The mission of the project is to study the potential of biomaterials in substantive design and to find alternative ways of creating things through cultivation rather than traditional production. The objective of the project is to study the properties of the material based on jellyfish, understand its tactical and design capabilities and convert the experimental material into a functional object. As part of the project, I have experimented with the production of material: the setting of the nutrient environment, the formation of a biofilm of varying density and thickness, and the testing of processing methods. Separate attention was paid to the practical application of the material — the design of the shape of the product, the testing of its strength and its convenience in daily use. During the course of the work, methods of whipping, drying and material processing were also explored to adapt the biofilm to create accessories.
The result was a physical prototype, a cardholder made of jellyfish. The concept of packaging was further developed, highlighting the experimental and research nature of the facility. The packaging involves an element of interaction with the user and a capture of the experience with the use of the material. The prototype is available for live demonstration.
The practical value of the project is to explore the feasibility of using grown biomaterials in the design of accessories and to demonstrate alternative approaches to the creation of objects. The project also serves an educational function, drawing attention to the topic of biomaterials and sustainable design. The project was implemented as part of the educational environment of the INES. The interaction with the university was supportive and expert: the project was developed in the context of educational and research activities, with the main solutions, experiments and prototype development carried out on its own.
Project description
The project is at the intersection of subject design, fashion and biomaterials. It is based on the cultivation of SCOBY as a living system. Cardholders are seen not only as utilitarian objects, but also as the result of an experiment in which material growth becomes part of design. The project explores alternative, sustainable ways to produce accessories and human interaction with living material.
Problem
The modern accessory industry relies heavily on resource-intensive, unsustainable production and synthetic or animal materials. At the same time, alternative materials are often perceived as skin replacement rather than self-value. The project responds to a request for more environmentally friendly and informed materials and proposes another approach: the production of material instead of industrial production, as well as the involvement of the user in the observation process and socks.
Biocoast
One of the key components of the project was the independent cultivation of biomaterials — bacterial cellulose, or so-called bioskins. This material is formed during the life of the jellyfish, the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), which accumulates a layer of cellulose on the surface of the nutrient fluid. As a result, an organic structure is formed that resembles the skin: plastic, porous, living.
Publications
The Tower for Your Own, the Web site
Business route/NIU SCE, tg-canal
Extra.CE materials, tg-canal
Extra.CE materials
