Polluted, overpopulated and exponentially growing (but it also has flaws): the city of Seoul is in bad shape for emissions. According to research by the local metropolitan government, most of the emissions come from buildings concentrated in the city center.
Kim Min Jae Architects, a local architecture studio proposes a futuristic concept called “Seoul Loop”. Things? A gigantic elevated structure powered by artificial photosynthesis: a sort of large forest suspended over the heads of citizens, capable of "pumping" more oxygen to the city congested by traffic and pollution.
Elevated urban photosynthesis
Plant photosynthesis, as you know, naturally absorbs carbon dioxide and creates a positive cycle that brings fresh, clean air. However, the limited amount of space available in the crowded city center makes it difficult to green spaces. In cities like Seoul this is a crucial need.
The very central area of Huam-Dong is the one chosen for the project: high population density, zero greenery, but buildings low enough to create this concept futuristic: an elevated structure in which to develop artificial photosynthesis.
What?
Artificial photosynthesis is a chemical process that mimics the natural process of photosynthesis to obtain oxygen, hydrogen, high-value chemicals from the sun, water and carbon dioxide.
A wooden “ring” the size of an entire neighborhood
(The Seoul Loop plant)
To create maximum usable surface area and artificial photosynthesis without damage to the existing urban structure, the architect designed a large elevated ring-shaped 'runway'. The structure is entirely made of wood, and the elevated poles look like large trunks. The oxygen produced by artificial photosynthesis devices “travels” along the circuit.
The roof is equipped with artificial photosynthetic equipment and photosynthetic panels. Oxygen, hydrogen and high-value compounds generated at this level are collected and stored in a container at the edge of the roof. Meanwhile, the oxygen moves in a tube inside the facade and is released into the city. Inside the building there are spaces for the cultivation of plants (natural photosynthesis, in this case) and under the airy porticos there is space for markets, community gardens and nurseries.
In summary: a new place to enjoy in Seoul, which becomes a "green lung" for the city and can make better use of empty spaces without taking up more land.
This causeway is one of those things that we would have included without problems in the descriptions of a city of the future, but even today it seems very "ahead of time": what are the chances of it being approved? Whoever lives will see and… breathe.