On Show: Weird, Wondrous Science Meets Design
Houses grown, not built. Power-generating soil. And snail poop that ... well, see for yourself in our coverage of a new Rotterdam exhibit
Christine Ciarmello
October 7, 2013
Houzz Contributor; creator of cciarm.com. I enjoy traveling and being inspired by local crafts and the design sensibilities of different places. Frankly, I'm obsessed with design-y hotels. I've worked as a travel editor and writer at magazines for the past decade.
Houzz Contributor; creator of cciarm.com. I enjoy traveling and being inspired by... More
I'm no numbers cruncher, but with the world's population projected to grow nearly 30 percent, to 9.1 billion people, in 25 years, I do have a few burning questions. Like, will there be enough world to go around? How much can we reasonably ask of this earth we walk on? How will we make, build and live with already limited and stressed resources?
While many of us are perfectly familiar with green building and eco materials, like reclaimed wood, bamboo and denim insulation, what I'm about to show you is much, much stranger. The fantastical future is nigh; as evidence, I bring you the current exhibit at The New Institute in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
While many of us are perfectly familiar with green building and eco materials, like reclaimed wood, bamboo and denim insulation, what I'm about to show you is much, much stranger. The fantastical future is nigh; as evidence, I bring you the current exhibit at The New Institute in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
thenewinstitute.nl
At Biodesign: On the Cross-Pollination of Nature, Science and Creativity (September 25, 2013, to January 5, 2014), you can learn about shoes made of bacteria, textiles of sugarcane, and floors of snail poop.
While many projects are conceptual or prototypes, others are real. For example, a few companies have already begun mailing and packaging products with mushroom insulation, including Crate & Barrel and Dell. And if you haven't yet seen the Half-Life lamp, powered not by electricity but by hamster cells, you can read about that in this Houzz ideabook.
Curator William Myers chose projects that illustrate how living systems are now aiding in design and architecture. He also selected the more far-out to be provocative about what new technologies would mean to our lives.
While many projects are conceptual or prototypes, others are real. For example, a few companies have already begun mailing and packaging products with mushroom insulation, including Crate & Barrel and Dell. And if you haven't yet seen the Half-Life lamp, powered not by electricity but by hamster cells, you can read about that in this Houzz ideabook.
Curator William Myers chose projects that illustrate how living systems are now aiding in design and architecture. He also selected the more far-out to be provocative about what new technologies would mean to our lives.
terreform.org
7 Futuristic Nature-Meets-Design Concepts
1. The Fab Tree Hab
The concept: Houses that are grown instead of built. Yes, it could take seven years, depending on weather conditions. But let's assume after that start-up phase, we'd just move from tree to tree.
Eco cred: No damage to the environment. We become part of it, rather than the other way around. Homes use living trees still integrated into their ecosystems. Your house would be grafted into shape, and branches would be trained to be woven together to form archways, lattices and screens through an ancient process called pleaching. Is anyone else thinking of Avatar's Pandora people?
Mind behind the design: Terreform One
1. The Fab Tree Hab
The concept: Houses that are grown instead of built. Yes, it could take seven years, depending on weather conditions. But let's assume after that start-up phase, we'd just move from tree to tree.
Eco cred: No damage to the environment. We become part of it, rather than the other way around. Homes use living trees still integrated into their ecosystems. Your house would be grafted into shape, and branches would be trained to be woven together to form archways, lattices and screens through an ancient process called pleaching. Is anyone else thinking of Avatar's Pandora people?
Mind behind the design: Terreform One
thenewinstitute.nl
2. Precycled Modular Bioreactor
The concept: Eco pods that can be interlocked and robotically moved. They would contain algae or productive gardens.
Eco cred: Algae produce biofuel. Why not use space smartly to produce what we need (including edibles)? The pods integrate energy production and architecture.
Minds behind the design: Höweler + Yoon Architecture and Squared Design Lab
The concept: Eco pods that can be interlocked and robotically moved. They would contain algae or productive gardens.
