the problem China has a smog problem, that’s no secret. But what not everybody realizes is how immediately dangerous that smog is. It accounts for 17% of deaths a year in China. That’s 1.6 million people left dead. What’s more is that this will likely worsen due to China’s dependence on coal as an energy source. In spite of this, there hasn’t been much of a push to clear the air of this smog.
The Challenge: Air pollution in China is nearing apocalyptic levels. And that’s not an overstatement.
What can clean up China’s skies?
Research One of the main pollutant components in China is smog. As smog is composed of several chemicals, it can be decomposed by certain plants. NASA has conducted research over the years on house-friendly plants that can help clean the air exponentially.
Insight Somebody needs to plant the seeds for a cleaner China.
concept New Lungs for a Grey City
Big Idea Our goal is to give new lungs to the city by creating a safe house away from the city smog, one that would literally filter the air. The word Rúlú comes from the Chinese characters Rú and Lú, which respectively mean “to enter,” and “land.” Rulu is a network of fresh air producing greenhouses meant to build awareness as well as improve the city’s air quality. Rúlú will stand out in China’s grey skyline views and make a change in the country’s air quality through creating a community that cares for clean air and pure breaths.
The exterior Rúlú is a greenhouse with purpose. Not only is it a beautiful addition to its cities, but a tool as well. It aims to clean up China’s grey landscape and transform it into a fresh air landscape. The exterior of Rúlú gives an ergonomic feel to the crowded and busy cities. Pollution killing plants are showcased in dome-shaped terrace that pays homage to the rice files which cover the greener parts of the country. Plants included in and around the dome are chosen from the 2014 NASA research, focusing on plants which fight off China’s main pollutant, Xylene. The outside, as well as the inside of Rulu will carry all these various types of plants.
The Interior Once you enter Rúlú, you’ve make the decision to give your lungs a rest from pollution. Rúlú’s interior is divided in three areas. Retreat, repair and reclaim. RETREAT Come relax, have a picnic and enjoy the clean air from the natural environment surrounding you. The largest part inside the dome will be covered in grass, plants and vertical gardens that provide the dome with clean natural air. We want to create an environment that is open and inviting where citizens can come to retreat from smog and busy city by spending some time around nature.
The Interior RepAir One third of Rúlú’s inside space will be devoted to selling the plants that benefit the out and inside of the dome. This makes it possible for everyone in the city to acquire these beneficial plants and help grow a greater community focused on cleaning. Whether it be in their home, office or backyard each plant taken into the city can help make a significant difference.
The Interior Reclaim This section of Rúlú is all about showing how you can help get rid of the smog engulfing the city. With comfortable sitting areas and interactive screens, this area is devoted to teaching the community why and how smog is created. Finally, it shows what simple steps can be taken to prevent it. Rúlú emphasizes why it is important to maintain the dome and the world around it. This is also where members of the community can learn how they can get involved further through volunteering at the Rúlú globe.
AMBIENT ADVERTISING Rúlú is committed to spreading green throughout all of China’s cities, not only underneath its dome. With the use of moss graffiti, Rúlú brings its green environment to the streets in order to help grow a clean air community. Highlighting Rúlú’s three areas of focus included in the dome, these advertisements also serve as a guide to the sanctuaries informational microsite through the use of QR codes. These ads will create a greater awareness of Rúlú’s mission all while making the cities greener.
microsite The country of China’s smog problem is no secret to citizens, but the lack in reducing efforts are becoming an immediate harm to each and every one of them. There are nearly 1.6 million deaths a year caused by the country’s toxic air, this accounts for about 17% of total deaths. Overall, air pollution is an extremely evident problem in cities of China, but until recently there have been few steps taken in order to help reduce the pollution. Coal is a major source of this air pollution, as it is China’s main source of heat.
Rúlú’s microsite serves as an informational platform for all things related to the domes. From this site, designed with mobile users in mind, it’s easy to access infromative videos and graphics about the domes, plants incorporated and the Rúlú nearest you. This also creates awareness about how you can volunteer in the Rúlú community, current events or school visits.
Rúlú is located in 4 cities in China. Find your local Rúlú and volunteer . Once you volunteer you can come in once a week and help with mantaining the dome’s health . Is a good experience for you and your city. .