“Nature is the source of all true knowledge”
- Leonardo Da Vinci
Microcosm is a moss based air purifier that physically moves around your home.
Microcosm is a moss based air purification system designed to navigate to and cleanse targeted areas within your home. Powered by a network of air quality sensors installed by the user, Microcosm autonomously identifies and addresses zones with compromised air quality.
Equipped with onboard dehumidification technology, Microcosm efficiently extracts moisture from the air. Mist delivery mechanisms then transform this moisture to sustain the moss, which is critical to ensuring proper air filtration. Additionally, integrated light sensors monitor and regulate sunlight exposure, safeguarding the vitality of the moss to maximize its air purifying efficacy.
Microcosm is both a product and a provocation about our understanding of the symbiotic relationship humans have to nature.
Sensor will detect poor air quality (PM2.5, PM10.0, and VOC's)
After sensing poor air quality, Microcosm will navigate towards the bad air and cleanse it.
The user will occasionally top off water levels through the easy to access port on top of the device.
1. MOTIVATION
HEPA Filters create 6,000 tons of landfill waste per year.
Air purifiers lack physical mobility, and therefore people often purchase several devices for one home.
Houseplants are proven to be beneficial for humans physical and psychological health.
2. PROPOSITION
Unlike most houseplants, Sphagnum moss has several characteristics that make it particularly suited for the task of air purification.
1. Ability to incorporate organic material into its own biomass*
2. Tight grain structure*
3. Hardiness & easy maintenance*
Several air quality tests comparing HEPA filters with Sphagnum were performed with promising results.
Structure Iterations
Various Ideation
Electronics and Assembly
Moss
Fan Shroud (CNC and Foam Models)
Fully Functional Prototype
