THE PRODUCTION UNIT
A post-anthropocentric condition is aimed for as the design of the structure seriously considers the well-being of cows, creating an unapologetically techno-environmental landscape that aims to provide all the necessary comfort, while still being very close to vegetation and flowing water.
It can be argued that even synthetic meat production, compared to plant-based alternatives, is more energy-consuming and therefore less sustainable. Even though converting completely to a vegetarian diet would be the most logical when it comes to energy expenditure, the reality is that society adapts incredibly slow, despite the offer of meat substitute products. The meat consumption in general and meat consumption in Chinese cuisine are something I do not want to examine, as it could appear somewhat patronizing. The project is developed by promoting a completely cruelty-free alternative to the current production method, and by not eliminating the product.
There have been extensive studies carried out on the frequency of biopsies, conducted in a way to prevent any discomfort in the cows.[22] When it comes to the preferred method, a needle biopsy is recommended, collecting 0.5 grams of a tissue sample, which does not cause any irritation for the animal. The amount of tissue that can be collected within a year varies in different publications. The available information shows that both the cases of collecting 14 grams or 8 grams a year do not cause any unease in the animals. To compare, for humans, when a bloodwork needs to be carried out, on average, 3 grams of blood are collected.
There is also an additional need to reward the cows participating in the production, in a way that upholds the membership status or the reciprocal relationship between the cows and the humans. Scholars have argued that this can be carried out in several ways, by ensuring a painless procedure, creating an open and free environment for the cows, and rewarding their participation with food, toys, and other items, which are all conditions that the project is designed to uphold.[23]
Regarding the living environment, cows prefer both grazing in pastures as well as being in a sheltered space, in a way that they can freely choose.[24] This precondition is also provided in the project, as animals can browse through the adjacent fields to the building, as well as take shelter under it, where they are willing to return due to the steady dispensation of food. If the cell proliferation techniques were perfected,[25] the factory, dedicated to the whole Chongqing municipality, could suffice by using tissue samples from a single cow, limiting the number of involved animals to an absolute minimum.
