Synth[e]Tech[e]Cology, Royal College of Art Architecture graduate Chang-Yeo b Lee, who has worked as an architecture designer and visualizer with experience at Heatherwick Studio in London, is currently pursuing new ways of communicating ‘future narrative’ design and architectural solutions with the emergence of robotic prototypes that function as design tools. His distinctive and recognized project is called Synth[e]Tech[e]Cology and the playful wording represents 3 key elements of Lee’s project: synthetic, techie [technological], and ecology.
Lee’s Diploma project is a [currently still utopian] transformation of London’s BT Tower into a pollution-harvesting high rise structure – his proposal is about taking away the telecommunications function of the tower in order to place something different: an eco-skyscraper. In his research, Lee has looked at a number of factors such as social, political, economic, and healthcare and he has mostly focused on the society-health relationship.
By addressing the respiratory illness as an issue of matter within London and the city’s unique climate, Lee proposes to re-design the BT Tower into a commodity for harvesting affecting pollutants. On the other hand, Lee does pay close attention to the economic factor in his research too, that is why he suggests that the investment in such pollution-harvesting invention would be of great benefit in times of depleting/scarce resources.
He even quotes Buckminster Fuller, according to whom pollution does in fact seem to be a source we do not know yet how to use: “Pollution is nothing but the resources we are not harvesting. We allow them to disperse because we’ve been ignorant of their value” (Fuller, B.) The exterior of the high rise building – a very visual and dynamic process, is suggested the purpose of an eco-catalytic converter. While the interior is proposed to accommodate a research center that would investigate new methods of increasing air movement, harvesting its pollutant matter, and aim at maximizing the structure’s efficiency.
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.