APPLICATIONS OF SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE

A DISSERTATION REPORT

Submitted by
SHREYA. R

Under the guidance of

AR. AAFREEN BANU

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

B.ARCH

CRESCENT SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

B S ABDUR RAHMAN CRESCENT INSTITUTE OF
SCIENCE& TECHNOLOGY

CHENNAI- 600048

NOVEMBER 2022

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 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this dissertation report ‘APPLICATIONS OF SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY IN

ARCHITECTURE’ is the bonafide work of SHREYA. R (RRN: 180101601051) who carried out the

dissertation work under my supervision. Certified further, that to the best of my knowledge the work

reported herein does not form part of any other thesis report or dissertation on the basis of which a

degree or award was conferred on an earlier occasion on this or any other candidate.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
AR. AAFREEN BANU PROF. G.JAYALAKSHMI
SUPERVISOR Professor & DEAN CSA
Associate Professor
Crescent School of Architecture Crescent School of Architecture
B.S. Abdur Rahman University B.S. Abdur Rahman University
Vandalur, Chennai – 600 048 Vandalur, Chennai – 600 048

SIGNATURE
EXTERNAL EXAMINER

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my heartfelt thanks to our Dean, Prof.G.JAYALAKSHMI, Dean of the

Department, Crescent School of Architecture for accepting the study topic. I extend my sincere
gratitude to the internal review panel members Ar. SREEDEVI PILLAI (Associate Professor,
Crescent School of Architecture) & AR. JAYAKUMAR (Associate Professor, Crescent School
of Architecture), for their constructive criticism, that really helped me improve & take this report to
the next level.

I am very indebted to my guide Ar. AAFREEN BANU (Assistant Professor, Crescent

School of Architecture), for her consistent support and encouragement and for her endless patience
throughout. Without her continuous guidance & support, this report would not have been possible. I
also thank Crescent School of Architecture for their valuable comments.

I am thankful to my family and friends for their encouragement and supporting during my
dissertation process.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW…………………………………………………..5
1.2 AIM………………………………………………………………………………………..6
1.3 OBJECTIVE……………………………………………………………………………...6
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS……………………………………………………………..7
1.5 SCOPE……………………………………………………………………………………7
1.6 LIMITATIONS……………………………………………………………………………7
1.7 METHODOLOGY………………………………………………………………………..8

2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ARCHITECTURE

2.1 BUILDINGS AND CLIMATE CHANGE………………………………………………9
2.2 MATERIALS AND CLIMATE CHANGE…………………………………………….9-10

3. METHODS AND APPLICATIONS

3.1 MICROALGAE INFUSED DESIGN…………………………………………………11

3.1.1 Photo. SynthEtica Curtain- air pollution………………………….11-13
3.1.2 Photobioreactors, bioenergy façade……………………………...14-15
3.1.3 Indus, algae inflused tiles ………………………………………….16-17

3.2 PROTOCELL ARCHITECTURE…………………………………………………….18

3.2.1 Carbon eating paint…………………………………………………..19
3.2.2 Restoring Venice (artificial limestone reef)……….........................20-21

3.3 MYCOTECTURE……………………………………………………………………...22-23
3.3A Mycel Bricks – An Eco-Friendly Building Material In India……..23-26
3.3.1 Hy-Fi tower…………………………………………………………….....27-28
3.3.2 MyCo space………………………………………………………………28-29
3.3.3 Shell Mycelium…………………………………………………………...30-31
3.3.4 Myco Tree………………………………………………………………....31
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 3.3.5 El Monolito Micelio—Tactical Mycelium…………………………32
3.3.6 Growing pavilion…………………………………………………….33

3.4 BIOLUMINESCENCE……………………………………………………………..35
3.4.1 Bioluminescent Fungi……………………………………………..35

3.5 FAB TREE HAB…………………………………………………………………...36-37

3.6 INVITO MEAT HABITAT.................................................................................38

4. CONCLUSION………………………………..……………………….......39-40

5. ANALYSIS BASED ON INDIAN CONTEXT……………………….......39-40

5.1 .1 Photo. SynthEtica Curtain- air pollution ………..…………………...41-43

5.1.2 Photobioreactors, bioenergy façade…………………………………43-44

5.1.3 Indus, algae inflused tiles ……………………………………………..44-45
5.2.1 Carbon eating paint……………………………………………………..46
5.2.2 Restoring Venice (artificial limestone reef)…..…………...………..46
5.3 Mycotecture…………………………………………………………………46
5.4 Bioluminescence…………………………………………………………..47

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 SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE OR LIVING ARCHITECTURE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This dissertation investigates and presents the concept of synthetic biology in architecture also
termed as ‘Living Architecture’. It is a technology through which architecture will turn from a dormant
into a living mode. This living architecture will act like a catalyst between natural and technical and
will reconsider the relationship between a human being with respect to nature and artificial
environment.

This way proposes an integral solution to the environmental problems; the biggest problem being
climate change. Many scientists and specialists claim that if we continue to live the way we do without
altering the existing model of production, that is, the model of pollution and waste, it will result is a
major threat to the environment through climate change.

By the end of 2022, the population of our planet reaches 8 billion, combined with a major progress in
technology and the abuse of natural resources. It creates huge consequences to the natural and
social environment. At the same time the rise and spread of concrete jungle is increasing, which
brings in the concern and importance of conscious designing. Hence there is a need to redefine the
original ways of designing and construction keeping the future in mind.

Our urban habitat today is being fundamentally influenced by revolutions in biotechnology,

computation and our exposure to the long-lasting effects of climate change. Bio-Integrated Design
takes these life-changing phenomena as the foundation to explore radical, sophisticated, yet also
critical, design solutions that will shape our future society. Nature plays a central role in the
programme, beyond that of a model or inspiration, it is the medium of a new multi-layered design
approach that is biologically, materially and socially integrated.

Parallel to negating the harmful effects of architecture on the environment, living architecture also
acquires the ability to create a positive result through social and economic solutions.

 The second chapter investigates how the current methods of architecture play a major role on
climatic change and thus making it the need of the hour to come up with new radical
approaches with innovative technological advancements. BIOSYNTHESIS and its method of
application in architecture produces the need for a complete change in the architectural

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 approach, thus creating a proposition for a new architecture known as LIVING
ARCHITECTURE.
 The third chapter the methods used in various applications of synthetic biology in architecture
and how each of these help in protecting the environment and reducing the adversity of
climate change will be discussed.

Method 1: algae infused architecture for energy conservation, water treatment

Method 2: protocell architecture for air pollution

Method 3: mycotecture for pollution caused by production of bricks

Method 4: bioluminescence for energy conservation

Method 5: grafting prefabricated structures for zero carbon production

Method 6: in-vitro meat habitation

• The fourth chapter will dive into how & which of the methods discussed in chapter 2 can be
implemented in India. The application under each method that’s most relevant to Indian
context will be analyzed. Research on environmental issues will be done accordingly for India.

