Ana Bejarano Olano

Reclaimed Soils seeks to reframe the scarred lands of Colombia by using war-contaminated soil as both material and medium for remembrance. Decades of armed conflict have left deep scars, not only on communities but also on the land itself. Many of these soils are contaminated with toxic residues from explosives and heavy metals, disrupting natural ecosystems.

Through the biotechnological process of biomineralization - specifically Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) - contaminated soil from conflict-affected areas in Colombia is transformed into bricks that actively participate in bioremediation. By leveraging the natural abilities of Sporosarcina pasteurii, a bacterium capable of binding soil particles and immobilizing harmful heavy metals like lead and zinc, this process uses contaminated soils to create sustainable construction materials.

Each brick becomes a symbol of transformation - embodying the scars of violence, displacement, and environmental harm, while also representing the potential for healing and regeneration. Bridging biotechnology, cultural memory, and restorative design, Reclaimed Soils supports both ecological recovery and the emotional reconstruction of communities affected by violence.