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Designs From The Biocene | Lecture by Marcos Cruz (October 2022)
The talk explores ways to integrate biological growth in architecture as a way to give shape to future photosynthetic cities in the post-Anthropocene. Against the established idea that buildings can look forever new, the proposed work embraces a new aesthetics of impurity and hybridity derived from biofilms and self-regulated growth on walls that age over time. Central to this new ornamental dimension of architecture is the use of new biological derived materials and poikilohydric species (algae, mosses, lichens) that are grown on bio receptive scaffolds that switch on and off their photosynthetic activity depending on the availability of water. The talk delves into novel interdisciplinary work methodologies traded between architects and scientists that range from lab tests to outdoor observational studies, reflecting a mix of computationally-driven morphologies, novel biocomposites and multi-scale applications.
About the Speaker
Marcos Cruz is an Architect and Professor of Innovative Environments at the Bartlett School of Architecture. He is co-founder of Studio Biocene as well as co-director of the Bio-ID lab, a cross-disciplinary research platform created with Dr. Brenda Parker that they run between architecture and biochemical engineering at UCL. In addition to his professional practice and academic leadership, which includes his Directorship of the Bartlett between 2010-14, Cruz’s research and teaching (UCL, IaaC, University Westminster, UCLA) has been focused on new forms of bio-integrated and sustainable design for the built environment. Main thematic foci include bioreceptive materials, poikilohydric design and neoplasmatic architecture (RIBA President’s award for research in 2008). Cruz has published numerous books and articles, lectured and exhibited internationally, and regularly serves on juries and advisory boards.
The lecture is sponsored by Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council in Sharjah. Representing both traditional and modern crafts across the MENASEA and Central Asia regions, working with partner organizations and championing artisans and designers, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council is looking at the empowerment of women professionally and socially.