Biopods: Integrating Regenerative Technologies into Urban Ecologies

Historical pollution of the Blackstone River system due to industrial activities has severely impacted biodiversity, public health, and wetland ecosystems, which naturally purify water through bioremediation. The destruction of wetlands has further threatened water quality and elevated toxin accumulation in humans. Bioremediation projects are usually undertaken on the governmental level, as they rely on large-scale infrastructures and a more top-down approach, which is often inaccessible to the public. This paper discusses the introduction of human-scale floating modular wetlands, called Biopods, which facilitate the establishment of a long-term bioremediation infrastructure and education for continued community involvement in maintaining their waterways. It embodies the well-established indigenous knowledge and technology of floating wetlands, knitting together a fabric that revitalizes fringe marshes and enhances water purification. In addition to the Biopods design, we develop a participatory design and co-creation framework to empower community members to claim agency over their water and health.

https://doi.org/10.35483/ACSA.AIA.InterMaterialEco.23.39

Volume Editors
Caryn Brause & Chris Flint Chatto