algae reactor: 3D-printed façade module that cultivates chlorella with CO2

Algae reactor is a 3D-printed façade module that feeds chlorella with indoor CO2 so as to purify air for inhabitants and produce algal biomass regularly. The carbon capture program of Southeast University Nanjing and ETH Zürich proposes that our ‘built’ environment could be an inherent part of nature. Following this principle, the algae reactor introduces the photosynthesis of chlorella into the indoor environment and stimulates a life cycle of protein and nutrition within buildings. The customized framework is 3D printed with rPETG to hold the culture tube and render the façade translucent.
Design & Research project at Southeast University
Design & fabrication: CHAI Xini, HE Muchun, CHEN Xinchang, ZHOU Yue
Project director: Hao Hua (Southeast University) & Benjamin Dillenburger (ETH Zürich)