Elaine Tong’s ‘Filtration Block’ is a modular unit that can hang on your wall or from the ceiling and will clean the air. Instead of using a mechanical filter, the project takes advantage of natural occurences, utilizing common plants whose roots are effective at absorbing different indoor chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. When you place plants inside the block, it performs as an indoor air filtration system to create healthier air.

This research project from RAD (Responsive Architecture at Daniels) at the University of Toronto is based on the Weaire-Phelan structure for maximum spatial flexibility. The modules lock together and each one is glazed for light exposure, acting like a micro-greenhouse. A water misting infrastructure sustains the plants, calibrating the delivery of water through the use of humidity sensors and atomizers.

RAD