AIRit

What it does

AIRit is a seating object designed for semi-public spaces (offices, hotels, spa centra, university, etc). Its core function is to filter fine dust, VOCs, and microplastics from the air, enhancing indoor air quality and raise awareness around indoor pollution.

Your inspiration

Starting out of a strategic design point of view, we wanted to make a future-proof product, that enhances indoor air quality and raise awareness about this often overlooked issue. With our first focus on the cognitive functioning of office workers and students, we became determined to make something that will actually be used and has a double function, since loads of traditional air filters end stored away in attics. Furthermore, the issue of VOCs and microplastics remains untouched, and no HEPA filter filters these hormone disruptive and neurodegenerative disease provoking particles.

How it works

The cube is built up in layers: the outer layer, filter and padding, structured "skeleton" of the cube, techincal unit and the fan. -The first layer (outer layer) is made out of 100% natural linen, and acts as the protection of the seating and double functions as a pre-filter for large particles. -Underneath is the filter and padding located, the filter consisting out of 100% EcoStatic wool, filtering VOCs, fine dust, virusses and bacteria, and microplastics -The main structure of the cube consist out of a perforated sheet metal part, that acts as the core of the cube, and the bottom part (also perforated). They hold all parts. -The fan is placed inside of the bottom part, regulating the airflow. -Electric components are inside the cube, monotoring the fan, and power. -The filter is powered by a cable. The maintanance of this filter is incredibly easy, since the outer linen layer can easily be washed, and the filter can be replaced without any issues.

Design process

First, we started from a room devider that filters, but after discovering the woolfilters we wanted to do something different and focussed on seating object because of the benifits and useability. The iteration process consisted out of shape studies and component studies. We narrowed down upon a cube-like shape because of the modularity within a room, and declined the number of fans from 4 small ones to 1 big fan. The search for a good prefilter wasn't easy either, we started with a wool fabric, but then switched up to linen because wool would be too stretchy and not impact resistent enough. Furthermore, by collaborating with Libeco, we found linen that is 100% natural and the company resonates our values. -since we aim to contribute to a healthier world.

How it is different

The air purifier market is huge, but the free standing air purifiers market is over saturated. All work with HEPA and do not introduce anything new anymore. All are filtering dust and CO2. AIRit was designed to be more than just an air purifier like the rest, we wanted it to be future proof and incorporated an innovative filter medium, reacting to the unspoken VOCs and microplastics we breathe. AIRit is also a seating object, inviting workers to use the product actively, and move it around dynamically for work breaks or just some alone time!

Future plans

We still have to iterate with the components, making it more lightweight and have a more optimized airflow. As we are not a company, we would love to inspire the future market and make a debut into a like-minded, innovative and opportunity giving workspace.

Awards