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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/N010108/1
Title: Computational Seeding of Bio-Receptive Materials
Principal Investigator: Cruz, Professor M
Other Investigators:
WATTS, Mr W W
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Biotecture British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd J & L Gibbons LLP
Laing O'Rourke Ltd
Department: Bartlett Sch of Architecture
Organisation: UCL
Scheme: Standard Research - NR1
Starts: 01 November 2015 Ends: 30 April 2017 Value (£): 296,786
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Civil Engineering Materials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Creative Industries
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
25 Jun 2015 Design the Future Interviews Round 2 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
Computational Seeding of Bio-Receptive Materials is an interdisciplinary research proposal that brings together a design team with high expertise in architecture, biology and engineering. It aims to develop an innovative wall-panel system capable of growing microorganisms directly on its surface. By utilizing novel design engineering methods the research seeks to improve facade performance through the implementation of a new type of biologically receptive concrete. This system intends to overcome many of the limitations of existing green walls, particularly the need for mechanical irrigation systems and expensive maintenance.

This proposal responds to the urgency of improving the environmental quality of our cities. Climate change, increasing levels of pollution, and the loss of pervious surfaces within the urban fabric, has resulted in an ongoing effort of making our cities greener and more sustainable, especially in the developed world. Building envelopes, in particular roofs and facades, have been targeted as an opportunity for greening. However, current 'green walls' have proven expensive to implement and manage. This notion of 'greening' has also failed to address the increasing loss of cryptogamic cover surfaces (algae, mosses, lichens, etc.), which due to their scale have passed rather unnoticed in our cities.

In response, biologically receptive cementitious materials have been studied and chemically altered to provide pH levels, porosity values and water retention properties that are favourable for microorganisms to establish and proliferate. The adoption of biologically receptive concrete as a means of fostering green growth has the potential for the building's façade itself to become the biological substratum for the growth of photosynthetic systems.

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