the institute for advanced architecture of catalonia proposes slime mould as architectural application

students of the institute for advanced architecture of catalonia (iaac) are conducting a new emergent field of research focusing on bio-inspired processes to inform architectural explorations. the project – named ‘living screens’, investigates the design possibilities through the research of a single-cellular organism physarum polycephalum, also known as slime mould.

‘living screens’ vision

the living screen project intends to maximize the biological properties of the slime to engage a structural bio-machine capable of manifesting and articulating the cognitive relations between the user and the space. research into the project has been divided in two parts, the first focusing on the analysis of the natural properties of the slime, and the second part concentrating on how these properties can be applied in an architectural sense by using computer-aided prototyping. so far researchers have successfully densified dynamic patterns within the slime known of what is known as ‘physarum polycephalum’ (pp) and applied it within an interior space.

case study 2: exterior application [w hotel barcelona]

depending on the desired use and conditions of the location, a ‘food distributor machine’ translates the criteria into a g-code which is then interpreted as coordinates for the slimes arrangement. the living material can also be placed as an exterior element where the solar radiation is not harmful of the pp’s development.

network systems

due to the flexibility of the material it is hoped over time living screens will have the capability of following a multitude of scenarios, even evoking dynamic experiences between the users and the architectural artefact. the living screens are capable of filtering light in spaces as well as changing the colour of it, creating transparent, translucent and opaque effects, and shadow projections.

panel close-up

by creating a symbiotic concept of co-design with nature it hopes to engage a more direct relation between users and the architecture by offering the opportunity to personalise an environment. this study highlights the value of biological processes when it comes to design, suggesting that the insertion of a natural organism can make a space feel alive.

geometry analysis – patterns and growth

living screens
video by fabio m. rivera

final prototype of the living screens

foraging of the slim mould in a panel

panel close-up: light filtration

diagram of opaque, translucency and transparency performance

diagram of pigmentation performance

living screens assembly diagram

case study 1: interior application

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: kieron marchese | designboom