Experimental Architecture Primer 2015- Bacterial Hygromorphs
As part of the research project on Bacterial Hygromorphs, I designed a primer for the themed studio Experimental Architecture. Primers are short, intense periods of combined research and design work which set the tone for themed studios at the School of Architecture, Newcastle University. Our studio is structured around Bacterial Hygromorphs, intelligent materials produced by coating elastomers with bacterial spores, and that show a morphological response to humidity changes in their environment.
The primer asks students to produce a facade panel which opens and closes in response to humidity differentials between internal and external atmospheres. The exploration involves spending two days in the microbiology lab, being introduced to basic laboratory techniques and to the process of producing and learning how to coat elastomers to produce the hygromorphs. The video below shows the final piece presented by the 2015-2016 cohort—an absolute pièce de résistance by our third year guys!
