Abstract
This research explores the architectural potential of temporary, bio-integrated lattices made from bacterial cellulose and microalgae hydrogels—living materials capable of photosynthesis and air purification. By merging computational design with regenerative biomaterials, this work examines how biological intelligence can inform architectural structures that are adaptive, responsive, and environmentally generative. Inspired by lattice-based designs such as traditional jaalis and mashrabiyas, these structures are envisioned as dynamic, lightweight screens that filter air, interact with light, and evolve over time. Unlike conventional façades or installations, these lattices actively contribute to their surroundings by producing oxygen, capturing CO₂, and engaging with atmospheric conditions. Their temporary nature challenges conventional ideas of permanence in architecture—suggesting a shift toward materials that live, perform, and biodegrade rather than those designed for indefinite longevity. CO₂ capture is achieved through the microalgae matrix integrated with the bacterial cellulose, where photosynthetic processes are made possible due to the semi-permeable nature of the biocomposite. The project aims to investigate how environmental parameters, such as humidity and temperature fluctuations, affect the bioactivity of the material, informing strategies for long-term viability. A core focus of this project is the design methodology: How can we develop computational workflows that integrate biological growth patterns, digital fabrication, and bio-material constraints? How do these ephemeral structures respond to climate, urban density, and spatial interaction? By experimenting with scaling bacterial cellulose and microalgae-based hydrogels, this research seeks to define new fabrication strategies that allow for bio-integrated structures at an architectural scale.