In 2022, I began experimenting with growing limestone from raw chemicals and waste materials.
The original process was pioneered by Dr. Wolf Hilbertz in the 1970s as a form of ocean reef rehabilitation. But instead of using the ocean to source materials and grow the stone, we are doing it in a lab.
The limestone is grown in a saltwater tank over a course of 3 days to 3 months, depending on the object. The system is zero waste, circular, and ultimately carbon-neutral, just like life itself.
This electro-chemical process* parallels the origin of life. When warm freshwater from a seabed fissure meets cold saltwater, they create an elecrochemical reaction that results in simple amino acids, a basic building block of life.
What are the physical limits of the limestone? How does steel play a complimentary role?
In the first iteration, the textures of the limestone are echoes of their underwater growth, and are literally colored by the water of their creation.
70 x 70 x 2 cm
artist grown limestone, salts,
magnesium, iron, electricity,
rain water on steel plate
2 family home on an urban lot with simultaneous communal and private experiences. 2 balconies, 2 bathrooms, outdoor shower, planted walls, large roof garden.
Flood proof and resistant to climate change. Living and utilities raised 12’ to be above flood plane. Hydropanels for clean water. Solar for electric. Gas-free.
In Progress
Devang Arvind Shah was born in Queens, New York, and graduated from Parsons School of Design.
Recent projects include the flood-resistant Neptune House (2024-present), lab-grown limestone (2022-present), and sculpture Bed of Roses (2022), a finalist in the Times Square Arts competition.
NPR / Complex / NHK Japan / Wired / MIT Technology Review / Architects Newspaper / Architectural Digest / Vogue / Pitchfork / New York Times / Village Voice / Solare Design
ARRecent projects include the flood-resistant Neptune House (2024-present), lab-grown limestone (2022-present), and sculpture Bed of Roses (2022), a finalist in the Times Square Arts competition.
NPR / Complex / NHK Japan / Wired / MIT Technology Review / Architects Newspaper / Architectural Digest / Vogue / Pitchfork / New York Times / Village Voice / Solare Design
D A S . L T D Devang Arvind Shah Architecture PLLC
registered architect New York State 038806
registered architect New York State 038806