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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Microbial technologies: Toward a regenerative architecture

Figure 12. LabourModules, which are processing units that are enabled by convergent technological platforms integrating biotechnology with
physicochemical-digital systems for treatments of residues and system feedback. Source: Drawing courtesy of Simone Ferracina for the LIVIN Flagship
proposal, 2019.

creating a digitally compatible “hub” that bioremediates its symbiotic activity in the anode that augments overall
surroundings in ways that can be monitored (smart), and metabolic activity. Anodal biofilms could also be designed
are biologically sustainable (nature-compatible), ultimately through bioprinting to ensure that desired microbes are
establishing the building blocks for resource circular cities. seeded in the membrane-electrode complex to confer
the biofilm with further functional programmability.
The metabolic power of MFC arrays can be further Living electrodes that are digested and produced by
realized through a range of research goals that can extend resident microbial colonies in the anode can be designed
the possibilities already discussed in this article. Different to “garden” microbial activity in ways that optimize
chasses that are biodegradable (including recycled electron transfer, facilitate biosynthesis, and effectively
materials and discards) can be developed for the MFC transfer water molecules and cations to the cathode. The
arrays including “living” mycelium biocomposites that MFC membrane can also be functionally integrated with
provide an active layer for gardening bacterial-mycelial hydroponics, so that plant roots can benefit from easy-to-

Volume 5 Issue 1 (2023) 11 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.157