Bubbles: A Smog-Proof Urban Botanical Garden

Award-winning design by Rajat Sodhi and Christoph Klemmt

The inspiration for Bubbles comes from the intricate patterns found in nature, specifically the veins in leaves and butterfly wings. By simulating the growth of these natural structures, the designers have developed a light-weight and efficient structural system for the park's enclosure. The surface of Bubbles is made using ETFE panels, a type of polymer foil that is translucent and reduces the weight and cost of the overall structure.

One of the key features of Bubbles is its ability to filter and condition the air. The outside air is purified and pumped into the botanical garden, where the plants further help to clean the air. The controlled climate inside the park ensures optimal temperature and humidity throughout the year. The adjacent buildings are directly connected to the clean air system, providing the occupants with a healthy environment.

The park not only serves as a botanical garden but also offers educational and recreational opportunities for the general public. The buildings surrounding the park can house apartments, offices, retail spaces, and even sports or medical facilities that make specific use of the clean air. This integrated approach creates a holistic and sustainable living environment.

Bubbles is a self-initiated proposal aimed at improving the quality of life for people in cities with poor air quality. The design team, Rajat Sodhi and Christoph Klemmt, conducted extensive research to develop this innovative solution. They studied the growth patterns in nature, identified suitable materials for the surface, and researched passive energy and air filtering systems to create an efficient MEP system for the project.

The design of Bubbles faced several challenges, with the most significant being the need to make the proposal economically feasible. The large transparent enclosure required a balance between functionality and affordability. By taking a bio-mimetic approach and studying lightweight natural structures like leaves and butterfly wings, the designers were able to develop a growth simulation that resulted in an efficient and cost-effective structural system.

Bubbles has received recognition for its outstanding design and innovation. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the City Planning and Urban Design category in 2015. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate exceptional expertise, technical characteristics, and artistic skill. Bubbles has been praised for its ability to create a positive and awe-inspiring environment while addressing the pressing issue of air pollution in cities.

Bubbles is a testament to the power of design and technology in creating sustainable and healthy living spaces. With its unique blend of art, architecture, and innovation, this smog-proof urban botanical garden offers a glimpse into a future where nature and technology coexist harmoniously.