Page 37 - JCAU-5-4

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Floral strategies for regenerative design

Figure 9. XENO placeholder. Source: Composite image by Anna Vershinina, 2023

to the robot system, showcasing the potential for resource obtained since insects, along with other invertebrates, are
recycling and renewable energy production. The benthic currently not explicitly covered by animal welfare legislation
2
fuel cell represents a way to harness energy from organic in the European Union , and are not afforded the same level
matter (dead mosquitoes) through microbial activity. of legal protection as vertebrates.
This concept reflects the principles behind SMFCs, The current rationale behind the exclusion of insects
where microorganisms generate electricity through their from animal welfare legislation is to protect animals that
metabolic processes. It highlights the potential of utilizing are considered sentient, with the capacity to experience
renewable energy sources and sustainable practices within positive or negative states of consciousness. While it
energy systems. is now widely acknowledged that many invertebrates,
Gallery visitors are implicit in these exchanges including insects, exhibit complex behaviors and sensory
becoming part of the energy transfer through the appetites perception, there is ongoing scientific debate about their
of the female mosquitoes. The electric shock delivered at level of sentience and subjective experiences. Animal
the anther tip can cause immediate death or immobilize the welfare legislation is often influenced by societal values,
insect, and it is likely to induce discomfort and pain during available resources, and practical considerations, so as
insects are highly diverse and abundant, it is challenging to
the process. While insects have a different nervous system develop specific regulations and enforce them effectively.
and sensory perception than mammals, they possess Moreover, cultural attitudes position insects differently
nociceptive receptors that can sense harmful stimuli from vertebrates and have historically been subjected to
and trigger pain-like responses. However, since insects’ various forms of exploitation and control without the same
nervous systems differ significantly from mammals,’ it is ethical considerations.
difficult to determine the exact nature and intensity of pain
experienced by mosquitoes. Discussions around the ethical treatment of insects
and other invertebrates are evolving as the understanding
This scenario raises ethical considerations on various of invertebrate sentience and cognitive abilities advances.
levels. From a human perspective, the carnivorous robot Implicit in XENO is the provocation for increased
plant could be seen as an innovative solution for mosquito consideration and potential changes to animal welfare
control, potentially reducing the spread of diseases. legislation to include a wider range of animals — some
However, ethical concerns may arise regarding the treatment of which are culturally unpopular — like mosquitoes. In
of animals (in this case, mosquitoes) and the potential all cases, the need for pest control must be balanced with
unintended consequences on ecosystems. Balancing human 2 The legal frameworks for animal welfare in the EU, such as
interests, ecological well-being, and ethical considerations the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and
is a complex and irreducible challenge that is implicit in the European Convention for the Protection of Animals
the transfer of energy and resources within all lifeworlds. Kept for Farming Purposes, generally focus on vertebrate
Ethical permission for the installation was sought and animals.

Volume 5 Issue 4 (2023) 8 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.1006