Lee Keereem’s air purifier design emulates ideas of the Bauhaus style

Air purifiers and similarly utilitarian everyday objects usually remind one of austere designs that serve to cater to their designated function without any additional ostentation. While this convention is adopted in most technologically driven objects, there always exist anomalies in the form of atypical designs that transcend these rules by suffusing utilitarian objects with artistic features. One such design is the Bauhaus Air Purifier by Korean industrial designer Lee Keereem. Named and inspired by the revolutionary 20th century movement that emphasised on beautifying everyday objects with the usage of simple forms, colours and materials, the air purifier truly emulates the philosophy of the Bauhaus movement.

Taking cues from the movement, Keereem picked up the most basic shapes, forms and colours and arranged them against each other to compose a playful design. The purifier stands out for utilising the simplest shapes to create a unique and balanced design. "It awakens the artistic sense that was sleeping inside me," says Keereem about the influence of the Bauhaus philosophy on him while creating this charming design.

Based on a Bauhaus poster that comprises simple shapes assembled together in an attractive composition, the air purifier is decorated with some of the most common colours and appears like a 3D version of the flat poster. It serves as an ideal example of combining function with art without compromising its efficiency. While the primal design by Keereem echoes the aesthetic of Bauhaus in both form and colour, its colour variances aim to permeate their spaces with specific auras in accordance with their themes.

The four variances are washed in different colour hues and can, thus, induce different emotions. While Pure Snow is inspired by the whiteness of untouched snow, Forest Sunlight is coloured in dark but soothing colours that project the calmness associated with nature. Rape Flower, on the other hand, is coloured orange, referencing the brightness of these flowers that beautifully sway on the Jeju island under the influence of spring breezes. Another variation of the Bauhaus Air Purifier, called Silent Night, emulates just that with its darkened surface. The inspiration behind this piece is the tranquillity that comes with darkness.

Each of these pieces reiterate the philosophy of “simple is the ultimate sophistication” through circles, triangles and squares mushed together. A definitive example of modern design, the projection of art on a strictly industrial piece further renders it the status of a contemporary creation: it occupies no extra space, while also creatively enriching a space.