1.2 AIM: Through a scientific and analytical method, application methods and the perspectives of
synthetic biology in architecture is researched. The dissertation is ultimately aimed at proving that
biosynthetic architecture is step in right direction to tackle climate change in the long run. Biosynthetic
architecture although exists, is not prevalent in India. So this dissertation is also aimed at analysing
applications that work in different parts of India.

1.3 OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of the dissertation is to study the methods of applications in
synthetic biology used in various architectural members through a scientific and analytical method.
The dissertation will present statistics, analysis and six methods of applications in the form of case
studies. Also the scope and limitations will be analyzed and checked if these methods will thrive in
Indian context.

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1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
• How does architecture play a major role climate change? How do innovative solutions like
using synthetic biology in architecture help tackle climate change in the long run?
• How do the various methods of biosynthetic architecture work in Indian context? In what ways
do these methods reduce the environmental problems?
• Can the implementation of these methods in India play a role in empowering local
communities?

1.5 SCOPE:
The application of synthetic biology to architecture holds promise for solving major environmental
problems. Further collaborations between biologists, chemists, architects and industry are needed to
expand the range of tools, methods and materials available.

1.6 LIMITATIONS:
• Challenges to be overcome include the sustenance and support of biological systems within
the built environment, bioethical concerns and ensuring public safety.
• The greatest challenge in applying synthetic biology to architecture is to fabricate accurate
scaffoldings for the production of engineered tissue and materials.
• Cost efficiency
• Climatic constraints of a place.

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1.7 METHODOLOGY:

• What is climate change?

• How does the • Finding new ways and
• Design and
architecture industry materials that can be
Fabrication
play a major role in it? repurposed towards
• Living Architecture, a Living architecture.
long term solution to
tackle climate change?

• Analyze the workability of these • Advantages • How each method

methods in Indian context of new ways becomes a green
over the old solution

• Polluted water
• Ways to
treatment
empower local
• Energy Generation
communities
• Air Pollution

2.0 CLIMATE CHANGE AND ARCHITECTURE

The "Climate Emergency" continues to embody a renewed worldwide focus on tackling climate
change.
Since the time Humans existed, so have their dwellings. So how is it that today, in the 21st century,
these very dwellings are contributing to the end of our existence?
Global Warming is believed to be the root cause of climate change today and is attributed, by
scientists, to the rise in levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. It is widely believed that there are TWO
main causes for globally rising CO2 levels

 Deforestation, and

 Industrial emissions.

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 2.1 Buildings and Climate Change

For those involved in the design of buildings and cities, be they architects, urbanists, or citizens,
there is a deep responsibility to be aware of, and design for, the impact of climate change. With 36%
of global energy devoted to buildings and 8% of global emissions caused by cement alone, the
architectural community is deeply entwined with the flows of materials, energy, and ideas that relate
to climate change, both causes, and solutions.

• 36%: The percentage of global energy devoted to buildings and construction. 22% is
residential buildings usage, 8% is non-residential usage, and 6% is the construction industry.
• 82%: The global energy consumption in buildings supplied by fossil fuels in 2015.
• 33%: The share of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions emitted by buildings. This
makes them the single biggest global emitter by sector.
• 2050: The year where emissions from buildings will have doubled since 2017. This will largely
be due to new floor space requirements.
• 1%: The approximate rate that building-related CO2 emissions have continued to rise since
2010.

Indirect and direct emissions

The emissions from building construction are also included in this paper, along with indirect and direct
GHG emissions. Construction activities may not directly use a lot of energy, but their use of materials
that have undergone very energy-intensive processing results in a significant indirect energy footprint.
Steel, bricks, aluminium, cement, glass, and other materials with a high energy content are a few
examples of materials utilised in the building sector. the term "direct emissions" refers to emissions
that result from on-site direct energy consumption, and "indirect emissions" refers to emissions that
result from energy footprints, which increase carbon emissions from building materials.

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2.2 Materials and Climate Change

• 55%: The percentage of energy used in the construction of a new building that is devoted to
extracting materials and products. 20% is used in the construction phase, and 10% in the
transport phase.
• 2.2 billion: The amount of CO2, in tones, produced by the world’s cement production each
year.

Fig 1.0

Fig 1.1 Fig 1.2

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Since most of the statistics project the main causes of climate change to be maximum due to
CO2 emission during construction or usage of energy by a building after construction, it is
need of the hour to come up with innovative radical solutions to solve this problem.

The GHG emissions due to the consumption of the building materials can be estimated by

The units of GHG emissions are tons of Carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).
where GHG1 is the total GHG emissions due to the consumption of all building materials; m is
the number of materials considered; M1i is the quantity (tones) of the ith material, and F1i is
emission factor of the ith material in tCO2e/kg.

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 3.0 METHODS AND APPLICATIONS

3.1 MICROALGAE INFUSED DESIGN

3.1.1 Photo. SynthEtica Curtain- air pollution

PhotoSynthetica Curtains use the power of algae to absorb carbon dioxide from the air. It
demonstrates how biotechnology can become integrated in our cities to help achieve carbon
neutrality. Conceived as an “urban curtain”, the system captures CO2 from the atmosphere and
stores it in real-time: approximately one kilo of CO2 per day, equivalent to that of 20 large trees.

Fig 2.0 https://www.ecologicstudio.com/projects/photo-synth-etica

Fig 2.1 Fig 2.2

https://www.ecologicstudio.com/projects/photo-synth-etica
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 The installation on the Irish Revenue and Custom building in Dublin is composed of 16, 2 x 7
metre modules. Each module functions as a photo bioreactor, a digitally designed and custom
made bioplastic container that utilizes daylight to feed the living micro-algal cultures and
releases luminescent shades at night.

Fig 2.3 Fig 2.4

Fig 2.5 https://www.ecologicstudio.com/projects/photo-synth-etica

The urban curtain is made of 100 modules, each containing 10 litres of photosynthetic microalgae.

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 Fig 2.6 https://www.ecologicstudio.com/projects/photo-synth-etica
Comparative incident solar radiation studies on Photo.Synthetica Curtains with various weld patterns.

