Designers collaborate to shape Carbyon’s modular CO2 capture machines for the future
Four visionary designers fuse creativity and sustainability, creating functional and aesthetic prototypes for Carbyon’s direct air capture technology.
Published on October 25, 2024
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In a rarely seen fusion of technology and design, Carbyon, a company developing cutting-edge direct air capture (DAC) technology, has partnered with four designers to reimagine the appearance and functionality of its CO₂-capturing machines. Hosted by Beatrix Bos, project manager and impact creator at Carbyon, a conversation with the designers highlighted how design can shape public perception and contribute to the global fight against climate change. As the designers each presented their concepts, it became clear that they aimed to make these machines efficient and visually captivating.
Bridging the gap between technology and design
“We are going to take CO₂ from the air using beautiful machines,” began Beatrix Bos, setting the tone for the conversation. “This concept is still uncommon for many people; at Carbyon, we sometimes forget that.” She pointed out that while the company has been focused on technological development, they realized the importance of how the public perceives the machines. With that in mind, Carbyon collaborated with designers to create modular DAC machines that would function effectively and resonate aesthetically with people.
Bos reflected on the tech and design world divide and stressed the need to bridge that gap. “During Dutch Design Week, we see almost no regional tech companies. That’s strange because design and technology should come together." To bring these worlds closer, Carbyon partnered with the Dutch Design Foundation to engage four designers with diverse perspectives, each tackling the challenge of designing a machine that captures carbon directly from the air.
Joris Zandbergen: Visualizing airflow with ‘Airscapes’
The first designer, Joris Zandbergen, presented a concept called . His vision was to expose the internal processes of CO₂ removal, making the invisible visible. “With solar panels, it’s hard to see what they’re doing, but with wind turbines, you can see the function,” Zandbergen explained. He wanted to apply this principle to Carbyon’s machines by designing panels that would move in response to air currents, allowing people to visualize the airflow.
His design featured high-speed, flexible panels that would wobble slightly when the machine was operational. “The panels are reflective, so you can see the movements even better, creating a kind of dance with the wind,” he added. Zandbergen’s goal was not just functionality but also sparking curiosity among passersby. He hoped to create a tangible connection between the machine and its purpose by making the air in and outflow more visible.
Yotam Sion: Transforming machines into ‘Air Towers’
Yotam Sion drew inspiration from iconic structures like water towers for his design, naming his concept . The idea was to make the machines visually prominent yet approachable, turning them into “friendly giants” in the landscape. Sion envisioned the CO₂ capture machines as structures reaching the sky, like a windmill or a lighthouse.
“I chose a white color for the design, symbolizing clean air,” he explained. Sion also introduced making the machines modular and customizable, possibly using transparent or colored panels. His design wasn’t just about removing carbon—it was about creating a recognizable landmark that could blend into or stand out in different environments.
Sion mentioned that some people likened his design to something from a sci-fi movie, while others saw it as a more familiar and approachable structure. “It’s funny that it can have such different associations, but that’s what makes it interesting,” he said.
Lotte Wigman: Turning carbon capture into an oasis
Lotte Wigman approached the project from an ecological perspective. Her design, , envisioned the machines contributing to local ecosystems, particularly in arid environments like deserts. “One of the locations where we might place these machines is the desert, where there’s a lot of energy and space,” Bos explained on behalf of Wigman.
Her concept was inspired by the DAC machines, which also capture water as a byproduct. Wigman proposed using this water to irrigate the land around the machines, creating an oasis in the desert. She was inspired by circle irrigation systems, where water is distributed evenly around a central point, and incorporated this into her design. “This gives the machine a more natural feel, turning it into something that works with nature rather than against it.”
Wigman also focused on using natural materials for the machine’s exterior, making it more harmonious with the surrounding environment. Her design aimed to transform carbon capture plants into thriving ecosystems that could contribute to local biodiversity.
Joshua Holetz: Blending machines with nature
Joshua Holetz took a different approach, focusing on how the machines could blend into their surroundings. His design was inspired by organic forms found in nature, such as the armadillo’s shell or the structure of a lobster. “I wanted the machine to become a naturalized part of the environment, not something alien,” Holetz explained.
His design featured modular panels that could be customized using local materials like clay or recycled wood, making each machine unique to its location. “You could even collaborate with local artists to create specific designs for each machine, turning them into works of art,” he suggested.
Holetz explored a horizontal modular design, which could be adapted depending on available space. In urban environments, smaller, more compact modules could be installed in parks, while larger plants could be deployed in open areas like deserts. “The goal is to make the machine part of the landscape or even create a new landscape where people can interact,” he said.
A vision for the future
Beatrix Bos reflected on the designers’ contributions as the meeting wrapped up. “This project gives us a peek into the future,” she said. While the machines are still in development, Carbyon plans to continue integrating design into the process, ensuring their machines are functional, visually appealing, and environmentally conscious.
Though there may not be a single winner in this design challenge, the collaboration has sparked a conversation that will shape the future of Carbyon’s direct air capture machines, turning them into symbols of innovation in the fight against climate change.
