The Department of Environmental Design (Faculty for the Built Environment) has won funds to complete an innovative engineering project in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics and Science Education (Faculty of Education).

The project, called Aerodynamic, Pedestrian Level, Air quality Control using Urban Vegetation Elements (APACHE for short), will use computer modelling to spearhead research into new air pollution barriers.

Many of us already appreciate seeing greenery in our urban environments, but what if nature could also provide a solution for the growing issue of air pollution we’re facing in our cities?

The aim of APACHE is to create a barrier to pollutants that would be made partly of vegetation, and partly of solid material. With the right shape and characteristics, this barrier would direct air flow and pollutants from traffic away from pedestrians and residents without using any complex processes or extra energy. The porous, sponge-like nature of the vegetation and the combination of different materials would enable innovation in the development of such a barrier, described in engineering terms as a Nature Based Solution (NbS).

Focus will be placed on mitigating pollutant concentrations in the pedestrian zone at heights above ground relevant to children and adults.

The project will use a combination of computer modelling and wind tunnel experiments to develop and optimise the aerodynamic design. The team will also work with citizens and stakeholders in a co-creative process, taking into account the feedback of locals to ensure the product is as beneficial as possible for the community.

The project is funded by the Malta Council for Science and Technology under the Fusion Smart Cities programme. The principal investigator of the project is Dr Ing. Daniel Micallef while the project partner is Dr Edward Duca.

Information and image source: