Post-Modern Sand Architecture on Earth and Mars

[Zip Monster]

Swedish architecture student Magnus Larsson envisions turning sand dunes throughout the world into habitable structures by turning the sand into solid architecture using bacteria.

Larsson’s ambitious plan turns common sand into sandstone by using microbes called "bacillus pasteurii" to eat the sand and create a solid surface that can be shaped into any structure needed. The sand structures can serve as a habitat for vegetation and shelter for humans.


Larsson's proposed Sand Architecture on Earth


Is this what we are seeing on Mars?


The Citadel (Viking)

Is this evidence of sand architecture on Mars?

As Above - So Below

Zip Monster

[Marsrocks]

This is really an interesting concept. Here are a couple of articles on point, the first one with lots more pictures.

bldgblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/sandstone.html

throughthesandglass.typepad.com/through_the_sandglass/2009/05/more-adventures-of-bacillus-pasteurii---mending-concrete.html

[Zip Monster]

Here is another example of Martian sand architecture.
This one, called the Hanger, is located in the Phlegra Montes region of Mars.


MOC SP240503

Like the Citadel, note the sliced "cut-away" look at the interior cells.

Zip Monster
The Cydonia Institute

[Marsrocks]

Ah, I couldn't see those at first. The archway shapes on the one on the lower left at ground level are interesting!
- like entrances.