Active Modular Photoremediation Wall System
Active Modular Photoremediation Wall System
Active Modular Photoremediation Wall System
by the Center for Architecture Science and Ecology—a collaboration between Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
• created a new prototype that would work with a building’s existing HVAC system to reduce energy loads and improve indoor air
quality
• The Active Phytoremediation Wall System is a modular wall system of pods housing hydroponic plants
• the plants’ roots are exposed, instead of being buried in soil, the plants’ air-cleaning capacity increases by 200 to 300 percent
• Air moves through a perforated air intake duct—a series of mini-jets are being developed to encourage airflow—and directly
over the root system. This allows the rhizomes on the roots to essentially digest airborne toxins—VOCs, particulate matter, and
other biological and chemical pollutants—without the plant itself becoming toxic (which is what happens when the toxins are
taken in solely through the leaves). The cleaned air then flows out of each pod through a series of clean air ducts and is
reintroduced to the environment.
• The pods themselves are made from vacuum-formed plastic, and the form allows the maximum amount of air to reach the root
rhizomes while using the minimum amount of material. On top of that, it creates a beautiful base for the plants
• The wall system can be installed in large commercial interiors
• but works equally well in small settings—a four-module system in an apartment would have the impact of 800 to 1200 house
plants