Air Column

m²ft architects (Flavio Martella, Maria Vittoria Tesei) + s—nstudio (Adrián Haibara) + Vanessa Mingozzi

Urban Climate Island – Finalist

Modern cities face increasingly complex challenges related to climate change and air pollution. To address these problems, it is necessary to adopt solutions that combine sustainability, innovation and improvement of the quality of urban life. Air Column was created precisely for this purpose: it represents a multifunctional urban device that integrates environmental cooling with air purification. Designed to adapt to different urban contexts, it offers a concrete and affordable alternative to combat global warming and promote more liveable public spaces.

Air Column is a practical and symbolic response to the needs of contemporary cities, combining technology and design for a more sustainable and inclusive future. An urban climate island created to respond to present and future environmental challenges.

URBAN CLIMATE ISLAND

Air Column works on the principle of the ‘solar chimney’, a natural system that uses solar energy to trigger convective movements. Inside the semi-transparent column, the sun’s rays heat the air and cause it to rise. This movement creates a depression at the base that draws in fresh air, generating a constant natural breeze. The breeze produced is amplified by a shading system of sunshades and a sheet of water, which further cools the air. These elements, integrated into a harmonious design, transform the environment into a pleasant microclimate, an island against the heat of the city, which encourages the public to stop, relax, enjoy the space and the environment. It also encourages spontaneous social interactions and promotes urban sustainability with innovative solutions.

CO2 FILTER

Inside, Air Column integrates the innovative ‘the Breath®’ fabric, which purifies the air of carbon dioxide particles. This material, activated by convective movement, filters large quantities of CO2, tackling the problem of global warming at its root. The arrangement of the fabric in mills adds a dynamic and visible element: the forced passage of the air activates its purifying properties and sets the fabric blades in motion, highlighting the purification process, the pulsating heart of the device, in real time. The result is a significant reduction in air pollution, with tangible benefits for the community and the environment. Air Column is not only a functional device, but also a visible symbol of commitment to a more sustainable future.

FLEXIBILITY AND SCALABILITY

Air Column’s modular design makes it flexible and scalable, adaptable to any urban context. It can be installed as a simple totem pole without shade, ideal for small spaces, or equipped with seating and cooling systems for meeting places. Its lightweight metal structure ensures ease of production, transport and assembly, making it economically accessible.

Air Column can be placed in squares, parks or even along busy streets, demonstrating its ability to respond to different needs with minimal intervention. This modular approach favours large-scale deployment, making it an indispensable ally for cities that want to address climate challenges and promote urban sustainability.