Innovative building design: a weapon against PM 2.5 pollution

Fine-particulate air pollution continues to pose significant health risks in urban environments

 

PM 2.5 (fine particulate) air pollution continues to pose significant health risks in urban environments across the globe, particularly in densely populated city centres. 

 

While traditional measures such as reducing vehicular traffic and industrial emissions remain important, architectural innovations are emerging as a powerful complementary approach to combat this persistent problem.

 

According to Assistant Professor Dr Jitiporn Wongwatcharapaiboon of Thammasat University's Faculty of Architecture and Planning, building design plays a crucial role in filtering harmful particulates. 

 


"Controlling indoor temperature and humidity is fundamental," Jitiporn explains. "Proper humidity levels prevent dust particles from becoming airborne, while slightly cooler temperatures encourage faster settlement of particulates."


 

The building façade serves as the first line of defence against pollution. Experts recommend well-ventilated façades incorporating specialised filtration materials that can trap harmful particles before they penetrate indoor spaces. 

 



 

Within buildings, advanced filtration systems such as HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters and electrostatic precipitators have proved highly effective at capturing PM 2.5 dust, particulate matter that's 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter.

 

Strategic design choices can further enhance air quality. Positioning windows and ventilation openings to align with natural wind patterns helps expel pollutants while reducing energy consumption. This approach not only improves air quality but also creates more sustainable buildings overall.
 

  

Green Solutions: More than Mere Aesthetics

Contrary to popular belief, incorporating greenery into architectural designs offers more than visual appeal. 
Green walls and vertical gardens featuring plants such as ferns, pothos and peace lilies trap particulate matter while increasing oxygen levels.

 

Sky gardens represent another innovative solution, reducing heat accumulation while increasing air humidity. However, experts caution that proper ventilation remains essential, as overly dense plant arrangements can sometimes trap dust rather than eliminate it.

 

 



 

Cutting-Edge Materials Making a Difference

Modern building materials are playing an increasingly important role in pollution reduction. 

 

Activated carbon panels, which absorb both particulates and airborne toxins, can be integrated with ventilation systems to reduce indoor pollution levels significantly.

 

Pollution-absorbing concrete represents one of the most promising innovations in the field. Incorporating special chemicals that capture NOx gases and particulates, some varieties feature nano-coated titanium dioxide that breaks down dust when exposed to sunlight and moisture. 

 

While this technology has yet to gain widespread adoption in some regions, it holds tremendous potential for future urban development.

  



 

Global Exemplars of Eco-Friendly Architecture

Around the world, architects and developers are creating buildings specifically designed to combat pollution. 

 

Italy's Bosco Verticale features more than 900 trees and 20,000 plants distributed across balconies, functioning as a vertical forest that filters dust while reducing urban carbon dioxide levels.

 

In the Netherlands, The Edge employs smart sensor technology to optimise air quality by adjusting circulation based on occupancy patterns. This intelligent approach minimises dust accumulation while maintaining fresh indoor air.

 

Thailand's Puey 100 Year Park Learning Centre at Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, demonstrates regional leadership with its green roof design that traps dust and reduces heat. 

 

The building also incorporates advanced SCG air filtration systems specifically targeting PM 2.5 particulates.

 

While architectural solutions represent a significant step forward, experts emphasise that government policies and public cooperation remain essential components of any comprehensive approach to air pollution. 

 

Initiatives such as green buffer zones separating industrial from residential areas could substantially improve air quality in urban environments.

 

As pollution concerns continue to mount, architecture is increasingly recognised not merely as an aesthetic discipline but as a vital tool in creating healthier, more sustainable urban environments for future generations.

(2025/03/01-00:00)