The Metabolic Guide to Space Survival

The art/science project ‘The Metabolic Guide to Space Survival’ was initiated by the COMET Centre ‘acib’ and implemented in cooperation with three groups: Matthias Steiger – TU Wien, Diethard Mattanovich – BOKU, and Jürgen Zanghellini – University of Vienna.

The aim of the project was to create a work of art in collaboration with the selected artist Kristina Puljekova.


The work created is a sculptural interpretation of the topic ‘Biotechnology for circular processes in long-term space missions’ and contains both a narrative part, written elements and spoken narratives (a handbook for survival in space with biotechnological help).
The subject of space/space travel is used as a metaphor for sustainability and the circular economy. The ‘Circular Bioengineering’ Cluster of Excellence is also closely interwoven with this topic, to which all three universities have contributed.

Universe Pavilion Venice

The exhibition took place at the Universe Pavilion as part of the Venice Biennale, which played a pioneering role. It was first shown at the Venice Biennale in 2025, during the 19th International Architecture Exhibition.
The Universe Pavilion was the first pavilion dedicated to space art, combining art, biotechnology and space research to facilitate a dialogue between science and creativity.

Mars explorers would have to recycle radically

If humans ever fly to Mars or beyond, radical recycling will be necessary. Excrement would have to be processed into food within a week. How this can still be turned into three-course meals is currently being demonstrated at the Architecture Biennale in Venice, among other places.
(Quelle: Science.ORF.at, opens an external URL in a new window)

Some Links

• Universe Pavillion Venice
• Science.ORF.at
• COMET Zentrum „acib“