The Concrete Tree is an artificial tree which replaces real plants. It cleanses the urban air where the nature can’t be present because of growing increase of urbanization. 

 

The Concrete Tree is composed by ordinary concrete mixed with a photo-catalyzer agent, Titanium Dioxide, which accelerates the decomposition of dirt.

When this material is exposed to the uv radiation, it reduces nitric oxides and commons pollutants...

Illustration by Michela Poggioli (Photoshop)

The photocatalytic process presents many similarities to what happen in photosintesis phase.

The italian industry which made this innovative material proved 1000 square meters of this cement are equivalent to the work of 80 trees, as to remove the pollution of thirty gasoline vehicles.

 

The Concrete Tree is structured like a tree, so it becomes a shelter where the people can recover  from the rain or sun infact under the concrete foliage there are comfortable benches.
 

During the night when there aren’t UV radiation, The Concrete Tree doesn’t stop working.
On the top of the tree there is a photovoltaic panel and the energy accumulated feeds a  LEDs strip which cross the branches and leaf veins. In the night there is an suggestive atmosphere . The user discovers the bright " lifeblood " of the tree.
 
The purpose of the project  is to create an interaction between the structure and users. Also we want to give some information: on the trunk's surface there is a pressed text about air pollution's problems and an explain about the activity of The Concrete Tree.