In recent years, research into sustainable and self-sefficent architecture has become exceedingly

popular. Contemporary engineers and designers exert every effort to make their projects eco-
friendly. Industrial and technological progress has entailed detrimental effects on our environment
and many people are oblivious to the scale of the problem. Hindering environmentally safe
constructions is the main focus in modern architecture now.
Recently I hit upon a gripping article written by Jamie Carter on which I’m willing to elaborate. The
text is about Giant Bubbles that could be built over Beijing parks to save residents from smog
danger. It is claimed that enclosing spaces in giant transparent domes may be a way to escape the
city’s polluted air. Beijing has the worst smog levels among the world's capital cities - so bad that
playing sports outdoors is often banned. According to World Health Organisation Beijing suffered
60 days of pollution which transcended the emergency boundaries. The concept of „Bubbles” was
born at „Orprocject”, an architecture practice with offices in London. The structure encloses a
botanical garden endowed with air flirtation, temperature, and humidity control. Adjoining
buildings could be apartments, offices, and shops, though schools, sports, and medical facilities
would be the obvious first fit for Bubbles. Design is based on the principles of biomimetic
architecture, typically lightweight environmental structures inspired by nature. The geometry of the
Bubbles canopy was generated using an algorithm that simulates the development of veins in leaves
or butterfly wings. The architects reckon that Bubbles would be affordable. China's dominant
position in global manufacturing, particularly in the production of ETFE plastic panels required for
the canopy, would give it an edge.
Orproject's inspirations for the project come from further away, both in distance and time. Pivotal
role in the process of designing „Bubbles” has for instance R.B. Fuller’s plan for New York City in
1960. The idea was to construct a single geodesic sphere spanning two miles of central Manhattan.
From the East River to the Hudson River, it was envisaged as a way of protecting New Yorkers
from air pollution, but it could also be climate controlled to lessen the harshness of the city's bitter
winters.
Another project with a common denominator is the Eden Project a tourist attraction in Cornwall,
England.
It is my belief that the project „Bubble” could not only solve the current problems related to air
pollution in China but also would have a seismic shift in contemporary architecture. As far as I am
able to judge, issues like climate and pollution catastrophes should be media-perpetuated. In many
countries such as Poland for instance, these issues seem to be swept under the rug. Poor quality of
air exacerbates many diseases and depressive moods. Therefore it is vital that we act sustainably in
all areas of our lives including construction engineering.