AirBubble Restorative Space by ecoLogicStudio: Pioneering Biotechnological Healthcare and Workplace Wellbeing in Switzerland

ecoLogicStudio, the London- and Turin-based design innovation firm, has unveiled the third iteration of their AirBubble concept with the AirBubble Restorative Space in Nyon, Switzerland. This innovative project marks a new frontier in workplace wellbeing, sustainable design, and biophilic architecture, combining nature, technology, and human-centered spatial planning.

The AirBubble Restorative Space is the world’s first biotechnological healthcare garden, integrating air-purifying algae systems with medicinal plants to create a multi-sensory restorative environment. The project establishes a new symbiosis between humans and nature, offering employees a balanced space for mental health, physical relaxation, collaboration, and creative interaction. Oxygen-rich air, the scent of herbs and flowers, and the gentle bubbling of algae contribute to a calming, stress-relieving atmosphere.

Part of the Larger AirCampus Vision

The AirBubble Restorative Space is situated within the green surroundings of a Swiss factory and is a key component of the larger AirCampus initiative, which also includes:

• AirOffice: An indoor workspace blending advanced gardening systems with air filtration.
• AIReactor: A desktop biotechnological air-purifier that enhances air quality in personal workspaces.

AirCampus embodies bio-design innovation, offering a replicable and scalable architectural system that can be integrated into workplaces worldwide. This project demonstrates how architecture, landscape, and biotechnology can collectively improve workplace health and environmental sustainability.

Reimagining Medicinal Gardens in the Bio-Digital Era

ecoLogicStudio’s design draws inspiration from pre-industrial botanical gardens, particularly the historic medicinal garden of Padua, Italy, where plants were cultivated as part of public health initiatives. Marco Poletto, co-founder of ecoLogicStudio, explains:

“We translated the concept of historic medicinal gardens into the bio-digital era, creating a space where substances and plants can be cultivated publicly, supporting human health and workplace wellbeing.”

The AirBubble Restorative Space reinvents the traditional healthcare model by seamlessly combining pharmaceutical research, workplace design, and urban ecology.

Cutting-Edge Bio-Architectural Features

The AirBubble structure is a 6-meter-high cylindrical timber frame, wrapped in ETFE membrane, sitting atop a landscaped mound. Key features include:

• 36 bioreactors in borosilicate glass, containing 350 liters of live Chlorella algae cultures. These bioreactors filter polluted air at 150 liters per minute, removing carbon dioxide and pollutants while releasing fresh oxygen.
• Inverted conical roof membrane that enhances natural ventilation and air recirculation.
• White bubbling sounds from algae filtration, masking industrial noise and promoting mental relaxation.
• Harvested biomass repurposed as algae drinks, protein-rich bread, or natural fertilizer for the surrounding garden.

The structure sits on 26 reversible ground screws, avoiding concrete use and preserving the natural landscape. Seasonal local plants and rainwater collection systems further enhance environmental sustainability, eliminating the need for irrigation.

Medicinal Plant Integration

The AirBubble Restorative Space is surrounded by a medicinal garden with 47 plant species designed to promote wellbeing across all seasons:

• Autumn and winter plants: Alchemilla vulgaris, Iberis sempervirens, Camellia japonica, Helleborus.
• Spring and summer species: Salvia officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Pulmonaria officinalis, Nepeta cataria, among others.

This bio-integrated landscape contributes to air purification, mental wellbeing, and stress reduction. A monitoring system tracks the Air Quality Index for PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO, allowing AirBubble to absorb 97% of nitrogen and 75% of particulate matter.

Multi-Sensory Experience and Employee Engagement

Visitors enter the space via a rubberized surface in earthy tones, leading to a two-level seating area designed for comfort and social interaction. Distinctive Corten metal sculptures serve as both functional and artistic elements, including rainwater gardens and perimeter seating made from CNC-cut cork blocks.

The design encourages employees to engage with the air purification process, observe plant growth, and enjoy the calming benefits of a restorative workplace landscape.

A Global Vision for Workplace Health

AirBubble is part of a broader global initiative for air quality awareness and sustainable workplace design. Previous projects include:

• AirBubble playground in Warsaw
• AirBubble inflatable eco-machines installed at COP26, COP27, and Saudi Design Festival
• AirLab in London

All photographs are works of Pepe Fotografia