PolyBrick 3.0

A Project by Sabin Design Lab
Cornell University

 

David Rosenwasser, Shogo Hamada, Dan Luo, and Jenny E. Sabin. 2018. “POLYBRICK 3.0: Live Signatures Through DNA Hydrogels and Digital Ceramics.” International Journal of Rapid Manufacturing (vol. 7), no. 2,3: 205-218.

Abstract

PolyBrick 3.0 builds on eight years of material investigations and takes the PolyBrick to the next level. Synthetically designed with advanced bioengineering, these DNA steered bricks exemplify the cutting edge and future of biologically informed clay and ceramic building blocks in architecture. The prototypes utilise 3D printed clay, hydrogel and synthetic DNA. Unique IDs stamped with DNA in the form of a ‘C’ for Cornell fluoresce within the PolyBrick clay body. Brick stamping has a long history where variegated size, shape and stamping indicate place, date of construction and type, and thus serve as invaluable historical documents. With our unique DNA stamps and glaze, we explore the possibility of live signatures and dynamic surface techniques, coupled with nonstandard bricks in the context of living matter and digital ceramics.