



Algaculture, 2010



Keywords: after agriculture, alternative ways to fuel the body, human algae symbiosis, altered food system, exhibition

Alternative ways to fuel the body

Algaculture designs a new symbiotic relationship between humans and algae. It proposes a future where humans will be enhanced with algae living inside new bodily organs, allowing us to be semi-photosynthetic. Almost enabling us to become plant-like by gaining food from light. As such, we will be symbionts (meaning that both entities entirely depend on each other for survival), entering into a mutually beneficial relationship with the algae.



Why design new food on what we have now, when we could re-design how we fuel the body altogether?



Far future new bodily organs

This scenario is, among other sources, inspired by the work of scientists Debora MacKenzie and Michael Le Page who wrote about photosynthetic creatures, or what they call “plantimals” in the New Scientist (2010). Such photosynthetic organisms currently include lichen, sea slugs and salamanders that welcome algae into their bodies, in a partnership called endosymbiosis.





This is a summary of the work. Want the full story about the Algaculture project?

When you subscribe to our newsletter (for free), we will send you a link to unlock the full information about our work.



You can also support us on Patreon to access a range of benefits and deeper insights including regular updates and unseen footage.



We look forward to welcoming you on our creative journey!

Take home

Current and upcoming shows

28 May 2019 - May 2024

Vienna Biennale For Change: Brave New Virtues, MAK, Vienna, Austria

29 March - 26 July 2020

Serial Eater: Food design, CID, Hornu, Belgium



June 2020 - January 2022

LWL Museum of Natural History, Munster, Germany



13 June - 18 September 2020

Migros Museum, Zurich, Switzerland



See also