The irresistible illusion of finding a solution
The majority of materials used for infrastructure development are non-regenerative aggregates whose extraction methods, trade and processing raise political, ecological and social tensions to various degrees in relation to their local availability.
'The irresistible illusion of finding a solution' is a material study on bio-concrete derived from abundant local waste streams. As the construction sector is one of the most resource and carbon-intensive economy sectors, resourcing from waste reduces the amount of virgin and non-renewable material needed for infrastructure development.
The process involves living microorganisms producing a solid calcium composite through biomineralisation. This non-pathogenic bacteria has the ability to utilise the enzyme urease and calcium carbonate crystals. Once introduced into a waste material, the process of biomineralisation creates a solid material, an alternative source of concrete and a circular material to avoid excavation and minimise irreversible human impact.
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Ingredients
Bacteria, organic urban waste from the food and production industry
Credits
Scientific support from the Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Bioprocess Engineering, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Götz and Johannes Nicklisch; University of Applied Sciences Potsdam