GROWING BUILDINGS FROM CARBON POLLUTION
REGENERATIVE ARCHITECTURE
Solid-State Carbon (SSC) integrates carbon capture and fabrication into a unified process that redefines how we design and build. By utilizing the biochemical processes of algae, SSC transforms atmospheric carbon dioxide into a solid material capable of growing directly into predesigned forms, such as molds, architectural elements, or entire building frameworks.
This innovation draws parallels with regular bioconcrete, which uses microorganisms to precipitate calcium carbonate, enhancing material strength and enabling self-repair of structural cracks. As studies have shown, “microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) offers a novel and sustainable approach to improving construction material properties” (Seifan, Samani, & Berenjian, 2016).
Looking into the future, SSC presents the possibility of growing entire buildings from carbon pollution, transforming urban infrastructure into living, self-sustaining systems. This vision allows buildings to evolve with their environments, reduce ecological impact, and contribute to long-term environmental restoration.
Seifan, M., Samani, A. K., & Berenjian, A. (2016). Bioconcrete: Next generation of self-healing concrete. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 100(6), 2591–2602. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-016-7316-z
HOUSE GROWN FROM ATMOSPHERIC CARBON / AI MOCKUP
PROJECT RESEARCH AND AWARDS
CSA (CANADA STANDARDS ASSOCIATION GROUP) SCHOLARSHIP
Research Topic: Growing Buildings from Carbon Pollution
York University, Toronto, May 2024 – May 2025
Advisors: Prof. Franz Newland, Prof. Marissa Largo and Suraj Shah, MSc, Innovation York.
My SSC research is supported by the prestigious CSA national-level scholarship awarded to graduate students in Canada conducting innovative engineering research in standards development and environmental sustainability. The goal of the scholarship is to make SSC a standard in construction/fabrication and carbon capture.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ONTARIO (IPON) AWARD
I was nominated by YSpace, York University’s innovation hub, for IPON’s Intellectual Property Award, recognizing my patent for Solid-State Carbon (SSC). Being nominated for an IPON award reflects a significant recognition of excellence in innovation – the award covers the costs of patent application.
IP INNOVATION CLINIC FELLOWSHIP
Award for research with the IP Innovation Clinic at Osgoode Hall Law School, collaborating with Bereskin & Parr LLP. This engagement facilitated the filing of my SSC/algal bioconcrete patent, advancing sustainable material innovation. Through mentorship and legal expertise, I developed proprietary biotechnology contributing to carbon capture and eco-friendly construction solutions.
Advisor: Joseph Turcotte, PhD, Innovation York, Suraj Shah, MSc, Innovation York and Reshika Dhir, B.Sc. (Elec. Eng.), J.D.
ENBRIDGE GRADUATE STUDENT AWARD
Enbridge Graduate Student Award for academic excellence and leadership in researching strategies for implementing bioart and bioconcrete into urban architecture and mobilizing new knowledge to produce positive socioecological impacts. Awarded at York University.
SOLID-STATE CARBON PATENT
The result of research with the IP Innovation Clinic at Osgoode Hall Law School, collaborating with Bereskin & Parr LLP. This research facilitated the filing of my algal bioconcrete patent (trademark name Solid-State Carbon), advancing sustainable material innovation.
Kanic, Vladimir (2024). ”Methods and Systems of Forming a Bioconcrete.” U.S. Patent No. P76223US00.
INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP
ALGYY THINK-THANK (2024- )
Founder and Innovation Manager
Solving deep climate and social problems with cutting-edge innovation and collaboration, recognized through strategic partnerships with Canada’s leading innovation hubs – Foresight, YSpace, Elevate and Collision Conf.
YSpace Innovation Catalyst (2024)
Participated in York University’s YSpace program, refining and scaling algal bioconcrete technology and public bioart initiatives, bridging cutting-edge material innovation with impactful climate action strategies.
Foresight Innovation Incubator (2024)
Collaborated with industry experts at Canada’s leading cleantech accelerator to advance algal biotechnologies, focusing on commercialization strategies for climate-positive construction materials.
Elevate Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge (2024)
Competed as a finalist in Canada’s premier sustainability challenge, presenting my pioneering solutions for carbon capture and social equity through bioart and biomaterial innovation to investors and thought leaders.
Collision Conference Alpha Innovation Program (2024)
Represented my innovations at North America’s largest tech conference, showcasing algal bioconcrete and bioart as a groundbreaking solution for sustainable urban infrastructure, making global connections for future collaborations.
THE FUTURE
Looking into the future, a theoretical 2500 m high solid-state carbon skyscraper with a base of 100×100 meters and filled with living algae could capture all planetary carbon emissions while producing enough raw solid-state carbon to fabricate housing for 6.4 million people annually (based on Gagg’s and Mahood’s calculations for regular concrete construction).
…or imagine a 120 meter tall living sculpture actively growing from carbon pollution while making the whole city carbon-neutral.
Gagg, Colin R. “Cement and concrete as an engineering material: An historic appraisal and case study analysis.” Engineering Failure Analysis, vol. 40, May 2014, pp. 114–140, doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2014.02.004.
Mahood, Ciaran. “How Much Concrete Is Required to Build a Skyscraper?” Quora,https://tinyurl.com/535zhcm7.
LIVING ALGAE BIOTOWER / DIGITAL MOCKUP 2024
© 2025 VLADIMIR KANIC
THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT THE FUTURE IS TO INVENT IT