Carlo Ratti Associati presents with Cesare Griffa & EcoLogicStudio a natural man-made sustainable prototype, first bio-digital canopy, for the Future Food District project of the Milano Expo 2015. Urban Algae Canopy exploits principally the use of algae as a consolidated architectural fabric & urban agriculture mechanism.
Courtesy of © Carlo Ratti Associati with Cesare Griffa & EcoLogicStudio
“The functioning principle of the prototype is based on the exceptional properties of micro-algae organisms, which are ten times more efficient photosynthetic machines compared to large trees and grasses’ said Carlo Ratti. Algae represent a significant component of health & liveable ecosystem, endorsing life to inexplicable urban gardens that can be utilized as ingenious energy for diverse food production techniques.
Courtesy of © Carlo Ratti Associati with Cesare Griffa & EcoLogicStudio
Micro-algae performs a crucial photosynthetic activity with 150kg of biomass per day – 60% of which are natural vegetal proteins. It absorbs considerable supplies of carbon dioxide and oxygen, while simultaneously performs as a second skin of buildings with passive cooling. Cesare Griffa additionally states, ‘micro-algae open up an incredible potential for new renewable energy resources, and hope for a greener future building and architectural surfaces.
Courtesy of © Carlo Ratti Associati with Cesare Griffa & EcoLogicStudio
Urban façades and roofs represent billions of square meters that instead of being made of inanimate material such as concrete, could become clever photosynthetic surfaces that respond to the current state of climate warming.
Courtesy of © Carlo Ratti Associati with Cesare Griffa & EcoLogicStudio
Image courtesy of Carlo Ratti Associati with Cesare Griffa & EcoLogicStudio
Project info :
Project : ecoLogicStudio – Marco Poletto and Claudia Pasquero (London, UK), part of the H.O.R.T.U.S. series. Special edition for Expo 2015 developed with Carlo Ratti Associati (Turin, Italy)
Responsive system consultant : Alt N – Nick Puckett
ETFE design support and manufacturing : Taiyo Europe GmbH
Wood structure design support : The Ne[s]t – Paolo Scoglio
Wood structure manufacturing : Sullalbero srl
Evolution biologist : Catherine Legrand
Microbiologist : Mario Tredici
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.