︎

Mohammed Mansoor + Architecture / MoMa®

Future Oriented Protein Cultivation 


The project proposes a futuristic protein factory (infrastructure) cultivating cricket and micro-algae on Roosevelt Island, New York. Emerging protein like cricket and micro-algae cultivation requires a much lower input of land, water, and resources, Compared to traditional ways of protein cultivation almost 70 times smaller - Moreover, Crickets and micro-algae have a greater percentage of protein content than traditional meat cultivation. The aim of the design was to develop an innovative mutualistic system between architecture, infrastructure, and ecology. This novel hybrid factory also alleviates the national pollution crisis and, finally, be beneficial for ecological systems and human life in the future.





Cornell University Architecture, Art and Planning

Faculty:           Tei Carpenter & Jesse LeCavalier
Team:              Chang-Feng Lee. Seung Won Seo,
                             Jiayi Yi, Yihe Zhang, Mohammed Mansoor
Degree:            M.S. AAD
Semester:       Summer 2018
Duration:         2 Weeks
Software:        Rhino, Vray, Photoshop, Illustrator
Site :                 Roosevelt Island, New York, NY
Type :              Architecture + Ecology, Infrastructural
                            Symbiosis, Food Production system.
The embodied building form divides the futuristic infrastructures into 3 levels. First, the micro-algae farm, also the feeding factory for Cricket are located underwater below and the overall structure. The ground level and the landscape in front of the structure are designed as hybrid-exhibition space for the public, where we exhibit, share and celebrate innovative types of protein resources. The factories, and laboratories supported by the skeleton structure, expose itself to the surrounding allowing full absorption of natural resources for manufacturing and also engages and welcomes visitors to experience innovative features. The project embodied its shape from an established overall systemic circulation based on the analysis of Roosevelt Island’s ecology. Sufficient daylight and condition of the island, including the river and lands, provide enough advantages to feed micro-algae and cricket which are the two sources of protein in the future. Our research established the systemic spaces and the feeding spaces required to supply protein to the residents of Roosevelt Island on a daily basis which is found to be seventy times smaller than the traditional form of protein cultivation.
Previous  Next
Home    About Us   Projects    Photography    Research    Blog    Contact    ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