Chun-Wei Lee

Research has shown that the air quality (PM2.5) in subway systems around the world exceeds the WHO guideline values.

AIRCLE is a next-gen air purification system that improves air quality on the Tube platforms via diverting the piston wind and reducing metallic particles using electromagnet technology. AIRCLE creates a healthier London Underground experience for the passengers and helps protect the environment.

● Particle pollution in the Tube is higher than the ambient air and is more toxic.

In 2020, a scientific paper concluded that concentrations of PM2.5 in the London Underground were about 15 times higher than roadside environments in central London. Further research has shown that subway PM is more toxic and harmful to health than street PM, which often invades the human body through inhalation.

● These metallic particles are mainly from the friction of rails and wheels.

The composition of subway PM is hugely different from street PM. Many studies have analysed and reported significant contributions of iron. This is mainly caused by mechanical phenomena; such as abrasion and friction of rails, wheels, and brake pad systems, giving the particles a peculiarly metalliferous character.

● It is a global and unsolved problem.

The PM concentrations of 70% of metro systems around the world exceed WHO or local air quality standards. Many studies are carried out worldwide; however, no effective and economical solution is available today. Because the composition and movement of subway PM are extremely different from the ambient PM, there is a need for innovation in developing specialized air purification technology.

● A combination of airflow diverter and electromagnet particles collector.

Taking advantage of wind flow (wind energy) is one of the innovations of this project because wind is an existing element in the platform. The potential of electromagnet technology for metallic particle collection was researched in order to develop an innovative approach that can be applied for this specific PM type and unique space.

● An air purification system creating new transportation experiences.

Lighting interaction is designed to show the real-time air quality level through lighting brightness in order to guide passengers to wait at an area with lower pollution intuitively; which can also improve passenger distribution and flow on platforms. Integrating AIRCLE with train indicators provides another approach for leading passengers to stand or sit near AIRCLE to enhance the effectiveness.

● Used Coffee Grounds are the waste that will result in environmental problems.

Do you know Americans drank an average of 2 cups of coffee per day in 2018, and the US government forecasts 174.5 million bags of coffee will be produced in 2019? However, more than 90% of used coffee grounds are thrown away. Decomposing coffee grounds release METHANE into the atmosphere, which is the second-most abundant greenhouse gas and has a global warming potential up to 86 times greater than CO2.

● I want to upcycle the wastes and create a NEW PRODUCT!

+POT has been inspired by the waste of coffee grounds and has been designed from start to finish with our environment in mind. I have spent a few months developing a series of prototypes in a variety of shapes and materials to make my +POT vision a reality.

● +POT is a multifunctional plant pot made from 100% recycled coffee grounds!

+POT is an upcycled plant pot made from used coffee grounds and natural binders to grow nature. +POT is 100% biodegradable, helping to reduce and repurpose used coffee grounds in a more beautiful and fun way.

'How might we tell a bedtime story to ourselves?'

Scented Diary is a research project exploring the topic of self-communication. The design is a combination of a creative form of diary, a night light that can tell stories by lights and shadows, and a diffuser that can make people sleep better.  Through the process of 'Coding', 'Delivering', 'Decoding', and 'Destressing', the user can reflect at the end of the day and be ready to go to sleep with an easier and more enjoyable approach.