Sand Dune Architecture

Swedish architect Magnus Larsson, and been working on and developing a simple idea that could prevent desertification, and improve the quality of life for those living in dry areas.
He has chose to focus on an area in Africa named the 'Sahel' currently dealing with the problem of desertification.


The Sahel is a strip of land that lies on the edge of the Sahara desert, stretching across the entire continent.
Larsson proposes to create a vast sandstone 'habitiable wall' spanning the entire width of the Sahel.
He wants to do this by using a type of natural bacteria found in marches and wetlands, which when added to sand will bind it together forming sandstone.
This bacteria can then be injected into the sand dunes, and left for 24 hours to harden. The spaces created by the bacteria can then be excavated by natural forces such as the wind blowing onto the site and carrying the loose sand away with it.
The image below shows how Larsson Proposes to inject the bacteria into the dune.

These structures will create habitable spaces that can support the growth of trees, allow for condensation to be harvested and for desert community's to thrive.
Below are some conceptual images of what these sandstone structures may look like.