Imprimer La Lumiere – 3D Printing Bioluminescence for Architectural Materiality

Abstract

Abstract ‘Imprimer la Lumière’ examines the making of a bioluminescent micro architecture. The project positions itself inside a sustainability agenda. By exploring the use of light-emitting bacteria as a material for architecture it asks what are the concepts, methods and technologies needed for designing with living materials. The project devises new means by which to design with the luminescent vibrio fischeri bacteria in a 3D printing manufacturing process based on extrusion principles. By combining the study of these living organisms and their appropriation through advanced robot-controlled 3D printing technologies, we establish a conceptual, material and technological framework for a bio-controlled bacteria growth and 3D extrusion process and a printable material based on agarose and gelatine.