Eco cred: Algae produce biofuel. Why not use space smartly to produce what we need (including edibles)? The pods integrate energy production and architecture.
Minds behind the design: Höweler + Yoon Architecture and Squared Design Lab
thenewinstitute.nl
3. Three Invincible Cities
The concept: Welcome to Sandra, Crystalia and Arachnia, three speculative cities where structures are built from sand, crystals and spider silk.
Eco cred: These cities would be built by harnessing the abilities of bacteria already present in their ecosystems. In the Sahara Desert, the creatives behind this project are trying to use a bacterium in the sand to perform construction; it would naturally convert dunes into sandstone.
Minds behind the design: Ordinary Ltd., Magnus Larsson and Alex Kaiser, who were inspired by Le città invisibili (translation: "invisible cities"), a novel by Italian writer Italo Calvino.
The concept: Welcome to Sandra, Crystalia and Arachnia, three speculative cities where structures are built from sand, crystals and spider silk.
Eco cred: These cities would be built by harnessing the abilities of bacteria already present in their ecosystems. In the Sahara Desert, the creatives behind this project are trying to use a bacterium in the sand to perform construction; it would naturally convert dunes into sandstone.
Minds behind the design: Ordinary Ltd., Magnus Larsson and Alex Kaiser, who were inspired by Le città invisibili (translation: "invisible cities"), a novel by Italian writer Italo Calvino.
driversofchange.com
4. The Living Urban Building
The concept: A skyscraper with beaucoup du mind-boggling amenities! Floors dedicated to growing food for tenants; a building powered by algae and wind; integrated transportation hubs. Structures and modular components can be upgraded and regularly replaced by robots. The homeowner's association is probably nothing to sneeze at.
Eco cred: This smart building can react to the local environment and to the residents' needs. For example, food is grown based on what tenants consume. The building also has a skin that responds to climate changes and converts carbon dioxide into oxygen. "It virtually functions as a synthetic and highly sensitive nervous system," says global engineering firm Arup. Or in two easy-to-understand words: It's alive!
Mind behind the design: Foresight + Innovation, a think tank for Arup
The concept: A skyscraper with beaucoup du mind-boggling amenities! Floors dedicated to growing food for tenants; a building powered by algae and wind; integrated transportation hubs. Structures and modular components can be upgraded and regularly replaced by robots. The homeowner's association is probably nothing to sneeze at.
Eco cred: This smart building can react to the local environment and to the residents' needs. For example, food is grown based on what tenants consume. The building also has a skin that responds to climate changes and converts carbon dioxide into oxygen. "It virtually functions as a synthetic and highly sensitive nervous system," says global engineering firm Arup. Or in two easy-to-understand words: It's alive!
Mind behind the design: Foresight + Innovation, a think tank for Arup
thenewinstitute.nl
5. The Moss Table
The prototype: This table, which has its very own Facebook page, is no ordinary table. It contains pots of moss with a glass panel. Pretty, right?
Eco cred: That table may power household appliances one day. The soil in the pots contains charged particles (created by a biological process involving photosynthesis and bacteria gnawing on soil particles). Those particles can then be channeled into an electric current.
Minds behind the design: Carlos Peralta and Alex Driver (artists shown) and Paolo Bombelli (science)
The prototype: This table, which has its very own Facebook page, is no ordinary table. It contains pots of moss with a glass panel. Pretty, right?
Eco cred: That table may power household appliances one day. The soil in the pots contains charged particles (created by a biological process involving photosynthesis and bacteria gnawing on soil particles). Those particles can then be channeled into an electric current.
Minds behind the design: Carlos Peralta and Alex Driver (artists shown) and Paolo Bombelli (science)
thenewinstitute.nl
Imagine it right next to your Mies van der Rohe Krefeld sofa.
thenewinstitute.nl
6. Snails
The prototype: Textiles and floors made from snail excrement. In the photo you are looking at a garden snail eating paper and leaving a trail of colored poop in its wake.