Unfiltered urban air is introduced at the bottom of the Photo.Synth.Etica façade and, while air
bubbles naturally rise through the watery medium within the bioplastic photobioreactors, they
come into contact with voracious microbes. CO2 molecules and air pollutants are captured and
stored by the algae, and grow into biomass. This can be harvested and employed in the
production of bioplastic raw material that constitutes the main building material of the
photobioreactors. To culminate the process, freshly photosynthesized oxygen is released at
the top of each façade unit of Photo.Synth.Etica, and out into the urban microclimate (Ref 1.0
Ecologic studio 2019)

Fig 2.6 https://www.ecologicstudio.com/projects/photo-synth-etica

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3.1.2 Photo bioreactors; bioenergy façade

Fig 2.7 https://www.arup.com/projects/bioenergy-facade

https://www.arup.com/projects/bioenergy
Designing a living facade that cultivates energy from algae

• façade mounted flat-

Arup’s Jan Wurm and Partners are investigating façade- flat panel photobioreactors
that use fast- growing microalgae to produce biomass, solar heat and methane while
absorbing carbon.
• Microalgae are cultivated in glass facade elements that generate heat for the building
ne while absorbing carbon.
operation and biomass for the food and pharmaceutical industries.ne

• With the bioenergy facade, the SolarLeaf façade is to be further developed both aesthetically
and technologically. Three different facade elements will open up new possibilities for
architectural design: A translucent version, which allows the green colouring of the algae to be
experienced in the interior, an opaque solution, in which the algae serve as design elements
which ensures undisturbed viewing.
on the outer facade, and a transparent frame, which

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• The glass elements of the bioenergy façade are part of a solar thermal system with which,
additionally, microalgae are cultivated to build up biomass and absorb CO₂. With a thermal
efficiency of 38 percent and a biomass conversion efficiency of 8 percent, the bioenergy
façade is comparable to conventional solar systems. The function and cost-effectiveness of the
system is to be ensured by an operator concept. The harvested algae are used in the food and
pharmaceutical industries.

Fig 2.8 https://www.arup.com/projects/bioenergy-facade

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3.1.3 INDUS:- Bio-ID Lab designs DIY algae-infused tiles (water pollution)

• Bio-ID Lab designs DIY algae-infused tiles that can extract toxic dyes from water.
• Each tile is made simply by pressing clay – or a similar low-cost, local material – into fan-
shaped moulds with a series of "vein-like channels".
• These mimic the structure of leaves and their ability to distribute water evenly to every part of
a plant.
• The ravines are then filled with micro-algae which are suspended within the "biological
scaffold" of a seaweed-derived hydrogel.
• This keeps the algae alive while also being completely recyclable and biodegradable.
• Once they are saturated, the algae can be replaced with a fresh batch. The base tiles,
however, can be continually reused and re-fill.

Fig 2.9 https://www.dezeen.com/2019/09/21/bio-id-lab-indus-algae-tiles-water/

• These tiles can be assembled into a wall as big or as small depending on the space available.
• Can treat polluted water for a small panchayat community or as big as a river
• Water is poured into the inlet at the top of the wall.
• The water runs through the tiles allowing the micro algae to absorb the heavy metal present in
polluted water.
• The water can be re-circulated for further treatment depending on the level of contamination.
• This process reduces the cadmium content by 10 folds within 30-45 minutes.
• The algae will breakdown the pollutants into a completely harmless state or can be extracted
from the gel and brought back into the system to make valuable products, closing the loop.

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 Fig 2.10 https://www.dezeen.com/2019/09/21/bio-id-lab-indus-algae-tiles-water/

Fig 2.11 https://www.dezeen.com/2019/09/21/bio-id-lab-indus-algae-tiles-water/

• The algae should be replenished from time to time.
• Creates new forms of employment opportunities in India
• This method will also create an interdependent system between the local artisans in India and
the biomaterial supplier allowing Indus to be maintained locally creating a circular economy.

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 3.2 “PROTOCELL” ARCHITECTURE (AIR POLLUTION)
• Protocells are structures that are formed from the aggregation of abiotic (non-living)
components. Despite this, they display certain characteristics akin to living cells. Protocells are
basically self-organized, endogenously ordered, spherical collection of lipids

Fig3.0 https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5749/j.ctv9b2tnw.9#metadata_info_tab_contents

Diagram of “bottom-up” and “topdown” approaches to synthetic biology, from Protocells: Bridging
Nonliving and Living Matter. Attempts to create life “bottom-up” from nonlife drive the “origin of life”
work in the branch of synthetic biology referred to as protocell research. At the same time,
engineering synthetic biologists begin with living cells and, “top-down,” remove genetic material or
replace it with synthetic DNA to try to understand what a “minimal cell” is, or to create programmable
protocells that can be designed to produce particular biological materials and outcomes.

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3.2.1 “Protocell” Architecture and Synbiodesign (carbon negative architecture)

• Protocell technology matters because of what it can potentially do. Presently, we are facing
worrying statistics – over 33.5 billion metric tons worth of carbon emissions in 2010, half of
which goes direct to the atmosphere while 26% goes to land and 24% to our oceans; this other
half becomes part of what’s called the carbon sink.

Fig3.1https://iedro.org/articles/protocell-tech-limestone-and-the-future-of-architecture/
• Protocells made from oil droplets in water allow soluble chemicals to be exchanged between
the drops and the surrounding solution.
• Scientists are working on a carbon-eating paint, which would be capable of turning emissions
into limestone. In other words, it would let buildings eat carbon and then use that fuel to grow,
like a living thing.
• The secret is synthetic chemicals that behave like microorganisms. Their creator calls them
"proto-cells":
• So, just as iron rusts when it comes into contact with oxygen and water, protocells can produce
simple chemical reactions when they come into contact with carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules,
turning the CO2 into calcium carbonate, or limestone, which stops the greenhouse gas from
rising up into the ozone layer.
• The protocell systems are also being used to create insulation and environmental remediation.
• In view of that, a protocell is environmental technology at its finest. Not only would it create
something of value (limestone), but it would also help alleviate the destructive power of carbon
dioxide emissions. In addition Armstrong theorizes that the limestone could thicken, forming
somewhat natural insulation for buildings. This of course would reduce heating requirements
and therefore lower carbon emissions from power plants.

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3.2.1 Future Venice- growing an artificial reef under the city
• Venice has weathered its environment for three centuries and its unique buildings are
already being actively eroded.
• “Venice is a suitable site to test protocells, as it offers ready access to water, requires a
material solution, would benefit from environmental responsiveness and warrants an
intervention that could clearly be distinguished from an industrial intervention.
• Venice was built on the soft delta soils in the harshest environment on earth, the shoreline,
where the fabric of the buildings are repeatedly battered the elements, flooded by the
periodic aqua alta and desiccated by the sun. “
(ref 1.0 https://www.wired.com/2011/12/architecture-fiction-rachel-armstrong/)

Fig3.2, 3.3, 3.4 https://www.dezeen.com/2014/05/30/movie-rachel-armstrong-future-venice-growing-giant-artificial-

reef/

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 • Like coral reefs, protocells can replicate and build structures on top of one another.
• "The future of Venice really rests on its relationship with the tides," Armstrong explains. "They
digest away the fabric of the city. The idea is to create a giant artificial limestone-like reef. This
would spread the point load of the city over a much broader base."
• the presence of biological systems in the waterways poses a threat to the integrity of the
architecture. Protocell technology, in combination with synthetic biology, could offer a new
kind of approach to shape these natural processes and redirect their activity symbiotically in
an architecturally relevant way, for example, by growing an artificial limestone reef
underneath to stop the city sinking into the soft mud
• Armstrong’s own work with Christian Kerrigan on protocells- “assemblages of organic
chemicals that are not quite living but react to physiochemical conditions with complex
behaviours- offers chance to rehabilitate the sinking wood- pile foundations of Venice, racked
by centuries of contact with salt water – borne organisms.”
• Light-sensitive protocells with an internal mechanism of light aversion, will be canalized in the
water of the lagoon, which is also the medium needed for the achievement of biochemical
reactions, and will be headed towards the darkest places of the sunken area of Venice where
they will begin the procedure of excretion of calcium carbonate which will be transformed into a
calcareous exoskeleton. The formation of these underwater structures will protect the
foundations from the mineral elements that are deposited at the base of the foundations,
destroying in this way their stonework as well as the wooden parts by the constant corrosion.
• The visual management of the project will be done with an identical method of the rural
cultivation because the protocells that are released in the lagoon will not let in chance but they
will be cultivated in an environmental time frame in order to be shaped based on the initial
design and the expected desired result.

