CONCRETE JUNGLE

A redesign of the first floor of Peckhamplex in Peckham, South London into a space for medical science based on concrete.

In a world where the issue of air pollution is becoming more prevalent, the investigation into solutions is becoming more relevant. This matter can be approached via two methods; the reduction in pollutants and the way in which we can use materials to reduce that which already exists.

Although moves are being made globally towards a more sustainable and ‘greener’ environment,
the existence of man-made air pollution especially within cities – is affecting both the health of our planet and its inhabitants. This will impact the planet negatively should the issue not be addressed, particularly in deprived urban areas.

This project imagines a future scenario in which air pollution has risen at it’s current rate. Within cities, in this case London, people must protect themselves from polluted air particles which have a negative impact on their health and eventually lead to fatalities. Wearable measures such as face masks are used against the outside air to reduce the impact on human health.

A research facility ‘Concrete Jungle’ (material study using photosynthesis) is proposed which experiments in the use of building materials to reduce air pollution (for instance Titanium Dioxide concrete which is currently being studied, reducing harmful air particles by up to 40%). The Research Center has areas for both public and private use where the community is able to be a part of the experiment as ‘guinea pigs’ as well as providing a space with reduced air pollutants.