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H.O.R.T.U.S XL is an installation exhibited at the Center Pompidou in Paris which in the future could become a new construction system aimed at improving the living quality of our cities.
ecoLogic Studio – H.O.R.T.U.S XL – 2019 – Photo: NAARO
Can you talk about the project H.O.R.T.U.S XL 2019?
H.O.R.T.U.S. XL was presented at the Pompidou Centre; it is an open system that interacts directly with the environment and allows for the production of oxygen thanks to the use of microalgae.
I imagine the algae will need a support structure …
It is a triple structure. The first is that of algae, then there is a second one in biogel that contains them and finally the 3D printed one.
ecoLogic Studio – H.O.R.T.U.S XL – 2019 – Photo: NAARO
What is the biogel?
There are various types of biogels and in this case it is printed. Algae produce biogel when they are out of the water. To explain, it is the sticky patina that we see on the stones on the shoreline and is used by algae to survive. Scientists have started producing artificial biogel to decrease the amount of water needed for algae cultivation and to allow their use in other contexts such as architecture.
ecoLogic Studio – H.O.R.T.U.S XL – 2019 – Photo: NAARO
In the photo.Synth.Etica project we talk about architectural leather. How is it used in practice?
It could be used as a 3D printed facade. But the long-term idea is to build an entire building using this technique. As of today, H.O.R.T.U.S. are permanent sculptures that are to be inserted in public spaces that allow for the production of proteins and oxygen and to raise people’s awareness of these issues.
