This discussion features Martin Dade Robertson, a Professor specializing in emerging technology and building growth, alongside Jonathan Desialov, an expert in biomaterials using fungi. They explore revolutionary concepts of growing buildings like trees and the intriguing use of mycelium as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. The conversation highlights self-assembling structures, the potential for self-healing, and the impact of climate change on future construction practices—transforming how we think about our built environment.
The podcast discusses the potential of using biological materials like mycelium and bacteria to create sustainable, self-assembling building components.
It emphasizes the importance of integrating microbial health into constructed spaces to enhance well-being while overcoming societal perceptions of building permanence.
Deep dives
The Concept of Growing Buildings
The podcast explores the revolutionary idea of constructing buildings that can grow organically, akin to trees using natural resources. This concept hinges on understanding how to assemble buildings while the biological organisms responsible for their creation are still alive, allowing for self-assembly and adaptability. The key takeaway is that leveraging natural processes could transform construction to be more sustainable while also potentially sequestering carbon dioxide. The vision includes buildings with self-healing components and the ability to adapt to environmental changes, making them resilient over time.
Biological Materials and Their Applications
Researchers highlight the use of materials derived from biological sources like fungi and bacteria to revolutionize building construction. Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be utilized to bind cellulose fibers, creating strong, lightweight materials suitable for various applications. Another avenue discussed is biocalcification, where bacteria are employed to deposit hardening minerals like calcium carbonate onto soft materials, effectively enhancing their structural integrity. These innovations suggest a shift towards sustainable methods that could lessen the ecological impact of traditional construction practices.
The Importance of Microbiomes in Built Environments
The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of microbiomes within constructed spaces and how their diversity can significantly impact human health. Scientists are investigating how to engineer indoor environments to foster beneficial microbial ecosystems, drawing parallels to diverse natural ecosystems like forests. The concept proposes the use of green technologies, such as living walls, to improve air quality and enhance the microbiome of existing buildings. By addressing microbial health in conjunction with environmental and structural considerations, researchers aim to create spaces that promote well-being for occupants.
Challenges and Future Aspirations in Eco-Conscious Architecture
Despite the exciting prospects of biological and microbial innovations in architecture, significant challenges remain in practical implementation and scaling these technologies. Current limitations include the need for controlled environments for growing materials and ensuring that they are functional while being biodegradable. The discussions also touch on societal perceptions regarding building permanence, with traditional materials still favored for durability despite their environmental costs. Moving forward, establishing predictive models for microbiome interactions in buildings will be essential for integrating these sustainable technologies into construction norms and practices.
This week on The Naked Scientists, we've teamed up with Cambridge University Press and specifically the team behind Research Directions, their suite of new, open access journals that are all about publishing research in a novel and exciting way.Science is, of course, all about asking questions and developing experiments to test hypotheses. But only rarely does a topic have a single facet. Instead, one key question invariably leads to many others; and the answers to these can, as the Research Directions team put it, "assemble into chains of collaborative work".They're asking really important... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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