“Living” Chandelier Made with Algae-Filled Leaves Naturally Purifies the Air

algae chandelier julian melchiorri

Design engineer and biotechnologist Julian Melchiorri—who first gained attention by creating the first synthetic biological leaf—recently came up with an ingenious lighting design that is as beautiful as it is eco-friendly. His “living” chandelier Exhale, purifies air while lighting up your room and was on display at the V&A Museum during the London Design Festival.

The green lighting piece is composed of 70 glass leaves filled with green algae, which absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. The transparent liquid filters through light, giving off a warm glow. While green design is often based on clean lines and ultra-modern styles, Melchiorri's chandelier is a sophisticated lighting piece that proves eco-friendly concepts can come in a myriad of styles.

The elegant chandelier is modular, which means that its leaves can be configured into different forms depending on necessity. It's also functional for both indoor and outdoor use, according to where air purification needs are most dire. By basing his work on the simple principle of photosynthesis, Melchiorri is working to make man-made household items functional for the environment.

For his efforts, Melchiorri was awarded the Emerging Talent Award during London Design Week, which is given out to individuals who have made an impact within five years of graduation. And while the Exhale chandelier is still a prototype, the young designer hopes to bring the technology to larger buildings in the future, helping them combat harmful emissions.

This “living” chandelier is composed of 70 glass leaves filled with algae that purify air.

Algae Chandelier green design Julian Melchiorri

eco lighting design julian melchiorri

algae chandelier julian melchiorri

The green design is the creation of emerging design-engineer Julian Melchiorri, who also created the world's first synthetic biological leaf.

green lighting design julian melchiorri

green lighting design julian melchiorri

Julian Melchiorri: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Inhabitat]

All images via Mike Chino.

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Elegant Plant Lamps Illuminate a Room in a Leafy Green Glow

NASA Has Compiled a List of the Best Air-Cleaning Plants for Your Home

Pocket Sized Greenhouse Self-Sufficiently Purifies the Air

Top 10 Inspirational Sites for Eco-Friendly Design

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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