| Hydrological Algae Farm, Architecture Powered by Algal Metabolism | Bologna, Italy | Unit 21 | 2026 |
| Hydrologic Algae Farm proposes an architectural model in which environmental remediation, biological cultivation, and material production converge within a living infrastructure. Situated within the flood-prone landscape of Bologna, the project responds to hydrological conditions by investigating how excess water can be transformed into a productive ecological resource through algae cultivation. Water extracted from the site’s pond undergoes a multi-stage filtration process before circulating through an integrated algae photobioreactor façade, where microalgae grow through calibrated exposure to light and nutrients. Operating simultaneously as environmental infrastructure and architectural envelope, the façade contributes to water purification, biomass generation, passive shading, and atmospheric spatial conditions. Harvested algae biomass is processed into algae-based paper through visible workshops, drying systems, and material experimentation, exposing the cycle from cultivation to fabrication. By making ecological systems spatially legible and publicly accessible, the proposal positions architecture as an active environmental agent—productive, educational, and regenerative. |
The Exhibition Space The exhibition space brings material experimentation and public engagement together in a calm, immersive environment. The gallery showcases algae-based artefacts, biomaterial production, sculptural storage, and filtered light. |
Floorplans Drawing The ground floor illustrates the project’s spatial organisation, where public programmes, circulation, and ecological systems are structured through fluid geometries inspired by algae growth, movement, landscape, and water flow. |
Morphological Study of Algae Growth |
Algae Photobioreactor Facade The algae photobioreactor façade operates as environmental infrastructure and envelope, supporting water purification and biomass cultivation. Filtered through algae panels, natural light shapes the interior while making ecological processes visible. |
Final Video The video presents the proposal’s operational and spatial logic, illustrating water filtration, algae cultivation, biomass harvesting, and paper fabrication. It demonstrates how ecological systems become productive and educational infrastructure |