

One of the main components is the swimming fern Azolla filiculoides, a plant with excellent CO2 absorption properties. Apart from this, Azolla is also considered to be a rapidly growing plant, with low demands on growth conditions, maintenance and nutrient supply. The micro-fern doubles its biomass every 5-6 days. In addition, this micro-fern is a season-independent plant. A further main component are the stage elements, which are in each module. These provide the fern with habitat and allow it to grow horizontally on a vertical surface. Due to a constant but gentle water flow through the staggered culverts, the fern becomes a contiguous water body and offers the possibility to develop as usual. The step system enables natural growth, plant care, growth control and harvesting - without the need for mechanical or moving elements. All functions are guaranteed by gravity and the flow of water.

Designprozess

The design of the concept must be distinguished in two respects. On the one hand, there is the design of the main modules, which are given a completely independent aesthetic by their construction and, on the other hand, there is the situation-dependent design of the optional blinds, which can vary greatly depending on the location of the installation. Overall, it was very important for me to develop a design principle that is very flexible and simple at the same time. So the construction can be easily integrated into existing situations and structures and at the same time remains cost-efficient. The primary design takes place through the core element, the structure of the bio-system of this concept and the fern. The design by the panels is only secondary and depends strongly on the building situation, the design of the building and above all on the customer's idea. The multiple design possibilities of the blinds offer the possibility to implement the system almost everywhere. Depending on the design, the panels can either actively design the facade or discreetly pick up on the materiality of the existing facade and thus be discreetly integrated into the facade. This design serves as an exemplary representation of the various design options for the panels.

Warum es anders ist

CO2MP is an approach to dealing with the CO2 problem in times of advancing climate change. The aim of this work was to develop a system which is adaptable, versatile and above all scalable. This is a modular facade system for existing buildings, which can be flexibly attached to most facade types without unnecessarily taking up floor space in times of urbanization, which can be used elsewhere. In addition to the primary purpose of CO2 absorption from the air, the system should also offer architectural added value in the form of facade greening. In addition, biomass is produced for further processing. The carbon bound in the biomass of the plants can be converted into solid carbon products by processes such as pyrolysis and can thus be removed from the biological cycle in the long term.

Pläne für die Zukunft

Since CO2MP is a promising solution with very versatile and flexible application possibilities, the next step would be to conduct a pilot study. Already during the prototype construction and the tests of the stage elements, a very good function of the system was shown. What would be exciting now would be an exemplary structure of multiple modules and a longer-term installation of CO2MP. In addition, there is great potential in the use of different materials for covering the modules, which should also be tested in a pilot study.

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