Description

Eco–resilient Tectonics explores the development of living building materials (LBMs) through robotic 3D printing of earth–based substrates embedded with living organisms. LBMs offer a promising future for construction by enabling the integration of living systems into buildings, enhancing resilience and supporting ecological diversity. This research takes a multi–species approach, carefully considering ecological factors to create optimal conditions for organisms to thrive and eventually become part of architectural systems. 

In this study, Pleurotus ostreatus (Blue Oyster mushroom) was used as a mycelium composite, and Raphanus sativus (Radish) was incorporated for greenery; both were embedded in a 3D–printed wall system. The resulting prototype successfully demonstrated the growth of both mycelium and plants. It also highlighted the resilience of the mycelium composite as an insulating material, even under adverse conditions, underscoring its self–healing and regenerative abilities. 

Program Development

This approach reinterprets material decay as ecological transformation, positioning buildings as self–healing, environmentally responsive systems. By merging additive manufacturing with biological processes, the project advocates a shift from inert construction to regenerative fabrication. Architecture, in this vision, becomes an active ecological participant—where the integration of life into material systems fosters resilient, low–carbon, and adaptive infrastructure that responds dynamically to environmental change. 

This project was presented at Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) 113th Annual Meeting. Proceedings can be found at : ACSA Proceedings.

Project Team

Ehsan Baharlou

Project student research assistants

Avery Edson, Mia Hsu, Juliana Jackson, Eli Sobel, Tabi Summers and Ipsita Datta

Image Credit

Ehsan Baharlou, CT .lab, University of Virginia, 2024

Acknowledgements

The project was developed at the Computational Tectonics Lab, School of Architecture, University of Virginia. Led by Principal Investigator Dr.-Ing. Ehsan Baharlou, with contributions from student research assistants Avery Edson, Mia Hsu, Juliana Jackson, Eli Sobel, Tabi Summers, and Ipsita Datta. The team gratefully acknowledges the support of the UVA Fabrication Facilities staff, including Melissa Goldman, Dr. Trevor Kemp, and Andrew Spears, whose technical expertise enabled the fabrication process.