Eco cred: The colored poop is malleable. After it's pressed, mixed and ground, snail excrement can be pressed into a mold and used to craft decorative tiles and threads — maybe even flooring.
Mind behind the design: Maybe designer Lieske Schreuder. Maybe the snails.
The prototype: Textiles and floors made from snail excrement. In the photo you are looking at a garden snail eating paper and leaving a trail of colored poop in its wake.
Eco cred: The colored poop is malleable. After it's pressed, mixed and ground, snail excrement can be pressed into a mold and used to craft decorative tiles and threads — maybe even flooring.
Mind behind the design: Maybe designer Lieske Schreuder. Maybe the snails.
thenewinstitute.nl
7. Biocouture Atelier
The concept: A shoe grown, not made.
Eco cred: Since these shoes are grown, they are fully compostable. The material, a bacteria by-product, can be molded when wet onto a 3-D form to create dresses or shoes. When dry it can be cut and sewn into a garment. It feels similar to vegetable leather (imitation leather made of cotton waste).
Mind behind the design: Suzanne Lee
The concept: A shoe grown, not made.
Eco cred: Since these shoes are grown, they are fully compostable. The material, a bacteria by-product, can be molded when wet onto a 3-D form to create dresses or shoes. When dry it can be cut and sewn into a garment. It feels similar to vegetable leather (imitation leather made of cotton waste).
Mind behind the design: Suzanne Lee
thenewinstitute.nl
8. Biolace
The concept: A bioengineered imaginary plant with roots of lace.
Eco cred: A multipurpose plant that grows materials quickly and naturally. Think of the farmed fish you buy at the grocery store, a concept that saves wild fish. This is farmed fabric. These newly created synthetic plant species would grow textiles and new types of delicious herbs and foods. For example, Basil 5 would be engineered to be a culinary herb as well as an antiviral medicine. Its roots would also be perfumed lace. Strawberry Noir would produce black lace as well as black strawberries with enhanced levels of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Mind behind the design: Carole Collet
The concept: A bioengineered imaginary plant with roots of lace.
Eco cred: A multipurpose plant that grows materials quickly and naturally. Think of the farmed fish you buy at the grocery store, a concept that saves wild fish. This is farmed fabric. These newly created synthetic plant species would grow textiles and new types of delicious herbs and foods. For example, Basil 5 would be engineered to be a culinary herb as well as an antiviral medicine. Its roots would also be perfumed lace. Strawberry Noir would produce black lace as well as black strawberries with enhanced levels of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Mind behind the design: Carole Collet
thenewinstitute.nl
Missions Complete: You Can Visit These!
1. Root Bridges of Meghalaya
It's real: A collaboration between nature and village architects has been going on for quite some time. In Northeast India, one of the wettest places on Earth (470 inches of rainfall yearly), trees are trained to form bridges. It is widely believed that this process, which continues today, started in the 1500s. People use them to cross the swelling rivers.
Eco cred: The trees are living, just trained to form bridges. This idea uses nature without killing nature.
Minds behind the design: The Khasi tribe
1. Root Bridges of Meghalaya
It's real: A collaboration between nature and village architects has been going on for quite some time. In Northeast India, one of the wettest places on Earth (470 inches of rainfall yearly), trees are trained to form bridges. It is widely believed that this process, which continues today, started in the 1500s. People use them to cross the swelling rivers.
Eco cred: The trees are living, just trained to form bridges. This idea uses nature without killing nature.
Minds behind the design: The Khasi tribe
thenewinstitute.nl
2. Solaris
It's real: A very green 15-story multiuse building in Singapore. Equal parts humans and plant life.
It's real: A very green 15-story multiuse building in Singapore. Equal parts humans and plant life.
thenewinstitute.nl
Eco cred: It's restoring neighboring nature. The previously vacant site was ecologically devastated, with little topsoil, flora or fauna. Instead of just building another multiuse high-rise, the architects added back life with heavily planted facades plus spiraled terraces and rooftops full of greenery. Birds and insects have returned.
thenewinstitute.nl
If only the buildings in the distance had thought of this approach to bring more greenery back to urban life.
