Andrea natural air purification system
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Andrea, a natural air purification system, looks like a futuristic prop in Steven Spielberg's A.I., not something you'll soon be able to purchase online for the cost of an iPod Touch.
Created by industrial designer Mathieu Lehanneur and Harvard professor David Edwards in 2007, Andrea was one of several concepts by the designer to be featured in MoMA's critically-acclaimed exhibition, Design and the Elastic Mind. It also earned the distinction of Invention of the Year in Popular Science in 2008.
Essentially, Andrea exploits and hastens the process of plant filtration with a whisper-quiet fan that draws air into the vessel, propels it through the leaves and root system and out through the water into the room.
According to the manufacturer, common household plants—Peace Lilies, Red-Edged Dragon Trees, Spider Plants and Aloe Vera—make for the best performers.
With an effective range of roughly 350 square feet, Andrea works for most any room in the home or office where the threat of stagnant air or noxious gases are a concern. Thanks to its altogether pleasing form and a base that mimics ceramic pottery, this 21st century device manages to look quite traditional—a bonus for those averse to the gadget aesthetics of Sharper Image products.
Andrea will reach the U.S. market this October with a suggested retail price of $200. It will be available through online retailers Amazon, Hammacher Schlemmer and Frontgate.
Brian Fichtner
-
Lucas Ossendrijver continues his fashion return with Theory collection inspired by New Yorkers
Lucas Ossendrijver looks to the brand’s home city of New York for his second ‘Theory Project’ collection (released 31 March 2023) melding function and elegance in his signature style
By Jack Moss • Published
-
Bosco Sodi’s monumental new Mexico City studio is a multifunctional feat
As Bosco Sodi unveils his new Studio CMDX in Atlampa, Mexico City, we speak to the artist about how the vast Alberto Kalach-designed former warehouse is a feat in multitasking
By Juliana Piskorz • Published
-
Saltviga House is an architectural celebration of leftovers
Saltviga House by Kolman Boye Architects ingeniously uses offcuts from Dinesen planks to create a timber retreat on the south coast of Norway
By Ellie Stathaki • Published