Para-symbiotic by Renzo Lopez. Advised by Eric Goldemberg

Coral reefs are a key component to the world's ecosystems. For his M.Arch thesis, Florida International University graduate Renzo Lopez utilizes a common tool in any architecture studio as a means to investigate the possibilities understanding the construction of coral reefs: 3D printing. In his thesis, titled Para-symbiotic, Lopez explores the potential generative applications of intrusion, extrusion, and other 3D printing approaches. He questions, "What if it were possible to attach a robotic apparatus to the base of coral polyp(s) which allowed it to simply orient itself in its own self process of extrusion? Could this self extrusion allow it to afford a certain level of protection from the adverse environmental conditions which currently threaten its existence?"

Archinect connected with Lopez to hear more about the transition from in-person to remote learning and how his project adapted to the situation. He also provides insight on his thoughts on the pandemic and how it has affected the industry.

Archinect's Spotlight on 2020 Thesis Projects: 2020 has been an extraordinarily challenging year for architecture graduates. Students were displaced as schools shut down, academic communities had to adapt to a new virtual format, end-of-year celebrations were canceled or changed dramatically, and now these students are graduating into an extremely challenging employment market. To support the 2020 class we're launching a summer series of features highlighting the work of thesis students during this unique time of remote learning amid COVID-19. Be sure to follow our 2020 thesis tag to stay up to date as we release new project highlights.

This thesis project speculates, on the design and function of said apparatus [3D printer] and its possible implication in affording an architecture that can symbiotically combine the restoration of coral reefs and human inhabitation.  

Briefly describe your thesis project.

The growth of a coral reef is analogous to a 3D printer out of control. Coral's underlying calcium carbonate formations supports are a process that under typical, undisturbed circumstances can take thousands of years. The process begins with a single colony of coral polyps which attach to the sea bed or any other oceanic surface. Once attached the polyp ingests and metabolizes algae in the surrounding water, which triggers the coral to grow. At every interval of the growth process, the polyp pushes away from the underlying seabed and secrets or deposits its calcium carbonate exoskeleton. Over the years these piled up depositions of calcium carbonate, which are the result of a continual cycle of algae metabolization, form the various coral reef mounds which are found in oceans all over the world. 

This very linear process of growth is analogous to a 3D printer constantly extruding filament but without control of its directionality of extrusion. In the case of coral, its filament is the constantly ingested algae and its extrusion the indiscriminate shedding of its exoskeleton overtime. Uninterrupted, this natural process has proven to be self-sufficient in populating the world's oceans with coral reefs. However, due to mankind's current parasitic mode of inhabiting the earth, coral reefs are on the verge of being eradicated by the deadly side effects of our inhabitation. However, what if it were possible to attach a robotic apparatus to the base of coral polyp(s) which allowed it to simply orient itself in its own self process of extrusion? Could this self extrusion allow it to afford a certain level of protection from the adverse environmental conditions which currently threaten its existence? This thesis project speculates, on the design and function of said apparatus and its possible implication in affording an architecture that can symbiotically combine the restoration of coral reefs and human inhabitation.  

The biggest aspect of my project which changed as a result of remote learning was the presentation media [...] I believe that anytime the medium of representation for a project is drastically altered it provides an opportunity to take a step back and find the more precise moments and ideas that really make any given project speak for itself.

How did your project change as studios transitioned to remote learning?  

The biggest aspect of my project that changed as a result of remote learning was the presentation media. Where I had previously planned on making several physical models that a jury would be able to interact with, the focus was now shifted towards producing more 3-dimensional drawings and renderings that would just as accurately convey the spatial complexity of the project. Though it was a bit sad for me given my preference and love for making large physical models, I believe that anytime the medium of representation for a project is drastically altered it provides an opportunity to take a step back and find the more precise moments and ideas that really make any given project speak for itself. In that regard, every virtual critique leading up to the final presentation served as an opportunity to continually refine this mindset and skill in order to quickly compensate for the lack of hands-on reviewing that would normally take place in a physical studio environment.  

The reality is that the duration of the world's current situation is unknown and might in many ways be permanent. Adopting a healthy obsessive mentality when approaching a project, especially in studio, can help to bring about the resilience necessary to develop new skills and even ideas that will be useful now and in the coming future. 

Any tips for students as they continue to work on their thesis?

I think the best advice I can give is to become absolutely obsessed with your project. Find an idea for your project that you quite literally can't stop thinking about. Though I do refer to this in a healthy sense, doing so will almost guarantee that you won't be brought down by any of the hurdles that the effects of this pandemic have brought when it comes to acceding to means of production and presentation. The reality is that the duration of the world's current situation is unknown and might in many ways be permanent. Adopting a healthy obsessive mentality when approaching a project, especially in studio, can help to bring about the resilience necessary to develop new skills and even ideas that will be useful now and in the coming future. 

As a recent graduate experiencing the direct effects of the pandemic, how do you feel about the architecture industry right now and job prospects?   

This situation which will have a lasting effect on our industry and many others should prompt the rethinking and reorganization of the physical realm in corporate structures and its relation to housing, public services, and many other emerging urban requirements. 

The pandemic has in many ways marked a turning point in regards to our typical perception of what it means to inhabit, live, and work. Though I am fortunate enough to be employed at the moment under a work-from-home modality, this work model is not generally accepted or desired by many other members of the industry. Regardless of the pandemic and its effects, I feel that this work model can have significant advantages with regards to productivity, time management, and overall economic efficiency. Though there are a great many factors that have influenced the reduced amount of job openings within the industry, many of these, I feel, are due to firms and studios feeling doubtful about adequately adapting to the current model of work. This situation, which will have a lasting effect on our industry and many others, should prompt the rethinking and reorganization of the physical realm in corporate structures and its relation to housing, public services, and many other emerging urban requirements.