The Breathing Environment Part 2 Project 2023 Jessika Elalam De Montfort University | UK Located in Leicester, this project repurposes a car park on St. Augustine Road into a natural healing centre, offering a respiratory clinic and short-stay accommodations for individuals with respiratory problems. The design incorporates a layering system, which helps reduce the air pollutants entering the site, cultivating a clean courtyard for visitors. The first layer is precast concrete panels embellished with medicinal patterns. It acts as a solid physical barrier that helps bounce off pollutants. Also, concrete can absorb high levels of CO2 and serve as a sponge, adsorbing sulfur dioxide to a high level. Concrete is an essential but hidden layer in most buildings. For this design, I wanted to change the perception of concrete, adding value and treating it as a precious material. Referencing the river’s history, the panels on the outer perimeter of the site are pink in color. The second layer is mycelium panels. Over the past years, mycelium-based materials have shown to be promising due to their extraordinary properties. Its porous characteristics enable the material to be fire-resistant, lightweight, sound absorbent, and environmental pollutants absorbent. Air-purifying plants are planted between the layers to help reduce air pollutants and toxins in and around the site. Tutor(s) Tim Barwell Ben Cowd