Geological Microbial Formations

Описание: Geological Microbial Formations is a living installation, a continuously evolving microbial factory presented at the Biennale Architettura 2025. At its core is a novel biofabrication process: a robotic arm incrementally constructs an architectural structure by layering granulates and applying biocement solutions enriched with Sporosarcina pasteurii. This microbial culture initiates mineral precipitation, binding loose particles into solid, stone-like formations.

Inspired by ancient stromatolites, layered geological structures shaped over millennia by microbial life, the work reimagines these natural processes through a site-responsive, additive manufacturing system. The installation unfolds as a spatial and temporal performance, where material, machine, and microbe intertwine.

More than a demonstration of biomineralisation, Geological Microbial Formations stages a living transformation of matter: a hybrid negotiation between biology and technology that reveals how microbial life can sculpt architecture, opening new horizons for sustainable and regenerative design.

Project: https://dbt.arch.ethz.ch/project/geol...
Biennale Website: https://www.labiennale.org/en/archite...

TEAM
Karen A. Antorveza Paez (Project Lead)
Prof. Benjamin Dillenburger (Supervisor)
Robert Kindler (Material Science), Wood Materials Science Group, D-BAUG, ETH Zurich
Dr. Dimitrios Terzis (Technology Advisor) BIO-Geos, EPFL, Lausanne

TECHNICAL COLLABORATORS
Che-Wei Lin and Kai Hsun Yeh, Chair of Digital Building Technologies, ETH Zurich (Research Assistance)
Tobias Hartmann, Robotic Fabrication Lab, Chair of Digital Building Technologies (DBT), ETH Zurich (Technical Support)
Fergal Coulter, Complex Materials Group, ETH Zurich (Technical Support)
Ramiro Itturioz (Video)

SPECIAL THANKS
Michael Lyrenmann, Robotic Fabrication Lab, ETH Zurich
Shina Roshanfekr, D-MAVT, ETH Zurich
Dominik Reisach, Chair of Construction Heritage and Preservation, ETH Zurich
Pietro Odaglia, Digital Building Technologies (DBT), ETH Zurich
Dan Vivas Glaser, Wood Materials Science Group, ETH Zurich

SUPPORTERS
ITA, Institute of Technology in Architecture, Department of Architecture, ETH Zurich
ETH ALIVE (Advanced Engineering with Living Materials)
MeduSoil
UNIVERSAL ROBOTS A/S
Eberhard

EXHIBITION
May 10, 2025 – November 21, 2025
Biennale Architettura 2021, Venice, Italy
Matters Make Sense, Arsenale