Water

Biotechnologies present new means of conserving and remediating water.

BDC Projects

Dewpoint

A set of spiny panels, Dewpoint draws inspiration from cacti’s ability to efficiently collect and store water droplets from fog.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2016)

Enzer

Enzer is a microplastics filtration system that can be retrofitted to pre-existing washing machines. It uses fine filters along with a powder that breaks down plastic using enzymes from the Ideonella sakaiensis bacterium. 

RMIT University (2019) | Video

MPMP Filter

Golden Leaf

Golden Leaf is a collection of floating color-changing islands made of mycelium and bioengineered water hyacinths. They indicate water health and filter polluted water catchments in South Africa. 

Greenside Design Center (2020) | Video

Living pod

Living Pod is a set of blueprints for floating research stations where scientists who are seeking to remediate ocean plastics can collect information. The structure is made from PHA, a plastic that breaks down and can feed marine ecosystems.

SeaShift Collaborative (2020) | Video | Website

Further Resources

Oyster-Tecture (2009), Kate Orff

Oyster-Tecture is a living reef supported by oyster and mussel growth. The reef protects against wave erosion and can filter contaminants from millions of gallons of water. Learn more⟶

REEF DESIGN LAB

Industrial Designer Alex Goad builds artificial structures to encourage ecological growth on seawalls for native intertidal species. Learn more⟶

The Drinkable Book, Folia Water

Dr. Theresa Dankovich, PhD collaborated with the nonprofit Water is Life to create "The Drinkable Book." Made of germ-killing nano-silver coated paper filters, the pages are able to purify drinking water and reduce bacterial count by 99.9999%. It is designed to provide clean water for people living in cities and villages in emerging markets. Learn more⟶