Bio-Plastic Habitat: Lab-Grown Dwelling Prototypes Using Bio-Plastics

Since 2006, Synthetic Biology (SynBio) has emerged as the fastest-advancing technology in human history, enabling the rewiring of life's code and transforming numerous industries. It facilitates the production of diverse products, from lab-grown meat to mRNA vaccines. Over the last decade, SynBio has begun to influence architectural design and construction materials at macro and micro scales. We discuss how the progression from Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) to Programmable Living Materials (PLMs) represents a significant advancement in material science that will transform the architecture and construction industry. We present design proposals focusing on bioplastics for small-scale bio-grown habitats, exploring tension-based structures and optimizing properties like elasticity. This approach aims to innovate basic housing solutions and integrate sustainable bio-based polymers into architectural practice. Additionally, we present speculative projects of bio-membrane habitats that integrate PLM systems, combining synthetic biology and 3D printing to create self-lifting structures with potential for sustainable infrastructure applications.