S3 is a sustainability-focused prototype designed to address London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) challenges. The concept explores a technology-infused car filter system that ingests CO₂ emissions from vehicles and converts them into cleaner air through biodegradable plant-based materials.
The idea was inspired by the case of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, whose death in 2013 was linked to illegal levels of air pollution in London. The project responds to the urgent need for new approaches to urban air quality and environmental justice.
The original concept was later developed with a multidisciplinary team of seven during a university innovation sprint. Using Blender, a 3D prototype was created to visualise how the filter system could integrate with vehicle exhaust structures as a speculative carbon-capture solution.
Process
Concept Design
A speculative system on a notepad was developed to capture CO₂ emissions from vehicles and convert them into cleaner air through biodegradable plant-based materials.
Collaborative Development
The concept was developed within a multidisciplinary team of seven, combining perspectives from design, technology, and sustainability.
3D Prototyping
A prototype was modelled in Blender to visualise the engineering concept and demonstrate how the system could integrate with vehicle exhaust structures.
Key Outcomes
Original concept and design direction developed by Tia Tshabola.
Won 1st place at the UAL Hackathon, receiving £1,000+ in development funding.
3D prototype designed in Blender to visualise the technology and system integration.
Developed collaboratively with a team of 7 designers.
Selected as a Semi-Finalist in the Mayor’s Entrepreneur Competition for innovative solutions improving London.
