Stefano Mancuso's Fabbrica dell'Aria: Botanical Air Purification for Interiors

Indoor air pollution, often more concentrated than outdoor, poses a significant health risk. In response, botanist Stefano Mancuso led a team to develop Fabbrica dell'Aria, a patented indoor greenhouse that uses plants to filter pollutants like carbon dioxide, nitrogen compounds, and fine dust. The system, more efficient than mechanical filters, was first prototyped at Manifattura Tabacchi in Florence and later refined in offices and co-working spaces. It is now a key component of the Welcome building in Milan's former Rizzoli area, designed by architect Kengo Kuma for developer Europa Risorse. The project, called Ufficio Biofilico, aims to blur the line between city and nature by integrating plants into daily work environments. Plants such as Ficus, Aloe, Dracena, Spatifillo, Pothos, Sansevieria, Filodendro, Falangio, and Edera are known to absorb ozone and formaldehyde, improving air quality and reducing stress.