rethinking the glass tower through a living skin that grows, shades, and generates energy

rethinking the glass tower through a living skin that grows, shades, and generates energy

43 stories

algae

algae is a simple nonflowering plant of a large group that includes the seaweeds and many single-celled forms. from algae-covered skyscrapers to algae bioreactors designed to fight climate change, designboom curates the best algae-related architecture and design news and projects.

seaweed-based biodegradable material shapes two interlocking tubular light installations

aligned circular forms create overlapping sightlines through the structure.

Su Yang Choi readers

how ecoLogicStudio uses a practice of repair to grow buildings that breathe

compostable plastic bags made of seaweed are designed to break down and not be recycled

matthew burgos

floating platform integrates algae cultivation, renewable energy and freshwater production

MohsenLaei readers

algae-based bio-resin puddle pavilion by i/thee hovers above mud creek in iowa

Neal L Hitch readers

SO-Colored research project by we+ explores the potential of natural microalgae pigments

ecoLogicStudio reimagines domesticity through microbial installation at triennale milano

ecoLogicStudio readers

TOP 10 reader submissions of 2024 – materials

christina vergopoulou readers

cork and algae compose biodegradable vegan slippers you can bake at home

Giestas readers

laura bordini repurposes microalgae and industrial waste biomass to nourish plant life

Laura Bordini readers

traditional korean knotting shapes biodegradable algae-based artwork series

Su Yang Choi readers

spanish artisans repurpose macroalgae and seashells to weave bio-based baskets

Paula Camiña readers

bioMATTERS crafts tiling system by 3D printing mycelium, algae, and organic waste

Frank Melendez readers

zoë breed uses bioluminescent algae as bio-pixels to create a living light show

Zoë Breed readers

3D-printed surfboard made of upcycled algae ditches polyurethane foam for eco-wave riding

matthew burgos

studio bycolor deconstructs seaweed pigment to craft cotton, silk, and wool tiles

soil from mino, japan, has been filtered through unglazed clay to the same size as seaweed to craft pigmented tiles from cotton, silk, and wool.

Designer readers

SOM demonstrates algae-based 'bio-block spiral' at chicago architecture biennial

streetwear made from preserved seaweed shows algae's future in fashion at reykjavik edition

matthew burgos

bioceramics: from eggshell waste and algae to biodegradable art

Cynthia Nudel readers

'second sun' sailboat concept is made of algae-based biopolymer + ocean plastic

VAXA's vertical-farming technology converts clean energy into sustainable algae

christina petridou

edible 'nakedpak' food wrap made of algae explores sustainable packaging solutions

Naama readers

'cerberus' aquafarming vessel sails the waters autonomously to harvest algae

myrto katsikopoulou

a UK company is growing massive algae ponds to sequester carbon at gigaton scale

lynne myers

shop

your own online design shop — no sales commission collected

Gradient Watch – A Timepiece of Shifting Patterns and Minimal Elegance

Lawa Design

denmark $ 239

Souleaf wall art visualizes the luminous photosynthetic process

ilsangisang

south korea $ 28

architects are assholes mugs make a cheeky statement

krista jahnke

canada $ 21.95

99 CLASSICS (2ND GEN)

Meze Audio

romania $ 349

Feel the nature with the sticker that can be attached anywhere (pressed flower, nature, fruit)

Appree

south korea ~~$ 15~~ $ 12

18k Gold 'Chubby Babies' Studs

Carla Morrison Fine Jewelry

US $ 1280

V / envelope and key holder is an elegant bill organizer

ChiHong

taiwan $ 55

AWA Carafe : replacement bottle for SodaStream, Aarke and other Carbonators

AWA

US $ 45

BesoVida food-grade silicone kitchenware & S+ Cutlery sturdy yet lightweight utensils

Twowgo

taiwan from ~~$ 46~~ $ 42

Knit necklace, 3D printed statement necklace

monocircus

japan $ 162

submit, enter, discover

competitions

Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2026 $ 115,875.00 USD deadline: october 20th, 2026

2027 French Design Awards deadline: april 6th, 2027

2027 MUSE Design Awards deadline: april 15th, 2027

Wonder Global Design Awards 2026 Season 2 deadline: january 31st, 2027

WDC 2028 Busan Pavilion International Design Competition $ 46,666.00 USD deadline: october 26th, 2026

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 $ 115,875.00 USD deadline: november 2nd, 2026

The Architect’s Chair Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition $ 9,120.00 USD deadline: january 5th, 2027

The Oak Moon Pavilion $ 9,120.00 USD deadline: march 1st, 2027

2026 TITAN Property Awards Season 2 deadline: november 5th, 2026

Kinderspace: Architecture for Children's Development competition / Edition #4 $ 11,773.00 USD deadline: november 30th, 2026

Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2026 $ 115,875.00 USD deadline: october 20th, 2026

2027 French Design Awards deadline: april 6th, 2027

2027 MUSE Design Awards deadline: april 15th, 2027

Wonder Global Design Awards 2026 Season 2 deadline: january 31st, 2027

WDC 2028 Busan Pavilion International Design Competition $ 46,666.00 USD deadline: october 26th, 2026

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 $ 115,875.00 USD deadline: november 2nd, 2026

The Architect’s Chair Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition $ 9,120.00 USD deadline: january 5th, 2027

The Oak Moon Pavilion $ 9,120.00 USD deadline: march 1st, 2027

2026 TITAN Property Awards Season 2 deadline: november 5th, 2026

Kinderspace: Architecture for Children's Development competition / Edition #4 $ 11,773.00 USD deadline: november 30th, 2026

all competitions

courses

Sustainable Architectural Design Program by My Archischool deadline: december 31st, 2026

Train Your Own Architectural AI-Model by My Archischool deadline: december 31st, 2026