Extraordinary Living Chandelier With Algae-filled Leaves Purifies The Air
This is home lighting from the future. Julian Melchiorri, a London-based designer and engineer, created this fantastic living chandelier named Exhale that features glass leaves filled with green algae that absorb CO2 and release oxygen. The lighting device not only illuminates a room, but also actively purifies the air around it. Currently on display at the V&A Museum for London Design Week.
Credit: Julian Melchiorri
Credit: Mike Chino, Inhabitat
Credit: Mike Chino, Inhabitat
Credit: Mike Chino, Inhabitat
Melchiorri is not only a design-engineer, but also a leading biochemical technology researcher. The innovative chandelier design is the result of his many years developing and crafting his unique “artificial leaf’” technology. Working with microbiological life forms, the designer’s bionic-leaf is based on the basic principles of photosynthesis, harnessing the power of converting CO2 into oxygen and integrating it into one very beautiful product.
He created the first ever mad-made biological leaf called the Silk Leaf aimed to enable long-distance space travel. The leaf absorbs water and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and, just like a plant, it needs light and a small amount of water to function.
Credit: Julian Melchiorri
Although the chandelier is a prototype at the moment, the designer envisions integrating his photo-reactive cell technology into future buildings, freeing them of harmful emissions.
What do you think if this kind of technology could revolutionise indoor lighting and air purification in the future? Let us know in the comments below.