s t a t e . o f . t h e . a r t | p r o j e c t . m a n a g e m e n t . a n d . d o c u m e n t a t i o n

p r o j e c t . c o n c e p t

As a native of Gyumri, a city celebrated for its vibrant art, craftsmanship, and talented individuals, I draw inspiration from the unique volcanic stone, Tuff. Known for its diverse textures and colors, Tuff is not only integral to the city's artistic heritage but also widely used in the construction of buildings throughout Gyumri, Yerevan, and other cities across Armenia. My project aims to repurpose Tuff by transforming it into a flexible stone-textile, suitable for fabric production or 3D printing.

By utilizing the stone powder generated from the construction and other applications of Tuff, I can minimize waste and promote sustainability. This innovative approach not only reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional material sourcing but also emphasizes a circular economy where materials are continually repurposed. By creating a bio-material from Tuff, I aim to showcase its potential in various applications, reinforcing the idea that sustainability can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Through this project, I aspire to celebrate the rich artistic legacy of Gyumri while demonstrating how traditional materials can be reimagined for the future. By embracing sustainability, we can foster a creative environment that respects our heritage while also protecting our planet, paving the way for a more responsible and innovative approach to material use.

i n s p i r a t i o n

"Magic Queen": A 3D Printed Soil Landscape Cared for by a Robotic Gardener

"Magic Queen," presented at the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale, is an innovative project that showcases a 3D printed landscape created using 90 tonnes of local soil. Developed by the interdisciplinary practice MAEID, led by Daniela Mitterberger and Tiziano Derme, this biodegradable structure represents a fusion of natural and technological elements, redefining the relationship between living systems and architecture.

The installation was crafted directly on-site over a three-month period, with an emphasis on creating a habitat that can evolve and sustain itself. During and after its fabrication, the landscape was seeded with various grasses and inoculated with mushroom spores, allowing it to develop a vibrant ecosystem throughout the biennale.

Mitterberger and Derme explain that "Magic Queen" embodies a hybrid environment, merging biological systems with organic materials and robotic technology. The robotic gardener, suspended above the landscape, is equipped with tools to water the plants and monitor the ecosystem. It gathers data about soil conditions and growth, translating this information into sounds and visual feedback. The project pushes the boundaries of architecture by proposing a self-sufficient environment that operates independently of human intervention. By employing biodegradable materials and responsive technologies, "Magic Queen" fosters the idea of a new wilderness—an autonomous ecosystem where living entities thrive alongside advanced technologies.

"Magic Queen" exemplifies a commitment to sustainability, addressing the urgent need for innovative building practices that respect and enhance ecological systems. The project not only illustrates the potential of biodegradable materials in architecture but also advocates for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and interact with the built environment.