Indoor Air Quality and Health
Designing “charged objects” for our health and safety
By creating this matrix, I was able to map the multiple territories and membranes which dictate our health and wellbeing. The body is a territory, but the skin is a membrane. The home is a territory, but pollution can come through an open window just as easily as it can cross a landscape.
This led to the identification of possible designed objects that address each zone’s health threat and familiar “charged objects” with which we might address them.
From there, I collected peer-reviewed studies on natural solutions that could combine with a “charged object” to create a unique solution.
VOCs in the Home:
A suite of choices in the face of off-gassing furniture
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Option 1: Protect Yourself
Activated Carbon is proven to be the most effective way of removing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air, trapping the problematic and harmful chemicals via adsorption. This activated carbon suit will allow you to enjoy the comforts of your new, mass-manufactured furniture without worrying about the short and long-term effects to your health.
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Option 2: Protect your Home
A prototype for activated carbon filter tiles that can be arranged to cover any new piece of furniture. The filter tiles are connected by stickers that attach at the corner. Once the new furniture has been covered for a few days, the activated carbon should have absorbed plenty of VOCs.
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Option 3: Protect the Planet
Why buy new, highly toxic furniture to begin with? Why not natural materials? Or, better yet, why not used furniture that doesn’t require new resources?
Lichen Window Unit
The four walls of our homes protect us from potential harm to our bodies. With toxic air quality levels, particulates, and forest fires, heavily-sealed homes and air filters are becoming ubiquitous. Many people even select indoor plants according to how well they filter the air.
Lichen is naturally excellent at filtering the air. This window unit uses the breeze from outside to filter air through living lichen. Just spray with water every few days, and forget about expensive, electronic air purifiers.
See more lichen air filters as furniture (my thesis work) and as decorative products (my first foray).
Seasonal Allergy
Immunotherapy
Every spring, allergies affect millions of people in New England. Pollen-related allergies are even increasing around the world due to climate change. Some tackle the tip of the iceberg by taking antihistamines, some try eating local honey, and some resort to immunotherapy allergy shots. It feels like a battle with nature - but does it have to be?
This futuristic neck brace supports two vases with space for live, local flowers aimed directly at your nose. Start wearing the apparatus in winter with local blooms and build up your immunity. Users say it even smells great and brings them joy! Don’t think of nature as some outside attack on your body - it’s a chance for synergy!