Seoul, South Korea
Korean architect Kim Min Jae has designed and built an urban infrastructure named “Seoul Loop” that will help the Korean metropolis to surpass air pollution issues and provide more oxygen through artificial photosynthesis.
“Artificial photosynthesis is a chemical process that mimics the natural process of photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and oxygen. Compared to natural photosynthesis, artificial processes produce oxygen, high-value compounds, and hydrogen. Thus, oxygen can be supplied directly to the city, and the rest of the products can be stored as added value.” states Kim Min Jae.
Natural Photosynthesis absorbs carbon dioxide and creates a virtuous cycle that exhales oxygen.
The structure is a looping volume made of timber that floats over the area of Huam Dong, a low-rise building area in the center of Seoul.
It is an environmentally friendly substitute for carbon-intensive materials.
The roof features artificial photosynthetic equipment and photosynthetic panels.
Oxygen, hydrogen, and high-value compounds generated at this level get collected and stored in a container at the roof edge.
At the same time, oxygen moves in a pipe within the facade and gets released into the city.
Inside the building is a vase for growing plants and small facilities where natural photosynthesis, cultivation, sale, and storage of green plants can occur.
In order to manage the infrastructure area easier and better, the architect has created a modular system where each module has the same width but different lengths that differentiate and classify each sector.
Project: Seoul Loop
Architects: Kim Min Jae Architects