Thesis Research Documentation — Aline Theo

Uncontrolled
Environments

A series of experiments at the intersection of biology, sensing, and architectural speculation

This research investigates biological systems as computational interfaces — organisms that integrate environmental signals and produce measurable metabolic outputs without programmatic instruction. Sensors function as witnesses, not controllers.

Each experiment probes a different edge of the living system: where does biology end and architecture begin? Where does data become atmosphere?

Institution
Columbia GSAPP
Lab
Biocomputation Lab
Year
Spring 2026
Experiments
6 ongoing
01 — Active
Engineered
Circadian Rhythms
Metabolic activity in spider plants
CO₂ flux under controlled light conditions
CO₂ Sensing Circadian Photosynthesis
02 — Upcoming
Bio Machine
In development
Biocomputation
03 — Upcoming
Living Feedback
In development
Feedback Systems
04 — Upcoming
Form Failure
In development
Material
05 — Upcoming
Toxic by Design
In development
Toxicity
06 — Upcoming
Architecture Without Occupant
In development
Speculation