As populations explode and natural resources dwindle, global visionaries are exploring alternative sources of sustenance – and ecoLogic Studio has been at the forefront of this pursuit for several years. Their most recent project, the Urban Algae Folly, is the world’s first living edible architecture. Inegrating micro-algal cultures and real-time digital cultivation, the system produces 35g of Chlorella every day – or the protein equivalent of 750 grams of meat per day. In just 6 months, the folly can produce the same amount of protein as a small cow, which, according to the designers, is sufficient to feed four people.
Originally presented at the Milan Expo earlier this year, the Urban Algae Folly is a sculptural but functional piece of bio-digital architecture made of micro-algae organisms. Currently on display at the Praça da República, Braga, in Portugal, it is both responsive and adaptive. When the sun shines on the structure, the algae flowing through a series of bags and tubes photosynthesize, constantly changing the appearance in response to the weather conditions of the day.
Urban Algae Folly produces the protein equivalent of a small cow in 6 months [Inhabitat]