Limestone, Bacteria

Still Life

Adi’s material research delves into the fascinating interaction between natural raw materials—such as sand and stone—and mineral-producing bacteria, resulting in the creation of an entirely new class of living materials. This innovative process bridges the properties of inorganic materials with the dynamic, ever-changing behaviour of living organisms, producing a material that is both stable and capable of growth, adaptation, and transformation. The bacteria play a pivotal role in this process by binding the aggregates—such as sand and stone—together, effectively solidifying them into a unified structure. Over time, this material evolves, responding to external stimuli such as light, temperature, and humidity, and continuing to grow in ways that mimic living organisms.

Unlike traditional materials that remain static and unchanging, this material behaves much like a living organism, undergoing continuous internal processes that drive its transformation. These processes can include the development of new mineral structures, shifts in texture, and changes in the material’s physical properties. What makes this material unique is its ability to adapt and evolve in response to its environment. It can reshape itself over time, depending on external conditions, offering endless possibilities for innovation in design and functional applications. This material is no longer just a static object, but something that continually changes and evolves, creating a new category of materials that blur the lines between the organic and the inorganic.

The potential for this living material extends beyond its unique properties; it also offers exciting opportunities for integration with other biological systems. The material can function as a living surface or habitat, particularly in areas such as architecture, design, and art. Its ability to reshape itself over time in response to its environment opens new avenues for sustainable, self-maintaining systems. For example, in architecture, it could be used to create surfaces that adapt to environmental conditions, contributing to energy efficiency and natural regulation of temperature. This suggests a future where objects and materials do not simply exist in a fixed form but grow, adapt, and maintain themselves, revolutionising how we interact with the built environment.

The living nature of this material also invites a new perspective on the relationship between humans and the objects they engage with. Unlike traditional materials, which are passive and inert, this living material requires ongoing care, attention, and maintenance to thrive. It is not merely an object to be used but a dynamic partner in an ongoing process of evolution. The relationship between the user and the material is one of co-creation, where the material’s growth and transformation are directly influenced by the user’s interaction with it. This deepens the connection between the object and its owner, making it more than just an artifact, but a living, evolving entity.

A significant benefit of this material is its sustainability. The bacteria responsible for binding the aggregates promote self-healing, meaning the material can repair itself over time, decreasing the need for replacement. Additionally, the material’s biodegradability allows it to naturally decompose when its life cycle ends, minimising landfill waste and contributing to a more sustainable future. These regenerative properties align with the growing demand for eco-friendly materials and solutions in design, manufacturing, and construction.

As the material evolves, it fosters a co-creative process between the user and the object, blurring the lines between organic life and inanimate matter. This interaction encourages a deeper, more meaningful connection, as the material changes and grows with the person interacting with it. By challenging traditional notions of materiality, this project opens up new possibilities for future design, sustainability, and innovation.

Ultimately, this project embodies a symbiotic relationship between humans and living organisms that continues as long as life persists within it. It raises critical questions about the potential of materials to function as living entities and suggests a future where the boundaries between the natural and synthetic worlds become increasingly porous. This project envisions a new paradigm in design—one where life, material, and technology intersect, creating dynamic, evolving systems that exist in harmony with their surroundings.

Making process

The making process of this living material begins in the laboratory, where the mineral-producing bacteria are first grown in a liquid medium. This controlled environment allows the bacteria to thrive and multiply, preparing them for their key role in the creation of the material. Once the bacteria have grown sufficiently, they are mixed with natural raw materials—such as sand and stone aggregates—creating a paste-like consistency. This mixture forms the base of the living material.

The paste is then shaped using moulds, allowing it to take on the desired form for the final object. The moulds give structure to the material, enabling it to be crafted into various shapes or designs suited for different applications. After being shaped, the material is placed in an incubator, where the bacteria continue their work of binding the aggregates together. During this incubation period, the material undergoes a curing process, in which it mineralises and begins to solidify. The bacteria’s mineral-producing properties allow the aggregates to bond more firmly, giving the material its stability and strength.

As the material cures, it also dries, transitioning from a soft, pliable paste to a more solid and robust form. The mineralisation process is critical, as it reinforces the material and allows it to evolve into a unified entity. Due to the unique binding properties of the bacteria, certain parts of the material can even connect seamlessly, forming larger, cohesive structures without the need for additional adhesives or mechanical fasteners.

Throughout the process, careful monitoring is essential to ensure the bacteria are thriving and the material is curing properly. Temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors are carefully controlled to optimise the mineralisation and drying stages, allowing the material to fully develop its living properties.

The result is a material that is both solid and living. It retains the ability to evolve over time, reacting to external stimuli and continuing to grow as long as life persists within it. The process of creating the material is not just a one-time event but an ongoing interaction between natural elements, bacteria, and careful craftsmanship, resulting in a dynamic, adaptable object that is both functional and sustainable.

Text submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank. For information about reproducing (a part of) this text, please contact the maker.