Erin Somerville

The Breathing Laneway is a speculative design that reimagines Union Lane in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. It explores how living biomaterials can work in harmony to create a sanctuary within a dense urban environment. In a world where pollution has reached hazardous levels, the Breathing Laneway offers a space for people to pause, rest, and reflect. Modified spider silks and snake plants form a living air-purifying system, allowing visitors to breathe safely within the lane. Above, reflective panels diffuse natural light to illuminate both the biomaterials and human occupants, creating an immersive, restorative spatial experience.

Breathing Laneway Perspective: Journey

The Journey through the Breathing Laneway.

Breathing Laneway Perspective: Additional Plants

Additional plants are attached to structure above to provide food source for the spiders by attracting insects. Fogponics systems run through the structure providing nutrients and water to the plants.

Breathing Laneway Perspective: Looking up

This perspective captures the view of the snake plants and webs within the structure above.

Breathing Laneway Perspective: Seating

Seating within the laneway provides a place for people to sit, rest and reflect before continuing on their journey.

Breathing Laneway Perspective: Site

Nestled between two multi-storey buildings, the Breathing Laneway provides an escape from the polluted world.

Breathing Laneway Perspective: Lighting

Diffused lighting travels down the panels providing wayfinding through the laneway also illuminating seating areas.

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