Cooling Canvas: When Air Conditioning Meets Interior Design

The first air conditioning systems were created by electrical engineer Willis Carrier in 1902 to solve a problem for a printing press in Brooklyn, New York, where humidity threatened to ruin the paper. Since then, air conditioning has evolved from a revolutionary thermal comfort system into an essential element of homes and workplaces. Initially, the units were large and centralized, hidden away due to their ducted system nature. However, this approach is rapidly changing as more energy-efficient efficient ductless air conditioners become more integrated into contemporary interiors.

The airPure concept by Hitachi Air Conditioning exemplifies this evolution. No longer confined to mere utility, air conditioners are being reimagined as aesthetic focal points in home interiors. With its minimalist design and multifunctional capabilities, airPure is an artistic addition to modern living spaces. Its retractable air vents diffuse airflow across walls, ceilings, and floors, ensuring users are not subjected to uncomfortable direct drafts.

The design was awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award for Design Concept 2024, representing a paradigm shift in how air conditioning is perceived. Its round shape incorporates a multifunctional OLED display that transforms the device into a mirror, photo frame, or ambient light source, seamlessly integrating with any interior. As Lawrence Chu, Global UX Design Director at Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning, explains:

The airPure concept shows the potential of bringing air conditioning units into other home category objects, beyond its primary function as an air blower. It may even change how air conditioners are seen in the future, placing much more emphasis and importance on them in our living spaces.

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning developed this concept with Gen Z homeowners in mind, addressing their desire for personalized and visually appealing living spaces. For this tech-savvy and demanding demographic, functionality alone is not enough. They seek solutions that integrate discreetly yet strikingly into their spaces. “For tech-savvy generations who prioritize aesthetics over bulky plastic appliances, there is a growing demand for innovative solutions that blend seamlessly into their spaces,” Chu adds.

This user-centered approach, however, came with challenges. Striking the right balance between design elegance and technical functionality was a carefully navigated process during airPure’s development. Initial technical possibilities and limitations were treated as opportunities to reflect on how users would experience the product. This led to an integrated design process, where both the exterior and interior of the product were refined under the brand’s guiding philosophy of being “Quiet yet iconic” and delivering “Comfort.”

The team dedicated countless hours to exploring dozens of concepts, and many inputs were collected until we found a vision that resonated with future users. We recognized that achieving a low-profile architecture would be one of our greatest challenges, but it was essential for realizing our vision of an air conditioner that harmonizes with modern living spaces.

Emphasizing the evolving dynamics of interior design, this user-focused approach highlights the expectation for applicants to enhance—rather than disrupt—the aesthetics of a space. “We believe air conditioning should be an unobtrusive aspect of daily life—subtly integrated rather than a focal point of discomfort,” Chu remarks. “Our innovative application prioritizes user comfort by creating a gentle breeze that enhances the overall experience.”

Beyond cooling, the airPure display doubles as a versatile decorative element. It can transform into ambient lighting to set the mood, a frame to display cherished visuals, or even a mirror, making it as functional as it is elegant. This fusion of technology and design creates a dynamic interaction between technology and home interiors. “In an era marked by modular technological advancements, virtually any object can incorporate screens, speakers, or lighting modules,” Chu observes. “But meaningful design enhances living environments without compromising aesthetics.”

We aim to reshape perceptions of air conditioning from mere climate control devices to essential elements of home décor that enhance both comfort and style.

As consumers demand more personalized and appealing spaces, innovations like airPure prove that even the most utilitarian objects can become statements of design. With its careful integration of form and function, airPure invites us to imagine a future where our homes are not only smarter but also more beautiful.