2025

exposed as a part of 19th Venice Architecture Biennale – Italian Pavilion

Authors:
Maria Sky
Olga Krymskaya

Innovative Materials Research Group

Olga Krymskaya*, Simone Sanna*, Carmela Aruta**, Antonello Tebano*

* University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy

** CNR-SPIN, Rome, Italy

AELYTH is a utopian vision of future modular architecture, inspired by ongoing research on sodium niobate (NaNbO₃), a material with unique piezophotocatalytic properties. It harvests and stores clean energy from sunlight and wave motion, while also purifying seawater from harmful agents such as radioactive ions, organic dyes, and bacteria. By integrating nanostructured NaNbO₃ membranes with artificial intelligence-driven monitoring systems and biomimetic coastal defense elements, AELYTH proposes a multifunctional response to critical environmental challenges. It engages with marine pollution and shoreline erosion, while contributing to the protection of vulnerable ecosystems and the preservation of natural sites and cultural heritage.