Biokinetics: Kinetically Adaptive Photobioreactor Facades

The Biokinetics research project utilizes kinetic design to optimize algae growth in a photobioreactor facade system. Depending on the species and growing conditions, algae can double in biomass every 24 to 48 hours while sequestering twice their weight in CO2 from the atmosphere. This project incorporates photobioreactor modules for the algae culture's systemic aeration, circulation, and agitation. The basic module, comprising photobioreactor, structural, and shading layers, works in a vertical loop with water pumped to the top before circulating down by gravity. Energy consumption is minimal, and because 99 percent of the water is recycled during the continuous, passive harvesting process, water consumption is also minimal. The system imbues a green, healthy, and sustainable aesthetic informed formally and performatively by biological systems and natural intelligence that contributes to inhabitants' psychological health. Biokinetics combines complementary aspects of algae cultivation and kinetic design as a biodigital sustainable facade.