Bloom
An algae based air filter that utilizes a circular environment to sequester CO2.
ASU Herberger Design School
Design Excellence Winner
Spring 2023
Design Excellence Winner
Spring 2023
How might carbon dioxide be sequestered in personal spaces through circularity design?
The Problem:
Research :
“If the CO2 concentration in the room exceeds 1000 parts per million, your cognitive function decreases by 15%.
Worse yet, if CO2 levels reach 1400 ppm, your cognitive abilities drop by a staggering 50%” - Aranet
Worse yet, if CO2 levels reach 1400 ppm, your cognitive abilities drop by a staggering 50%” - Aranet
How does carbon dioxide affect humans indoors?
Can algae sequester
carbon dioxide?
carbon dioxide?
“Several studies have indicated that microalgae have exhibited maximum carbon-fixing capabilities. These studies have shown that microalgae can capture around 100 Gt of CO2 into biomass annually” - AZOCleanTech
User Survey:
User Interviews :
Competitor Analysis:
Algenair
Dyson
Aranet
Molekule
$290
$430
$1015
$275
Expensive and not-aesthetic
Carbon based materials
Cold and technical design framework
Requires carbon based manufactured filtration
Key Insights :
Competitors lack affordable products
Economic market gap in sustainable technology
Users feel connected to "green" products
Moodboard :
Key Words:
Clean
Organic
Advanced
Sustainable
Natural
Environmental
Sketch Ideation :
Form Development :
How Bloom Works :
Assemble parts
Fill with algae and water
Replace lid and fill with soil and plants
Connect system to app for monitoring
Let algae filter CO2
for 60 days
for 60 days
Empty algae biome into planter
Replace filter with new algae mix
Continue growing plants and filtering CO2
Model Prototypes :
Design Solution :
Features & Specs :
Modular Planter Lid
Algae Biome
Protective Casing
Power Button
CO2 Air Filter
High Density Polyethylene
Textured Plastic
Textured Plastic
Kiln Cast Glass
High Density Polyethylene
Recycled Aluminum
Desmoflex Plastic
Mobile App :
Monitor indoor carbon dioxide levels and air quality
Connect to your specific device and filter
Manage multiple filters and their lifespans
Remotely turn the filter on and off
“The balance of nature is not a status quo; it is fluid, ever shifting, in a constant state of adjustment.
Man, too, is part of this balance.”
Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
Man, too, is part of this balance.”
Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