3.2.2 Limitations
The protocells are produced in a very restricted quantity due to the fact that they are fabricated
manually. Chemically they need oil or water to function and they have a short life cycle, which ranges
from some minutes to some months. There are no studies as for the interactions between protocells
and existing organisms and therefore their environmental toxicity has not been examined yet.

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 3.3 MYCOTECTURE

Using mycelium as a stabilizing compound for fibers from agricultural waste, new building elements
can be manufactured according to the circular economy model and be used for architectural
construction to transform the building industry towards an increased environmental and economic
sustainability.

Fungi are nature's primary recyclers. They produce enzymes that aid in the degradation of organic
matter, transforming it into minerals. Like an iceberg, the visible portion of a fungus only represents a
small fraction of it. Below the surface, for example, mushrooms develop long thread-like roots called
mycelium. These are extremely thin white filaments that develop in all directions, forming a quickly-
growing complex web.

The vegetative portion of a fungus is called mycelium. When the spores from the mushrooms
germinate, we can collect mycelium. There can be almost 8 kilometres of these cells in a single cubic
inch of dirt. As the mycelium expands, it seizes control of new areas before starting to net. The soil is
kept together by the mycelium. It is incredibly resilient and can support up to 30,000 times its own
mass. Mushrooms grow really quickly. Mycelium serves as a natural glue and actually binds the
constituent parts together in nature. We can inoculate ground-up agricultural wastes, such as
sawdust, plant waste, and corn waste, with mycelium, and the mycelium will carry out the operation. It
actually consumes that powdered substance.

Typically they grow best in shaded and humid environments.

Air pollution from brick kilns

Air contamination from block ovens are:-

 SPM in the fuel gas which is produced predominantly because of fragmented ignition of
fuel or originates from fine coal tidy, fiery debris introduce in coal and consumed dirt
particles.
 Hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide because of fragmented ignition of fuel in block
furnaces.
 Sulphur oxides

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Universally, it is hard to assess what number of individual cease to exist rashly or get wiped out
because of air contamination since individuals are presented to such a large number of various toxins
in different focuses over their lifetimes. Nonetheless, as per WHO for air contamination roughly 3
million individuals have passed on every year.

Need

In the current scenario there is a lot of need of a construction material that is cheap and environment
friendly. For this purpose mycelium bricks are the best choice because they are grown not made.
Besides of making brick mycelium can be used in many different things it can be used to grow
structural frame to replace concrete.

Objective

Mycelium brick is a great replacement against standard modular bricks. As the Bricks are
environment friendly as compared to standard bricks which causes too much pollution at the time of
hardening. Also to provide clay soil deforestation occurs in standard brick while it is not needed in
mycelium bricks. Also they can replace many materials that are providing harmful effect on our
environment.

3.3.A MYCEL BRICKS – AN ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIAL IN INDIA

A brick is a type of construction material that is used to build masonry structures including walls,
pavements, and other elements. A new class of self-growing, fibrous, natural composites is presented
in this work.

Materials based on mycelium that have regulated physical properties and may be manufactured in big
quantities and across a large region. It has been determined to be the largest living thing in the world.
It develops tangled networks of branching fibres as a result of its symbiotic relationship with the
substances that feed it. Hyphae are the elongated cell filaments that make up the fibrous mycelium.
These cells are all contained within tubular cell walls and are divided from one another by internal
porous cross walls known as septa.

25
The cell wall protects the hyphae and gives the entire mycelium's mechanical strength, among other
physiological functions in fungal morphogenesis. It is a natural polymeric composite fibre material
since it mostly consists of natural polymers including chitin, cellulose, proteins, etc. We anticipate the
generation of significant quantities of mycelium-based materials because of its distinct structure and
content. Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) and Pleurotus ostreatus (P. ostreatus), two kinds of edible,
therapeutic fungi, were employed. The creation of such materials typically necessitates labor-
intensive, intricate processes for extracting, developing, and functionalizing their bio-sources—
processes that can be expensive, time-consuming, and have low production yields. By utilising the
amazing potential of mycelium, composite materials are physically generated.

OBJECTIVES: The major objective of the project is replacing the costly and scarce
conventional building bricks by an innovative and alternative building bricks which satisfies the
following characteristics,

 Required

 Cost effective

 Environmental friendly

 Less weight

 Inflammable

 Easily available

 Less water absorption

3.3.1a Material collection

rice straw

bed spawn (p. ostreatus )

3.3.1b Preparation of substrates

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Rice straw and bed spawn of P. ostreatus (Edible mushroom) were used as the basic
substrate conditions. Each substrate was moistened until squeezing a handful allowed a few
drops of water to escape. Each of these was put into a plastic bag and then pasteurized at 70-
80 degrees celsius for 1 hour. The bags were then left to cool to room temperature.

3.3.1.c EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

1. Inoculation

The substrate bags were inoculated after being sterilised.and spawn. Sterilization of everything
was crucial throughout this operation, including the surface, our hands, the substrate bags, etc.
to prevent contamination from happening. The exterior of the spawn will be entirely white and
covered in mycelium, although it may appear that there is less mycelium inside. This is yet
another justification for how critical mixing and splitting up the spawn is.

2. Colonization

It took 2 weeks for the spawn to colonize the substrate. Once colonized, the bags were firm to
the touch and felt much like the original spawn used to inoculate the substrate. As with the
original spawn, when broken, the interior was less white than the exterior. After 2 weeks of
colonization, they were ready for molding.

3. Molding

Casting is a basic molding process as it requires the least amount of complex technology It
was essential to sterilize everything once again before transferring the substrate into the molds
which had been cast from clay forms based were made to test moldability and resolution of the
material. Compression after filling. Before molding, molds are covered with plastic paper. we
have used wooden mold for molding.

4. Unmolding

Eleven days after molding the mycelium into molds, the mold were ready for curing. Most of
them were well colonized with lots of white mycelium on the surface. They felt firm and a little
spongy like wet foam. .

5. Curing (heating process)

27
For Mycel bricks, curing is the process of heating the unmolded colonized substrate and are
balking at 90 degrees Celsius in oven for 8-10 hours, depending on the thickness of the final
product. These Bricks were also acceptable to cure them on the roof for approximately 6
hours.

