Synthetic Aesthetics - 9780262019996

Synthetic biology manipulates the stuff of life. For synthetic biologists, livingmatter is programmable material. In search of carbon-neutral fuels, sustainable manufacturingtechniques, and innovative drugs, these researchers aim to redesign existing organisms and evenconstruct completely novel biological entities. Some synthetic biologists see themselves asdesigners, inventing new products and applications. But if biology is viewed as a malleable,engineerable, designable medium, what is the role of design and how will its valuesapply?

In this book, synthetic biologists, artists, designers, and socialscientists investigate synthetic biology and design. After chapters that introduce the science andset the terms of the discussion, the book follows six boundary-crossing collaborations betweenartists and designers and synthetic biologists from around the world, helping us understand what itmight mean to 'design nature.' These collaborations have resulted in biological computers thatcalculate form; speculative packaging that builds its own contents; algae that feeds on circuitboards; and a sampling of human cheeses. They raise intriguing questions about the scientificprocess, the delegation of creativity, our relationship to designed matter, and, the importance ofcritical engagement. Should these projects be considered art, design, synthetic biology, orsomething else altogether?

Synthetic biology is driven by its potential; some ofthese projects are fictions, beyond the current capabilities of the technology. Yet even asfictions, they help illuminate, question, and even shape the future of the field.