Programmable Bio-Matter Architecture

Building with biology will be the most important platform to transform our planet in the next decades. Since 2006, Synthetic Biology (SynBio) has surfaced as the fastest-growing technology in human history. This field is allowing us to manipulate the genetic code, biology, food, and vaccines and ultimately aiming to reshape the very essence of existence. In this paper, we assess the development of SynBio and its impacts on architectural thinking, materials, and particularly in Architectural fiction. In this paper, we argue that there are at least three waves of impacts of SynBio technology in construction: Biomaterials, Engineered Living Materials (ELM), and Bio-Matter or biobots. We explore architectural thinking's domain, involving architects and engineers in research and startups. We embrace the architectural envisioning role and present our design work utilizing observed biological growth algorithms. Synthetic Biology urges questioning not only biomaterials but also the field's overarching vision.