Plastisphere Plasting Part 2 Project 2025 Simon Wilson Birmingham City University | UK Plastic is deeply embedded in modern life but has severe environmental costs. Derived from hydrocarbons like coal, oil, and gas, its production, disposal, and incineration could emit 2.8 gigatons of CO₂ annually by 2050 (CEIL, 2019). Plastic pollution spans the globe, infiltrating oceans, soil, and air. As it degrades into micro- and nanoplastics, these particles persist in water, food, and the atmosphere—hosting microorganisms (the plastisphere) and threatening ecosystems and human health.Through research, Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare—a unique Grade II* structure connecting mainland to island—was identified as the site for an architectural intervention: a heterotrophic structure designed to consume and process plastic waste. Inspired by Suctorian ciliates, the system uses “polystomy” devices to capture microplastics, which are then bagged, cleaned, dried, and stored.An innovation centre, within the structure’s basement, houses laboratories and production facilities that transform microplastics into edible products, through polymerization with mushrooms and genetically modified enzymes (e.g. Vanillin). A new restaurant, placed above the original refreshment area, serves food produced from this innovative process—uniting environmental remediation with public engagement.As Matt Simon notes, “we have well and truly plasticized the planet” (Simon, 2022). This proposal envisions an architecture that helps reverse that process. Tutor(s)