My entry to the Dezeen x Samsung Re:Create Design Challenge, tasking entrants with coming up with innovative ways to repurpose old Samsung devices or materials and transform them into new products or services that will have a positive impact on people and the planet.

Bloom makes use of recycled smartphone screens and reuses mobile flash LEDs from old Samsung devices to house and assist the growth of microalgae.

Although microalgae growth is well documented to have many potentially life changing and planet altering properties, it is yet to be adopted into the mainstream. Bloom makes it possible to implement small-scale microalgae farms into everyday life.

A huge benefit of growing microalgae is its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen, making it ideal to introduce into inner-cities. Bloom can be seamlessly introduced into city-centres while having alternative functions, such as providing shelter for a bus stop. An added benefit of using Bloom as part of a bus shelter is the ability to collect the rainwater needed to grow the algae.

Recycled smartphone screens are an ideal means to house microalgae because it allows the light needed for the microalgae to pass through, consequently allowing the algae to grow. However, during nighttime and low light hours, the microalgae starts to respire, instead absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Therefore, Bloom makes use of mobile flash LEDs which allows the algae to continue to grow, meaning more efficient microalgae growth and maximizing its benefits. The use of LEDs also allows the microalgae to be grown in low light areas, such as in underground train stations.

As well as absorbing carbon dioxide, once harvested, microalgae can be used as a high protein food for human consumption; going some way to reduce food shortages. Microalgae can also be used as a source to produce sustainable biofuels, as well as use in the pharmaceutical industry for medicine development.