(Fig:4.0)https://ijesc.org/upload/3b4eda080739ec7aa231b3550008fbdc.Mycel%20Bricks%20%96%20An%20Eco-
Friendly%20Building%20Material%20using%20Macroscopic%20Fungi.pdf

6. Result And Discussion

To analyse the compressive strength and the technical features of mycel brick, we will conduct
the laboratory test and thus the brick sample will be taken to the laboratory.

7. Standard and nominal bricks size of India

In India, according to recommendation of BIS, standard modular brick size is 190 mm x 90

mm x 90 mm.With mortar thickness, the dimension of the brick becomes 200 mm x 100 mm x
100 mm which can be also called as the nominal size of the modular brick.

8. Compressive strength of bricks

For hand-made burnt bricks, the compressive strength may range from 30 kg/sq cm to 150
kg/sq cm, but heavy duty bricks that are machine pressed may have a compressive strength
as high as 450 kg/sq cm or even 500 kg/sq cm. The following are the minimum compressive
strengths of charred bricks tested flat-wise: First class bricks weigh 105 kg/sq cm, second
class bricks weigh 70 kg/sq cm, and common building bricks weigh 35 kg/sq cm. 4. Bricks with
a compressive strength of at least 140 kg/sq cm are classified as AA class.

28
 3.3.1 Case Study 1: Hy-Fi Tower

• Hy-Fi is the first large scale structure to use this mushroom brick technology, based on a
technique developed by Ecovative in 2007 and, until now, generally used to make packaging.
The bricks can be grown in 5 days, and are stacked to create a structure of three merging
cylinders. The form is designed to draw breezes through the structure and cool the shaded
interior further.
• The top layers of 'bricks' in the structure are made instead of the steel molds used to grow the
bricks.
• The combination of a moist cellulose growing medium (corn husk) and fungal spores
(mushroom mycelium) develop into rhizomes and eventually create a firm, often fuzzy, brick.
When this brick is exposed to oxygen, light and the right temperatures it will sprout the fruiting
bodies of fungi, also known as mushrooms

(Fig:4.1)

• This pavilion was built with almost 10,000 of these blocks, making Hy-Fi the biggest building
venture to date using mycelium composite materials. This project demonstrated the material's
potential for modular use as well as tried-and-true building techniques. This pavilion's shape is
made up of a collection of overlapping cylinders, which creates shade and ensures cooling
through internal air currents. Bricks have been spaced apart to allow for regulated ventilation.
A unique light refraction coating created by 3 M was applied to the pavilion's top. On the base
29
 of the pavilion, which was made of hempcrete bricks, the pavilion's structure was secured with
reusable ground screws.
• The bricks could support their weight at this height (13 m) and withstand wind gusts of more
than 65 mph, according to the research firm "Arup," which performed the structural analysis for
the pavilion. They chose to keep the scaffolding planks that support the building forms,
nonetheless, in order to reduce wind-related movement. After the exhibition, the bricks were
shredded and dispersed on soil. 60 days later they were degraded

3.3.2 Case Study 2: My-Co Space

My-Co Space is a wooden fungal sculpture that makes it possible to experience living in a
space capsule as well as in a fungal fruiting body, a mushroom.

 The wooden construction with fungal panels was built from biological materials and is
therefore biodegradable.
 The living space of approx. 20 sqm, can be divided by the guests themselves into
sleeping, reading and working areas.
 In a box, 2 camping mattresses and 1 two-man tent with mosquito net are provided.
These can be set up and positioned by the guests in or next to the sculpture in
Metzlerpark, so that they can help decide on the use of the sculptural living space and
are thus co-designers for one night.
 A guest book can be used to document the experiences and insights gained in the
process. MY-CO SPACE is not a completely enclosed space but a retreat and study
space that lives from and deals with contact with the outside world.

30
(Fig:4.2, 4.3)https://www.v-meer.de/my-co-space

3.3.3 Case Study 3: Shell Mycelium

 A group of Indian and Italian architects built a pavilion in Kerala using mushroom
mycelium, to demonstrate how the material could be used to create a temporary venue
for major events.
 The main aim was to promote mycelium- which is formed from the root network of
mushrooms

It could be easily utilized to create temporary rather than permanent structures during major
events, like international sports tournaments and world expos.

(Fig:4.4, 4.5, 4.6) https://www.dezeen.com/2017/08/26/shell-mycelium-fungus-pavilion-beetles-3-3-yassin-arredia-

design-kerala-india/

31
  The architects created a series of tray-like cavities in the structure. These were filled
with fungus then covered over with coir pith, which consists of coconut husk fibres. In
time, the top layer dried up and died, creating a protective shell over the mycelium.
 The unique characteristic of the material is that can merge with the framework to which
it is added. In the case of the Shell Mycelium pavilion, the material became combined
with a triangulated timber framework.

3.3.4 Case Study 4: MycoTree

MycoTree is a self-supporting structure that was built during the Seoul Biennale for
Architecture and Urbanism as an interior installation. The project uses mycelium composites
as a structural material in conjunction with digital manufacturing and parametric design. More
specifically, the design of the installation used three-dimensional Graphic Statics, a structural
form-finding method for generating compression-only funicular structures. A joint system made
of bamboo plates and steel dowels is used to compensate for the low rigidity of the material
and to carry other types of forces other than mycelium-absorbed compression.(Ref
fungalbiolbiotech, 2021)

(Fig:4.7)https://www.researchgate.net/figure/a-The-products-MycoComposite-and-AirMycelium-from-Ecovative-
Design-5-Credit-C_fig2_356395206

32
 3.3.5 Case Study 5: El Monolito Micelio—Tactical Mycelium (2018)

‘El Monolito Micelio’ is part of a series of mycelium construction experiments focused on vault-formed
monolithic “castings” of mycelium composite materials .The Tactical Mycelium experiments borrowed
construction techniques from fabric-formwork concrete casting to develop tactics for monolithic
mycelium construction and were realized with the work of students from the Georgia Tech School of
Architecture under the instruction of Jonathan Dessi-Olive.

