Geological Microbial Formations explores biocementation as a transformative approach to converting construction waste into architectural materials. It combines biotechnology, robotic fabrication, and architecture to leverage biomineralisation—a process where microorganisms precipitate calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) minerals. Sporosarcina pasteurii, a microbial calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), binds aggregates into solid structures under low-energy conditions. The installation features a robotic arm mimicking stromatolite formation, depositing aggregates and spraying bioactive agents. Visitors witness dynamic material growth alongside completed artifacts, and microscopic visualisations highlight the intricate biological and biochemical processes involved. Geological Microbial Formations reimagines material processes and cycles, fostering a critical dialogue about the role of biotechnology in developing new sustainable and interdisciplinary practices within architecture.
Participants
KAREN ANTORVEZA PAEZ, BENJAMIN DILLENBURGER, ROBERT KINDLER, AND DIMITRIOS TERZIS
Karen Antorveza Paez, Bogotá, Colombia, 1990. Lives and works in Zurich, Switzerland.
Benjamin Dillenburger, Saarbrücken, Germany, 1977. Lives and works in Zurich, Switzerland.
Robert Kindler, Mannheim, Germany, 1995. Lives and works in Zurich, Switzerland.
Dimitrios Terzis, Thessaloniki, Greece, 1990. Lives and works in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Technical collaborators
Che-Wei Lin and Kai Hsun Yeh, Chair of Digital Building Technologies, D-ARCH, ETH Zurich (Research Assistance); Tobias Hartmann, Chair of Digital Building Technologies, D-ARCH, ETH Zurich (Technical Support); Fergal Coulter, Complex Materials Group, D-MATL, ETH Zurich (Technical Support); Ramiro Itturioz (Video Editing)
Thanks
ETH Zurich: Michael Lyrenmann, Robotic Fabrication Lab; Shina Roshanfekr, D-MAVT; Dominik Reisach, Chair of Construction Heritage and Preservation; Pietro Odaglia, Digital Building Technologies (DBT); Dan Vivas Glaser, Wood Materials Science Group