Mind behind the design: T.R. Hamzah & Yeang
Mind behind the design: T.R. Hamzah & Yeang
thenewinstitute.nl
3. Bioreactor Facade
It's real: A windowpane of microalgae. It is part of a five-story residential structure, BIQ, in Hamburg, Germany.
Eco cred: The algae building generates its own electricity. This plant also gives BIQ its distinctive color and provides shade, heat and sound absorption.
Mind behind the design: SSC Strategic Science Consult
It's real: A windowpane of microalgae. It is part of a five-story residential structure, BIQ, in Hamburg, Germany.
Eco cred: The algae building generates its own electricity. This plant also gives BIQ its distinctive color and provides shade, heat and sound absorption.
Mind behind the design: SSC Strategic Science Consult
thenewinstitute.nl
This exhibit has opened my eyes to the power of microorganisms and the mysteries of nature. Every discovery seems more stupendous than the next.
Tell us: Would you live in a house you grew? Do you think nature will be a good collaborator? Will we be? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
Info: Biodesign: On the Cross-Pollination of Nature, Science and Creativity, September 25, 2013, through January 5, 2014, The New Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Tell us: Would you live in a house you grew? Do you think nature will be a good collaborator? Will we be? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
Info: Biodesign: On the Cross-Pollination of Nature, Science and Creativity, September 25, 2013, through January 5, 2014, The New Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Our talented staff can plan and manage projects anywhere, of any size, from interior design and space planning to... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
At Snider & Metcalf, we involve premier craftspeople and artisans to help implement our designs and visions. We... Read More
Related Stories
Landscape Design
Outdoor Flooring, Turf and Tile Products for 2024
By Julie Sheer
See the latest materials for patios, decks and yards displayed at the recent Surfaces trade show
Full Story
Houzz TV
5 Trends for Kitchen and Bath Products in 2024
See fascinating new features for showers, tubs, faucets and more launched at the 2024 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show
Full Story
Laundry Rooms
5 Fresh Laundry Appliance Trends for 2024
Check out the lean, green, powerful and smart washers and dryers showcased at the KBIS 2024 trade event
Full Story
Trending Now
5 Trends in New Engineered Countertops and Surfaces for 2024
See the latest styles and features for quartz, porcelain and sintered stone showcased at the recent KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
Kitchen Design
8 Clever New Kitchen Appliance Features
We didn’t know we wanted or needed these food preservation, cooking and cleanup gizmos until we saw them at KBIS 2024
Full Story
Kitchen Design
10 Trends for New Kitchen and Bath Faucets and Fixtures in 2024
See the latest in colorful sinks and tubs, innovative shower features and more launched at the KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
Kitchen Design
12 Trends in Kitchen Appliances for 2024
See the latest styles and features in refrigerators, ovens and other kitchen appliances at the KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
Trending Now
10 Design Trends for New Kitchen and Bath Products in 2024
See the latest shower features, countertop looks, faucets, appliances and more that debuted at the KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
Materials
5 Trends to Watch From London’s 2024 Surface Design Show
Find out about new surface materials and products displayed at the annual trade event
Full Story
Materials
5 New Trends in Flooring for 2024
By Julie Sheer
See the latest looks in luxury vinyl, engineered wood, porcelain, laminate and other products debuting this year
Full Story
We never seem to learn anything. We keep daydreaming and hoping for something new and nothing really changes.
People can be filled with hope and then they get on with their lives.
As long as we are personally o.k. with our lives we will continue on in the same fashion as we have in the past. It works.
Its all about the money and what will make the money for the people that are investing in order to make more money and they do not care about the world described above unless it can turn a profit.
In addition, they are not going to take a chance on something new unless they can guarantee a healthy return.
Vertical farm hight-rise? Yeah, sure.
Terrific article!