(Fig:4.8)https://www.researchgate.net/figure/a-The-products-MycoComposite-and-AirMycelium-from-Ecovative-
Design-5-Credit-C_fig2_356395206

33
3.3.6 Case Study 6: Growing pavilion (2019)

(Fig:4.9)https://www.researchgate.net/figure/a-The-products-MycoComposite-and-AirMycelium-from-Ecovative-
Design-5-Credit-C_fig2_356395206

During Dutch Design Week 2019, the "growing" pavilion was constructed as a temporary
venue for events. The "Company New Heroes," "Dutch Design Foundation," and Eric
Klarenbeek collaborated on it, and several organisations and teams working in the circular
economy were involved. It is a study of bio-based building, for which numerous biological
materials and bio-manufacturing techniques have been tried out and utilised. The pavilion has
a cylindrical geometry, and its main structure is made up of hardwood frames and composite
mycelia panels for the exterior walls. The panels (200 x 70 cm), which firm "Grown" produced
under licence from Ecovative, are put on the hardwood frame, exposing their sculptural
surface. A variety of biomaterials were utilised. The pavilion was constructed using a variety of
biomaterials. The flooring material, Biolaminate, and two different kinds of bio-coatings were all
used, along with organic cotton for the inner drape. Mycelium composites have a severe
drawback when used in open-air locations, but the coatings improved the pavilion's weather
resilience and addressed this issue. Music performances were often staged inside the pavilion
to show tourists how well mycelial materials absorb sound. The area served as both an
exhibition space and a performance venue. A "Material Atlas" that outlines the manufacturing
and treatment techniques utilised for the materials used and lists life-cycle studies of the
materials used is a publication that the architects of this pavilion have produced that is worth
noticing.
34
3.4 BIOLUMINESCENCE

Bioluminescence is a genetic chemical reaction that enables certain marine micro-organisms to emit
light as a natural alternative to electric lighting.

3.4.1 Case study 1: Bioluminescent fungi

In recent years, a number of scientists have had success with transferring the genetic material
responsible for bioluminescence into plants that don't normally glow in the dark.
The goal is to eventually develop glowing trees that also function as streetlights, and indoor plants to
replace household light fixtures, saving a tremendous amount of electrical energy in the process.
So far, they have produced plants that glow faintly in the dark, so it may be a while before the
technology is feasible for widespread application

Bioluminescence produced by bacteria could be an energy-efficient, sustainable way to light up our

lives. The way we currently produce light, she argues, has changed little since the first light bulb
was developed in 1879.
While the LED-bulb, which emerged in the 1960s, has significantly reduced the running costs of
lighting, it still depends on electricity, which is largely produced by burning fossil fuels.
• In an attempt to create bioluminescent plants from bioluminescent fungi, scientists have found
a fungal version of luciferin, one of the unique compounds that is necessary for
bioluminescence, alongside either of the enzymes luciferase or photo protein.

35
3.5 FAB TREE HAB- grafting prefabricated structures

The fab tree hab be built by allowing native trees to grow over a computer-designed (CNC)
removable plywood scaffold. Once the plants are interconnected and stable, the plywood would be
removed and reused. MIT is experimenting with trees that grow quickly and develop an interwoven
root structure that’s soft enough to “train” over the scaffold, but then hardens into a more durable
structure. The inside walls would be conventional clay and plaster.

(Fig:5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4)https://www.terreform.org/fab-tree-hab

36
An old methodology new to buildings is introduced in this design – pleaching. Pleaching is a
method of weaving together tree branches to form living archways, lattices, or screens.
The load-bearing part of the structure is to use trees that self-graft or inosculate such as Live
Oak, Elm and Dogwood. The lattice frame for the walls and roof are created with the branches of
the trees. Using vines to create a dense protective layer woven along the exterior, interspersed
with soil pockets and growing plants. To increase the control, depth and accuracy of this building
method a conventional computer designs the scaffold use to grow the plants on.

Main trees suggested to be used are elms and oaks.

Green buildings conserve energy, water resources, and construction materials to avoid indoor and
outdoor pollution. This increased awareness of the depletion of the ozone layer and pollution caused
by building materials and processing. The design method adopted is called green design. The
purpose of the design is to advocate the protection and recycling of energy and natural
resources, and to create an ideal ecological environment. Automated buildings use alternative
energy sources such as wind power, solar power, and rainwater harvesting systems to reduce the
building’s dependence on externally supplied energy such as oil. These buildings also often use
recycled building materials.

(Fig:5.5)https://www.terreform.org/fab-tree-hab

37
3.6 IN VITRO MEAT HABITAT

(Fig:6.0, 6.1, 6.2) https://inhabitat.com/in-vitro-habitat-a-house-made-of-meat/

https://inhabitat.com/in
• Terraform One, an architectural design practice found in New York, introduces a study
proposal called “The Meat House”, through which they envisioned the creation of a new
al which as a structural construction material could be applied and
organic leather material
establish a building construction method.
• 3 D printers and will be composed by modified pig cells.
The leather will be created through 3-D
• D printer will create originally the structural frame at the desired shape/ form
This large scale 3-D
and size, where later on the frame will be coated by the leather tissue and necessary
preservatives. Its biodegradation nature will exclude any need for “demolition”.
“de Its technical
expensive about $1000 per 3cm of leather
fabrication though will be prohibitively expensive-about leather- but the
importance lies in the fact that it demonstrates the alternative approaches that synthetic
biology offers in architecture.

(Fig:6.1) (Fig:6.2)

38
CONCLUSION

Global Issues and the Biotechnology Revolution: The debate of global issues and their causes
influences people's thinking, advancing technology and research to address these global problems
and worldwide concerns. This is intended to look for ways to counteract industry's bad effects and get
rid of the flaws in twentieth-century technology that impede global progress. Clarifying the transition
from a mechanical approach to biological new developing technologies, tools, and materials in the
21st century is a major contribution made here. The use of these new technology to enhance human
health and slow climate change is emphasized by the new environmental wave that is currently
sweeping the globe.
Synthetic Biological Systems: Demonstrating the use of many biological technologies, with
important methods and materials that have the potential to alter our architectural structure. Examining
more closely how some biological products, designs, philosophies, and points of view have been
incorporated into architecture at various scales. E.g. Starting smaller with DNA synthesis to create
Genetic Architecture, followed by using protocells to create "Living Buildings," and finally applying a
synthetic biological approach on a bigger scale in "Living Cities," as future cities.
These programmes encourage the use of cutting-edge transdisciplinary technologies in architecture
and offer useful illustrations that are inventive, empowering, and enabling for architects.

This research aims to:

 Investigate at how the discourses surrounding green technologies relate to current global
issues. The goal is to examine current global difficulties and the causes behind them in order
to present the variety of solutions that could be provided by the introduction of novel and
potentially pervasive technologies including biotechnology, nanotechnology, and biological
nanotechnology.
 Create new architectural species by adapting synthetic biological systems using the most
recent developments in bioscience. The energy, materials, air, and water that flow between our
buildings and the environment will meld with the global environmental system like living
organisms, elevating the ideas of sustainability and cradle to cradle to a new level and
enabling a holistic biological integration to address our current global problems.
 Apply synthetic biological solutions to connect our architecture to the natural environment.
 The result should be capable of providing:

39
a. Better healthy living; through what biotechnology offers to the development of humanity and
integration with natural systems and interactive materials.
b. Clean environment: delivering effective and viable solutions to stop climate change and reduce
environmental pollution resulting from the construction processes while addressing the needs for
future generations.
c. New architectural species: as a result of integrating and using the latest contemporary
technologies in architecture; synthetic biology to meet the current and future demands for an
innovative and creative new architecture.

CAN SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY CHANGE THE PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF

ARCHITECTURE?

