Bio Protopia - Designing the Built Environment with Living Organisms

Bio Protopia - Designing the Built Environment with Living Organisms

Designing with living materials: thoughts on the paradigm shift and an overview of the state of research

What is “Bioprotopia”? It is the vision of a world with buildings that grow, self-heal and create virtuous cycles where waste from one process feeds another. A vision where the spaces that we inhabit are attuned to both the human occupants and non-human microbial ecologies.

This is the first book to ground the concept of biotechnology in the built environment in tangible, large-scale prototypes. With rich visuals, it presents materials and processes that exploit the many possibilities of shaping the built environment with micro-organisms. At the same time, scientific and technical challenges are discussed, pointing to the need for a shift in thinking and culture to ensure progress.

• First comprehensive publication on the state of research
• Demonstrates the use of renewable materials in design
• Illustrative, scientific documentation for design professions and researchers

About the authors

Ruth Morrow 

is Professor of Biological Architecture. Ruth’s research is largely practice based and encompasses both the material, the social and the ecological. It is driven by an inclusive, feminist ethos and uses tactics of creativity, collaboration and reflection through writing. She has extensive experience in developing material ideas from concept through to commercialisation, resulting in international funding, design awards, exhibitions, chapters, papers, books and citations. She is currently co-head of the interdisciplinary School X at Newcastle University, where she also co-leads the research theme, Responsible Interactions, in the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment.

Ben Bridgens 

is a Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology in the School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape at Newcastle University, UK, and a founding member of the HBBE. Ben works at the interface of structural engineering, architecture and design, critically examining ‘sustainable’ (bio)technologies and exploring the potential of reimagining low-tech, traditional approaches for the construction and operation of the built environment. Ben led the design of an experimental house on the Newcastle University campus called ‘The OME’ and co-leads the HBBE’s ‘Responsible Interactions’ theme.

Louise Mackenzie

is an artist, curator and research associate at HBBE. Her practice explores human relationships with the non-human world and her research has developed a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to critical engagement with scientific practice. Louise holds a PhD in Fine Art from BxNU Institute of Contemporary Art and is a Director of ASCUS Art and Science in Edinburgh. She is co-founder and curator of an interdisciplinary cinema project, Black Box, and co-founder of Alive Together, an international community for research in human/animal relationships. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including ZKM (Germany), BALTIC CCA (UK) and National Library of Madrid (Spain).