I’ve just turned 15  and have been delivering hands-on physical computing & robotics workshops to other young people since I was 10. 

Since the pandemic, social distancing along with the need for additional space and appropriate ventilation is hugely important. Therefore, I wanted to explore the concept of a POP-UP Pavilion - that could be installed in different locations to provide space & healthy indoor air quality solutions.

Air quality is something that is usually invisible to us so it is easy to ignore but it does have an impact on us from day to day, “carrying respiratory diseases which affect the probability of you getting infections". https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57102372

The CO2 level in a closed space is “a good indicator of air quality and can highlight the need for ventilation”. Well-ventilated rooms are crucial for reducing the spread of airborne viruses. Well-ventilated spaces should have CO2 levels below 800ppm and CO2 levels above 1500ppm would indicate poor ventilation or overcrowding. Lower CO2 levels are also “linked to improved learning outcomes and better cognitive performance”. In today’s world, this suggests that the way we design, equip & operate our shared spaces is more important than ever. Air quality & ventilation needs to be addressed in schools & restaurants. https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/233154/curbing-covid-19-schools-imperial-scientists-support/

I wanted to develop and refine a scaled-down fully working model pavilion to test the concept, and ultimately create a workshop based on it. The workshops would enable me to deliver hands-on sessions benefiting young people by giving them the opportunity to explore how spaces can monitor & react to internal air quality to improve the experience of the users; improve their understanding of good air quality, and improve their digital & making skills.  The fully realised pavilion idea would benefit schools, shared working spaces, and the hospitality sector.