# Eco-Friendly Smart Bricks The 'LIAR Project' is Creating Living Bricks That Generate Power By Joey Haar | Published 2016-08-08 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liar-project References: [digitaltrends](http://www.digitaltrends.com/home/living-architecture-smart-bricks/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [ncl.ac.uk](http://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/news/2016/07/liarlivingarchitecture/) As one of the [oldest building materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-from-a-stone) in the world, bricks are due for a technological upgrade, and the LIAR Project is a green attempt at just that. The project, which stands for 'Living Architecture' and is being developed by researchers from Newcastle University, features "smart" bricks that that can carry out a host of tasks for buildings. According to Rachel Armstrong, the LIAR Project coordinator, the bricks will contain microbial fuel cells with multiple functions that interrelate with one another -- similar to the workings of a cow's stomach. In the same way that cows have four stomachs for digesting food, the [smart bricks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-smart-bricks) will create multiple chambers throughout a building to do things like recycling wastewater, [generating electricity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soli) and creating new detergents. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Smart Bricks:** Creating bricks with multiple functions and interrelated features, such as generating power and recycling wastewater. - **Microbial Fuel Cells:** Utilizing microbial fuel cells within bricks to harness energy and carry out various tasks for buildings. - **Living Architecture:** Developing buildings with integrated systems that mimic natural processes and carry out sustainable functions. ### Who This Affects Most - **Construction:** Integrating smart bricks into construction projects to enhance functionality and sustainability. - **Renewable Energy:** Exploring the use of microbial fuel cells in generating power from renewable sources. - **Environmental Technology:** Creating innovative solutions in building materials and systems that support eco-friendly practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Upcycled Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plaex-building-systems-inc.md) - [Living Printable Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-ink.md) - [Probiotic Sustainable Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alive.md) - [Sustainable Repurposed Clay Bricks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mutina.md) - [Sustainable Growth Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treesoil.md) - [Modular Brick Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-light.md) - [Daylight-Responsive Brick Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luminescent-bricks.md) - [Stock Brick Arched Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-from-a-stone.md) - [Potato-Based Ultra-Strong Bricks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starcrete.md)