Printable Hydroponic Gardens: Initial Explorations and Considerations

Digital fabrication, in particular additive manufacturing technology (aka 3D printing), has now emerged as a popular topic of investigation in both academic and DIY/makers circles. Of particular attention lately are techniques for fabricating functional systems as opposed to static objects-e.g., electronic/mechanical apparatuses, biological tissues, etc. Building upon this trend, in this paper we explore the concept of printable hydroponic gardens, lushly adorned with various types of actual, living plants. The paper will describe our initial investigations into the topic, which have mostly focused on searching for 3D printable materials that can serve as effective substrates for plant growth. We will also discuss the potential utility of printable gardens particularly for dense, urban centers, and how the concept may be viewed as an initial step towards fabrication of more complex, holistic natural environments i.e., printable nature.