The atelier is the latest addition to Luma Arles, a contemporary art campus in southern France. In the former industrial shed flasks of green algae bubble away on a shelf. A 3D printer spews out objects made from algae-based bioplastic. A rack holds algae-dyed textile samples. Walls are made of local sunflower industry byproducts, incorporating demolition debris and limestone dust from quarries, mixed with clay creating a concrete-like finish. Mashed-up pith and fibers form acoustic insulation. Antibacterial door handles are made of salt, harvested from salt marshes; thermal insulation made from bales of local rice straw; bathroom tiles made of waste clay from a nearby quarry; furniture made of invasive Japanese knotweed, stained with dyes made from filtered urine. Broken roof tiles were reused in the floor. Rice fibers have been woven into rope to create geo-textiles. Salt has been grown into lampshades. Waste clay a sand quarry produces is being turned into ceramics.
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