AirBubble Playground / EcoLogicStudio

Architects: ecoLogicStudio
Year: 2021
Photographs: Maja Wirkus
Structural Engineer: YIP London
Project Team: Claudia Pasquero, Marco Poletto with Eirini Tsomokou, Korbinian Enzinger, Riccardo Mangili, Georgios Drakontaeidis, Alessandra Poletto
Exhibition Team: Claudia Pasquero, Marco Poletto with Eirini Tsomokou, Korbinian Enzinger, Terezia Greskova, Stephan Sigl, Alessandra Poletto
Academic Partners: Synthetic Landscape Lab IOUD Innsbruck University, Urban Morphogenesis Lab BPRO The Bartlett UCL
Biological Medium: Ecoduna
Wood Structure: ArchWood
ETFE Membrane: Temme
City: Warsaw
Country: Poland

AirBubble playground in Warsaw, designed by ecoLogicStudio, integrates biotechnology and play in an innovative public space. Located near the Copernicus Science Centre, the playground merges algae bioreactors and interactive features within a timber and ETFE structure to create a purified microclimate. This project addresses urban pollution through a unique architectural solution, offering children a safe, clean environment to play while raising awareness about air quality. Completed in 2021, AirBubble’s data-driven design significantly reduces pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, demonstrating a sustainable model for healthier urban living.

AirBubble, an ecoLogicStudio project, is a groundbreaking playground located in Warsaw that combines air purification and play in a unique public space. Situated outside the Copernicus Science Centre, AirBubble tackles urban air pollution, a serious health threat identified by the World Health Organization. Warsaw was strategically chosen as the site due to its significant pollution levels compared to other European cities.

This playground introduces a new architectural typology by integrating algae bioreactors into a cylindrical timber structure, enclosed by an ETFE membrane. The design creates an urban greenhouse that not only filters the air but also functions as a recreational and educational space. Children can engage with features like ropes, foot pumps, and bouncy spheres, transforming the area into a playground that doubles as an outdoor classroom. Additionally, the algae system’s bubbling noise helps reduce the intrusion of city sounds, fostering a more comfortable environment.

The ETFE membrane, an advancement of ecoLogicStudio’s PhotoSynthetica urban curtain system, controls the playground’s microclimate. Its conical roof enhances natural air circulation, improving ventilation and maintaining clean air within the space. The integrated air monitoring system tracks key pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, and Carbon Monoxide. Early data from May 2021 reveals a reduction in particulate matter, with peak decreases reaching up to 83%, aligning with WHO safety standards.

AirBubble serves as a living laboratory for applied biotechnology. The structure’s 52 glass bioreactors contain 520 liters of Chlorella sp algae, capable of filtering 200 liters of polluted air per minute. The algae absorb pollutants and carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen, significantly improving air quality. This process is powered by solar energy and amplified by children’s play, as they activate the purification system by jumping on foot pumps and interacting with the internal rope features.

To celebrate the launch, ecoLogicStudio also curated an interactive exhibition at the Copernicus Science Centre. The exhibition features three sections: “Monitor,” which explores air pollution’s impact on children’s health; “Purify the Air,” showcasing the role of microorganisms in filtering pollutants; and “Breathe,” where children learn about the benefits of clean air and active play.

AirBubble is a pioneering example of how biotechnology can be seamlessly integrated into urban design. By addressing air pollution through an engaging, functional public space, it offers a sustainable blueprint for improving urban health while providing a dynamic environment for children to explore.