LIVING PAINT - SAMSUNG SOLVE FOR TOMORROW URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CHALLENGE

Technology Partner |

Samsung

Sector |

Environmental Technology

Year |

2022

Project Type |

Concept for a Start-Up Pitch (Teamwork)

THE CHALLENGE

The developers of an algae-infused bio-coating technology needed help pitching their innovation at Samsung's "Solve for Tomorrow" competition. While their biotechnology addressed critical urban challenges—heat mitigation from building surfaces, air purification in polluted city environments, and space optimization within limited urban real estate—they struggled to demonstrate how this technology could solve real-world problems in a way competition judges would immediately understand. My challenge was translating abstract biotechnology into a compelling architectural demonstration that made urban-scale benefits tangible.

Urban challenge visualization: heat island effect, air pollution, and space constraints in Frankfurt skyline.

Algae bio-coating applied to ceramic test surface. (Photo: Team member Clara Schmelter)

THE innovation

Living Paint proposes algae-infused coatings applied to modular panels for building exteriors, creating active air-purifying systems. The concept addresses urban challenges through:

Heat mitigation: Algae panels absorb light and provide natural cooling vs. reflective surfaces
Air purification: Exceptional CO2-to-O2 conversion efficiency outperforming conventional plants
Space optimization: Vertical application maximizes environmental impact in minimal footprint
Integrated water systems: Rainwater harvesting powers automated rotation and watering mechanisms
Self-sustaining design: Demonstrates biomimicry principles for regenerative urban environments

Application concepts: pavilion shading systems and automated facade integration at Samsung headquarters, Eschborn. (Architectural visualization)

Algae coating on various material substrates demonstrating application versatility. (Photo: Team member Clara Schmelter)

THE DEMONSTRATION STRATEGY

My visualization approach transformed abstract biotechnology into immediately understandable building applications. Through architectural renderings and facade system design, I showed how modular algae panels could integrate with existing building infrastructure, making complex environmental benefits concrete for non-technical audiences. This visualization work helped the team communicate technical feasibility and urban-scale impact to competition judges.

Team presentation and award ceremony at Samsung Experience Studio for Connected Living, Frankfurt.

IMPACT & VALIDATION

Competition Recognition:

3rd Place Winner - Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Urban Environmental Protection Challenge 2022
Team project developed at Samsung Experience Studio for Connected Living, Frankfurt
My contribution: Facade shading concept development, architectural visualization and presentation

Business Relevance: This collaboration demonstrates my ability to take complex technologies developed by others and create compelling visual demonstrations that make benefits immediately understandable. Manufacturing companies often have brilliant R&D teams who struggle to communicate their innovations—my visualization and demonstration design skills bridge that gap, exactly as I did for this biotechnology team concept.

Solution visualization showing environmental benefits across Frankfurt's urban landscape.

DEMONSTRATOR POTENTIAL

This project proves my capability to visualize complex technologies for environmental technology exhibitions, smart city showcases, and sustainable architecture conferences—translating technical innovations into demonstrations that create immediate understanding.