ILLUMINATING ALGAE
03 Oct 2017
Currently displayed in the V&A Museum of London, this extraordinary living chandelier contains algae-filled ‘leaves’ which maker Julian Melchiorri claims purifies the air surrounding the mesmerising fixture.
Lighting design has come a long way. Julian Melchiorri, a London-based designer and engineer, created this extraordinary living chandelier that not only lights up the room, but also actively purifies the air around it. Currently on display at the V&A Museum for London Design Week, the Exhale Chandelier features glass leaves filled with green algae that absorb CO2 and releases oxygen. 
The living chandelier is not only an amazing eco-product that’s beneficial for the environment, but its sophisticated design makes for a beautiful lighting source for any atmosphere. Its modular format allows the chandelier’s green-hued leaves to be configured in a wide range of shapes, adding versatility. The lamp can be used indoors or outdoors – wherever air purification is needed. 
Melchiorri is not only a design-engineer, but also a leading biochemical technology researcher. The innovative chandelier design is the result of his many years developing and crafting his unique “artificial leaf’” technology. Working with microbiological life forms, the designer’s bionic-leaf is based on the basic principles of photosynthesis, harnessing the power of converting CO2 into oxygen and integrating it into one very beautiful product. 
Although the chandelier is a prototype at the moment, the designer envisions integrating his photo-reactive cell technology into future buildings, freeing them of harmful emissions.
Photography by Mike Chino
