Metabolic Architectures Studio • Dennis Dollens MicrobeTower Based on a Stacked CT scanned Datura Ferox Seedpod (original) (raw)

2022, AutopoietiX

This speculative 3D seedpod is stacked as a module then intersected with a glass and metal tube that creates a hollowed-out cylinder for a tower's vertical space. Sections of the biotower's exterior, as well as its branching datura spikes, are modeled to be reseeded with microbially-inhabited, 3D-printable, bioremediating, intelligent microbial life. In this way the studio project addresses ways to integrate synthetic biology into 3D visualization, drawings, and project materialization involving Engineered Living Materials (ELMs). The project and studio are envisioned as hypothetical tests for living, performative, generative technologies such as those discussed in the text: "3D-Printable Life for Bioremedial, Metabolic Architectures" (download below). They are intended to prompt student discussions around issues of climate change and bioperformative cities and buildings to subsequently guide and evolve student's individual studio projects.