• Fabrication of the building as a biological machine is expected to change also the role of the
architect who will no longer create through sketches, plans and sections, nor will he organize
matters that govern the construction process, since the new construction process will be based
on the use of nutrient ingredients of the earth and the ecosystem.
• The architect’s role will be to define the rules with which this seed will be developed while
growing and to synthesize the performance and specifications of the new material.

5.0 ANALYSIS BASED ON INDIAN CONTEXT

The different methods and applications under each method will be analyzed based on Indian context
under the following topics
Biosynthetic architecture or synthetic biology in architecture is the need of hour keeping in mind the
ever growing population and the multiple effects of urbanization which include the rise in greenhouse
gases due to the construction industry.

40
(Fig 7.0)https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-perspectives/a427-role-of-architecture-in-climate-change/

Architecture, in its widest sense consumes energy, modifies environment and manipulates
ecology. It seems that energy issues should be of professional concern to Architects, whose
main goal is to improve the quality of life. Energy conservation should therefore become the
prime goal of architectural design.
Climate change is a reality. It is caused by Global warming. Architecture, in its widest sense
consumes energy, modifies environment and manipulates ecology. Buildings contribute almost
30% of greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn are responsible for the climate change that
has suddenly (in geological times) confronted us.
We have to take a broad view of the problem of designing buildings responsive to
environmental forces by investigating the problems in different contexts such as Climate,
Culture and Comfort as well as Energy, Environment and Ecology, and at different scales
namely Building Groups, Buildings and Building Components.(Energetica, 2021)

41
Architect has to take responsibility for successful design of conditions in the immediate vicinity
of the building called the “Micro-climatic Envelope” of the structure. This can be done only by
applying Scientific Methodology.
One such methodology is the usage of synthetic biology in architecture.
There are several ways in which the method of synthetic biology is applied in in the western
countries. Although some of these applications are still being tested out in the lab, it is a step
on the right path. India is no exception when it comes to pollution due to emission of
greenhouse gases.
The climate crisis has hit its maximum this year: be it the flooding in Bengaluru, the
devastation in Assam that destroyed two lakh homes, or the heat wave we felt in 16 states.
Our homes and cities are more vulnerable to climate change because of the copy-cat
uniformity with which we design and build them throughout the country, instead of a climate
and region-sensitive approach. ( Prasad Vaidya & Janani Venkatesh yourstory, 2022)

Buildings account for nearly a fifth of India’s CO2 emissions. About 51% of our population is
projected to live in cities by 2047. Our energy-related emissions will grow as we build more
buildings and cool them. Our cooling demand is expected to grow 15-fold over the next 20
years. But it need not go this way. ( Prasad Vaidya & Janani Venkatesh yourstory, 2022)

42
4.1.1 Photo. SynthEtica Curtain- air pollution

The curtains is designed to solve the current global climate crisis. As everyone is aware of the
onslaught of pollution in the major cities of India, there is a need to integrate such Bio-digital urban
curtains in India as well.

(Fig:8.0) https://www.downtoearth.org.in/dte-infographics/61005_emission_cities_india.html
• This method captures 1kilo of CO2 from the atmosphere per day which is equivalent to
20 large trees. Hence this method can be most suitable from the polluted cities like

43
 Delhi. Kolkata is a close second and cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai and
Bangalore follow.
• This method also helps generate biomass which in turn generated energy. In cities like
Delhi where the population is ever increasing, the energy consumption is also on a high.
• Statistics show that Hyderabad emerges as the city with greatest energy consumption.
• The concept of photosynthetic curtain is not alien to India as similar experimental
facades have been done in Bhubaneswar.
• The photo bioreactors use sunlight to feed the micro-algae, hence this method will thrive
in places where there is enough sunlight.

Place in India The method can be carried out and can be most helpful in paces where the air
pollution is very high. Eg: Ghaziabad, Delhi
statistics This method captures 1kilo of CO2 from the atmosphere per day which is
equivalent to 20 large trees.
10 curtains = 10 kg per day = 0.01 ton per day
Architectural The method is applied on the facade
member
Materials and Living micro-algal cultures. bioplastic panels, serpentine tubes that
availability serve as incubators for algae
the bioplastic is manufactured in india, although the algae hydrogel has to be
sent from the lab.
specifications The prototype is made of 16 bioplastic panels, each measuring 2 meters
wide and 7 meters tall
Advantages carbon sequestration
entire curtain doubles as a sun-shading device, effectively reducing
demands on the structure’s HVAC system
the reusable biomass produced by the curtain can be harnessed to create

44
 fuel or recycled into bioplastic material, such as that originally used to make
the curtain
the algae is bioluminescent, producing a faint glow during the darker hours of
the day.
cost Renewable energy by burning biomass can cut down energy costs

4.1.2 Photo bioreactors; bioenergy façade

• This is a similar method as the above but has a different way of application.
• This method is also an energy generation method and the biomass produced is used in
pharmaceutical industries.
• This method is also not alien to India as there is similar experiment done in India with
retailers selling photo bioreactors.
• Photo bioreactors can thrive in places with adequate sunlight, excessive consumption
of energy and also places with pharmaceutical industries around the neighborhood.
Place in India Hotter regions with more sunlight: Chennai, Hyderabad
statistics 5.5kgyield of biomass per m² bioenergy façade per year
38%solar energy conversion into heat
10kgco₂ absorption per m² bioenergy façade per year

Architectural Façade, tiles

member
Materials and Microalgae hydrogel, photobioreactors
availability the photobioreactors can be made in india, although the algae hydrogel has to
be sent from the lab.
specifications 129 bioreactors measuring 2.5m x 0.7m provides around one third of the total
heat demand of the 15 residential units.
Cost cost-effectiveness of the system is to be ensured by an operator concept
Additional analysis This method can be carried out in hot and polluted regions of Chennai, to be
more precise it can be designed as the façade of pharmaceutical industry
building, as the biomass released in the process is used in food and
pharmaceutical industries.

45
4.1.3 INDUS:- Bio-ID Lab designs DIY algae-infused tiles

• In 2016, The Amity University graduate was travelling to certain parts of India where
she noticed small-scale jeweler workers and textile dyers were releasing dangerous
toxins in water like cadmium, arsenic lead. This was affecting not just the water but also
the soil and air, threatening life to the community that stayed there.

• Neither the artisan workers have any space available for Westernized high-tech water
treatment solutions, nor do they have the economic capacity to get additional support.
Therefore, a system-which is both, spatially compatible, but more importantly can be
constructed and maintained by the artisans themselves, was designed.
• This method has been extensively studied in Kolkata (bangle makers) and Panipat
(textile dyers).
• However, right now the hydrogel infused in the tiles needs to be replaced every few
months.
•
Place in India Places where the textile, art industry is causing water pollution
Kolkata (bangle makers), panipat (textile dyers)
statistics One particular algae species can reduce the concentration of the cadmium 10
times within 45 minutes.
Architectural Facade
member
Materials and Microalgae hydrogel, photobioreactors
availability the photobioreactors can be made in india, although the algae hydrogel has to
be sent from the lab.
specifications 129 bioreactors measuring 2.5m x 0.7m provides around one third of the total
heat demand of the 15 residential units.
Advantages bioremediation, in which beneficial microorganisms are being used to
biodegrade plastic, clean up oil spills and unclog drains10kgco₂ absorption per
m² bioenergy façade per year
reduce the concentration of the cadmium 10 times within 45 minutes.
The passive, gravity-fed filtration system requires no pump or electricity.

