Spirulina is said to be the richest food in iron, 20 times higher than common iron-rich foods; and its iron is twice as effective than iron found in most vegetables and meats. COURTESY: Esse Spirulina

In the living room of the not-so-distant-future, you might have a glowing green blob of microorganisms next to your sofa instead of a lamp. A new line of photosynthetic furniture is filled with spirulina—a tiny, edible bacteria—that the designers imagine could help feed us without the incredible environmental footprint of conventional agriculture.

A new line of photosynthetic furniture is filled with spirulina… The custom glass bioreactors use waste heat, light, and carbon dioxide from a home to feed the spirulina inside. Periodically, someone can turn a tap, empty out the green sludge, and eat it.

Architectural designer, Jacob Douenias, who created the conceptual line of furniture with industrial designer Ethan Frier is looking at how we can produce supplemental food by recycling things we don’t need. The designers also see the furniture as a way to remind people that we’re already surrounded by microorganisms. To them, spirulina is the perfect candidate for ultra-local food—something that’s possible to grow in the living room, without the energy requirements of the typical indoor garden.

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