Browsing by Subject "Synthetic Biology"
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Item Restricted Synthetic Futures : the Emergence of Synthetic Biology in Architecture and What it Means for Gaia(2023) Colin Thomas Ehrentraud; Fischer, Jeanne-Françoise; Huneck, Karsten; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: The Earth is facing numerous environmental challenges, including deforestation, climate change, and resource depletion, caused by humanity's pursuit of prosperity. To comprehend and address these issues, it is crucial to understand the intricate workings of our planet. James Lovelock's Gaia Hypothesis offers a top-down perspective, portraying Earth as a unified being maintaining homeostasis to support life. The architecture of the modern world heavily relies on dead materials like concrete, steel, and wood, contributing to ecological damage and unsustainable practices. This thesis explores the concept of "dead architecture" and proposes a biological solution known as "Synthetic Biology" to transform the relationship between architecture, humanity, and Gaia. Synthetic Biology enables the manipulation and creation of novel living systems, providing a potential connection between architecture and the natural world. The research draws on interdisciplinary literature, examining architectural and scientific journals to introduce the possibility of merging Synthetic Biology and architecture. The exploration of sustainable and biomimetic solutions offers historical context to highlight the significance of this emerging field. Keywords: Gaia Hypothesis, dead architecture, Synthetic Biology, sustainable solutions, biomimicry, environmental challenges