46
Cost Forms a circular economy where both the artisans making the tiles and the bio-
engineers in the lab are benefitted
Additional analysis This method can be carried out in hot and polluted regions of Chennai, to be
more precise it can be designed as the façade of pharmaceutical industry
building, as the biomass released in the process is used in food and
pharmaceutical industries.
Local communites The clay tiles were designed by Indian artisans
It’s a low-tech, affordable solution for artisans who don’t have the space or
money for Western-style wastewater treatment systems.
Acts as a new source of economy and creates a connection between indian
artisans and the labs producing hydroget

 The results of the research and design development show that an algae-
integrated façade system concept has great potential for future development
and use.
 The advantages of this façade system include good thermal performance,
improved daylight transmission, structural integrity, and an algae cavity that
modulates solar gains over the entire year.
 It reduces greenhouse gas emission and creates a sustainable energy system.
 An algae façade can be applied to a wide range of building programs and
typologies that promote awareness of sustainability and reduce environmental
impacts.
 The algae facade system is adaptable and can be reconfigured or customized
to fulfill other primary responsibilities in different climate conditions and
locations by varying different algae species.

47
4.2.1 “Protocell” Architecture and Synbiodesign (air pollution)
• Protocell could be mixed with wall paint and programmed to produce limestone when exposed
to carbon dioxide. The paint can eat the carbon and change it into a shell-like substance.
• This method is done to reduce the level of CO2 in the atmosphere and hence its can prevail in
places of high air pollution. Eg: Delhi, Mumbai
• Since these protocells are created and still in an experimental phase in the lab in UK, it still
isn’t quite prevalent in India.
• The primitive paints that are being developed are not very efficient yet .
• As with any significant step-change, it’s slow to take off From developers, to agents,
to buyers themselves, people generally don’t want to be the first to risk investment in
a relatively untested industry when the costs are high.
• Once this method takes off, it can be implemented anywhere irrespective of climatic
conditions.
Place in India The method can be carried out anywhere since the protocells require CO2 to
form limestone and CO2 can be found everywhere, even in water.
Architectural External walls
member
Materials and For this method we need the protocells which aren’t yet readily available. They
availability have to be supplied by the lab in which they are made and currently they are
made only in U.K.
Advantages when the protocells come into contact with carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules,
turning the CO2 into calcium carbonate, or limestone, which stops the
greenhouse gas from rising up into the ozone layer.
limestone could thicken, forming somewhat natural insulation for buildings. This
of course would reduce heating requirements and therefore lower carbon
emissions from power plants.
It could also protect the building from formation of cracks.
Cost limestone coating that that develops on the buildings protect the building from
cracks. This helps prevent spending money on constant repairs
Local communites Once protocell infused paint becomes more accessible, the painting companies
can benefit from it.
•

48
4.2.2 Future Venice- growing an artificial reef under the city

• Venice isn’t the only city that could be sinking.

• Nestled 92km south of Kolkata, in the Sundarban Delta Complex, Ghoramara
Island is just around 5 sq km in area. This tiny island is currently disappearing
due to erosion and rising sea levels.
• The island was once home to 40,000 but over the years, the population has
decreased to just around 4000. The size of the island is also just half of what it is 20
years ago.

Place in India Ghoramara Island

Architectural foundation
member
Materials and For this method we need the protocells which aren’t yet readily available. They
availability have to be supplied by the lab in which they are made and currently they are
made only in U.K.
Advantages when the protocells come into contact with carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules,
turning the CO2 into calcium carbonate, or limestone, which stops the
greenhouse gas from rising up into the ozone layer.
The protocells dispersed in the water form a foundation that can support an
island from sinking.
Cost Since something as tiny as protocells can restore a whole reef. It is a cost
efficient process.
Additional analysis This method can be carried out in hot and polluted regions of Chennai, to be
more precise it can be designed as the façade of pharmaceutical industry
building, as the biomass released in the process is used in food and
pharmaceutical industries.
Local communites Once protocell infused paint becomes more accessible, the painting companies
can benefit from it.

49
 4.3 MYCOTECTURE

• The only condition for mycelium architecture to thrive is, when its practiced in places which are
humid and moist. These places should also have sunlight for the mycelium bricks to dry
naturally on site.
• The Shell Mycelium is a pavilion in Kerala made out of fungi. Kerala has an almost perfect
weather for this method to thrive.
• However the pavilion can only be temporary.
• This project was an informative attempt at a non-discreet use of the mycelium composite and
showcased what the challenges to such an approach are.

Place in India Kerala or other places with moisture content. There should also be
adequate sunlight for the mycelium bricks to dry up.
Architectural Brick, panel
member
Materials and Fungus
availability Substrate: coir pith, hemp, corn stalks
Structure: wood, steel, bamboo
All of these are locally available in india
Advantages  Cost effective

 Environmental friendly

 Less weight

 Inflammable

 Easily available

 Less water absorption

Disadvantages It is a temporary structure
Cost It is cost efficient and made with indigenous materials
Local communites Farmers who grow these fungi can be profited from this method of mycotecture
There can be a tie up and a movement in economy among the farmers and the
brick manufacturer.

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References
https://www.ecologicstudio.com/projects/photo-synth-etica
https://www.arup.com/projects/bioenergy-facade
https://www.dezeen.com/2019/09/21/bio-id-lab-indus-algae-tiles-water/
https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5749/j.ctv9b2tnw.9#metadata_info_tab_contents
https://iedro.org/articles/protocell-tech-limestone-and-the-future-of-architecture/
https://www.wired.com/2011/12/architecture-fiction-rachel-armstrong/)
https://www.dezeen.com/2014/05/30/movie-rachel-armstrong-future-venice-growing-giant-artificial-
reef/
https://ijesc.org/upload/3b4eda080739ec7aa231b3550008fbdc.Mycel%20Bricks%20%96%20An%20
Eco-Friendly%20Building%20Material%20using%20Macroscopic%20Fungi.pdf
https://www.dezeen.com/2017/08/26/shell-mycelium-fungus-pavilion-beetles-3-3-yassin-arredia-
design-kerala-india/
https://www.v-meer.de/my-co-space
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/a-The-products-MycoComposite-and-AirMycelium-from-
Ecovative-Design-5-Credit-C_fig2_356395206
https://www.terreform.org/fab-tree-hab
https://inhabitat.com/in-vitro-habitat-a-house-made-of-meat/
https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-perspectives/a427-role-of-architecture-in-climate-
change/
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/dte-infographics/61005_emission_cities_india.html

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