Design and microalgae. Sustainable systems for cities

Abstract

New practices linked to biological sciences are emerging in the world of design and architecture. In recent years various interventions have involved the use of living organisms and biomaterials even in an urban context. This essay analyzes those projects that have entailed the use of microalgae, tracing their limits and possibilities. The guidelines for the implementation of similar projects at the level of products or small installations are also defined. From the perspective of designing for the benefit of citizens and given the countless properties of microalgae, solutions of this kind and innovative integrated services could be a way to mitigate the environmental, but also social and economic problems, of present and future cities.

Keywords

• microalgae
• urban production
• limits and possibilities
• product/service/system
• sustainability