Fabricated Ecologies with Juan Yactayo

Led by: Max Jarosz, Juan Yactayo

In the vast expanse of the world’s oceans, there lies a delicate balance of marine habitats and ecosystems. These realms, brimming with biodiversity, face multifaceted threats ranging from pollution, overfishing, to climate change-induced coral bleaching. As architects and visionaries, we find ourselves at the crossroads of technological advancements and environmental imperatives. The opportunity to harness the transformative potential of 3D printing presents a unique challenge: How can we meld the realms of digital fabrication with the intricate complexity of marine environments?

The studio will integrate theoretical understanding with hands-on experimentation. Seminars will be held in collaboration with marine biologists, 3D printing experts, and environmental ethicists. Studio sessions will challenge students to reimagine underwater habitats, from coral reefs to kelp forests, through the lenses of digital fabrication and generative design. Field trips to marine sites and 3D printing facilities will further bridge the gap between theory and practice.