RADICANT

Pioneering Sustainable Biopolymer Architecture

The project, developed by the Centre for Information Technology and Architecture (CITA) at the Royal Danish Academy, explores the use of biopolymer composites derived from agricultural waste streams to create a 3D printed wall paneling system. The composite material consists of bone glue, a by-product of the meat industry, combined with cellulose fibres from various waste streams. The mixture is robotically 3D printed into filigree leaflike patterns. Due to the thermoplastic properties of bone glue, the material can be reactivated and reshaped by localised heating, facilitating processes such as repair, refurbishment and recycling. Such adaptability supports the principles of circular design by allowing the material to be reused and reconfigured, thereby extending its life cycle and reducing waste. Radicant was part of the Living Prototypes exhibition at Aedes Architecture Forum in Berlin from 10.12.2022 – 25.01.2023.

Nicholas, P., Lharchi, A., Tamke, M., Eppinger, C., Sonne, K., Rossi, G., & Thomsen, M. (2023). Biopolymer Composites in Circular Design: Malleable materials for an instable architecture. Conference: Acadia 2023: HABITS OF THE ANTHROPOCENE: SCARCITY AND ABUNDANCE IN A POST-MATERIAL ECONOMY. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 43RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN IN ARCHITECTURE. University of Colorado, Denver.