ExoGarden is a life promoting strategy in the form of a vertical garden system that is integral to a building structure. It is set to revolutionize traditional notions of architecture, challenging the wasteful ways of the modern construction industry. The new living typology will have features of the Bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) that support life in extreme environments by orchestrating artificial ecosystems consisting of many complex symbiotic relationships among higher plants, animals, and microorganisms. These systems aim to mimic Earth’s natural biosphere by recycling waste, purifying water, and producing food and oxygen through biological processes, effectively creating a self-sustaining environment that can support life in the harsh conditions on Earth and in space.
By harnessing 3D printing technology, ExoGarden introduces a new paradigm where modular structures can be efficiently and rapidly constructed with maximum space utilization and minimal waste, making it ideal for extreme environments with limited infrastructure. ExoGarden's innovative systems minimize water usage and repurpose organic waste through earthworm-assisted composting. The modules feature a textured surface that facilitates the growth of organisms absorbing carbon dioxide and pollutants, thereby promoting bioremediation and encouraging the cultivation of edible plants.
ExoGarden serves as a trailblazing model that challenges artists and scientists to envision habitats that are not only visually striking but also ecologically sensitive and resilient, ensuring a sustainable future for humanity and other life forms on Earth and beyond. It has the potential to be developed beyond the BAD Award installation into a functioning, self-sustaining and life-promoting ecosystem.
