Urban Climate Oasis Milano
A waste-heat (datacenter) powered Algae laboratory

The project is a showcase to reveal lost energy potentials in the city. Waste heat is still released "unused" from many technical facilities in urban areas. The italian research institution Human Technopole in Rho / Milano has such a datacenter, that reveals energy all year long. The project implements a temporary greenhouse bubble at the facade of a research building. Behind the ETFE membrane are growing micro algaes in daylight conditions during the winter. The algae production is carried out by a team of researcher together with the artist and the visitors. This transparent architectural space will provide an extension of the building and will serve as a meeting space. The project intents to involve the general public with scientists and demonstrate new modes of action. It demonstrates circular material loops in an artistic way and is inviting people to take in their own environmental action.

Artist: Markus Jeschaunig, Graz (Austria)
Science partner: Human Technopole, Milan (Italy)
Climate engineer: Sebastian Sautter ZT (Austria)
Project assistance: Alessia Lapio, Daniel Bracher

Repairing the Present received funding from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology under grant agreement LC01641664.

Markus Jeschaunig, born 1982 in Graz, Austria, lives and works in Graz and the Biosphere. Inspired by the dynamics and forces of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere his art works evolve between the poles of ecology, landscape, technology as well as public space and activism.
Jeschaunig studied architecture at the University of Art and Design Linz and the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Istanbul. After graduation in 2010 he established his own art practice and studio ‘agency in biosphere’ and participated in various national and international art exhibitions and projects. Jeschaunig is co-author of "breathe.austria - Austrian pavilion @ Expo 2015 in Milan" (as part of ‘team.breathe.austria’). He is co-founder of the transdisciplinary Think-tank 'Breathe Earth Collective' (2015).