BioDwelling

The concept of a ‘biodwelling’ might seem like science fiction, yet the idea of self-healing, breathing walls and living scaffolds is oozing into our present and is closer to home than one may think.

BioDwelling is an arts-led project, initiated by social scientist and NUAcT Fellow, Dr Carmen Macleod and led by artist and researcher, Dr Louise Mackenzie.

BioDwelling explores the future of biotechnological innovation in the built environment through exploring the questions that arise when we begin to engineer multispecies dwelling spaces. What kinds of care do living biological materials require? What role does responsibility play in making and living with biotechnological materials? What are the challenges in attempting to create living buildings for both human and ecological health and wellbeing?

BioDwelling develops methods rooted in participatory arts to enable knowledge exchange and co-created artworks. A series of launch events and participatory workshops led to the development of the BioDwelling Network and the formation of three co-created projects that begin to explore our relationship with living biotechnological materials in the built environment. This first phase of the BioDwelling project was concluded with an exhibition at the HBBE's experimental home studio, The OME in March 2023.