Pjorkkala – the team mentored by Shneel Malik, an architect, biodesign researcher and social entrepreneur – is addressing the problem of pollution in natural water sources in Slovenia by creating prototypes for local, nature-based solutions. The location chosen as a pilot area for the project lies in the Triglav National Park, where, contrary to public belief, spring waters are quite contaminated.

The filter, named Dodola after the Slavic goddess of rain, offers an affordable solution by combining vernacular materials and practices, natural and physical phenomena and contemporary production processes. The installation of intricately shaped filtration modules purifies water of contaminants as small as bacteria, leaving behind desired constituents such as minerals. It’s made of clay mixed with organic material and fired in a way which increases its porosity. The gyroid structure which accelerates the filtration of water by increasing the available surface area of the module is achieved by 3D printing. Following principles inspired by the Archimedes’ screw, Dodola moves water through the filter by relying on the flow of the water it is placed in, meaning it can work in remote locations where electricity isn’t available.