Read Biodesign Report 2024 - Part 1: Materials to watch
---
As we dive into the 2nd part of our Biodesign Report 2024, the spotlight shifts to the realm of new tech and fabrication techniques. These are expected to transform the way we create, and pushing the boundaries of cleaner, less-waste design. From advanced 3D printing materials to novel uses of waste, let's dissect the cutting-edge methods and get to the complex reality beneath the hypes.
1. New, Cleaner Materials for 3D Printing
The birth of 3D printing made quite a bang, unlocking unprecedented creative freedom, and enabling designers to craft complex geometries with ease. Ever since, when the first wave of hypes subsided, the focus now is on finding materials that align with the goals of circular and even regenerative design. Readers can agree with us that - after all, printing more plastics is not the end, nor the means.
We have covered the work of designer Nik Lee before. He leverages advanced 3D printing technology to create aesthetically eye-pleasing objects, using biodegradable organic waste for 3D printing, emphasising both creativity and eco-friendliness.
Less on the material itself, and more on the craftmanship side, we met Philipp Aduatz’s work again during Milan Design Week. His pieces combine traditional craftsmanship with 3D printing and CNC milling, producing visually captivating furniture pieces with great precision.
Following the week in Milan, we are impressed by the work of Hors Studio's interior pieces. These are printed in Leatherock©, a new material made from leather scraps and a natural binder for large-scale 3D printing. This material promises to replace traditional concrete, yet indeed, more tests and trials will need to be done to guarantee a successful scale-up.
2. Developments in materials’ chemical composition
When it comes to chemical composition of materials, first things we think of might be waste-based recipes and bio-based polymers, which recently have taken more stage in our minds. The design world is, indeed, seeing a trend towards these more “eco-friendly” materials, arguably initially sparked by pioneers like Stella McCartney (her work in 2017: recycled nylon Econyl and Mylo, a leather alternative made from mycelium). Since then, more brands are observed to jump on this bandwagon, pushing boundaries and greenwashing alike. While these developments are promising, it's essential to critically assess whether they truly deliver on their sustainability promises or just offer a glossy green veneer.
One of the great examples of things-done-right that we saw in Milan is the Bolete collection. This collection features an upholstered chair and multipurpose tables made from Bio-thermopolymer material. This material is said to be 100% natural origin, non-fossil, compostable, and biodegradable. This might be the start of a not-so-new trend: designers are stepping beyond their traditional roles, beyond soly developing products, they now look to improve and rearrange materials at a deeper level. The goal is indeed two fold: to enhance performance while eliminating hazardous substances.
3. CNC and Laser Cutting for Wood Usage Optimisation
CNC and laser cutting technologies promise to enable precise cuts and minimal waste in woodwork. As mentioned in the previous part of the report, wood is stepping back into the spotlight in the "Materia Natura" world.
One collection that caught our eyes was “Fragment” by Studio Sospeso, which upcycles olive wood and ceramics to create unique handles for furniture. This work breathes new life into pieces whose existence we often forget about (and all the while, an essential part of our daily use of furniture). The handles are elegant and smooth at the touch, contrasting with its industrial look at first glance.
4. Pottery Casting Optimisation
Traditional pottery casting is often considered a wasteful practice, especially in the preparation and disposal of molds. Optimisation, in this case, and in an ideal situation, involves using precise, computer-aided techniques to reduce material waste, recycle excess, and minimise energy usage.
Some examples can be 3D printing and advanced mold technologies, which allow for small-scale, high-quality production. In Milan, we saw and loved the work of Luis Gimeno with his luminaires, using 3D printing tech and sand, creating very lovely, aesthetically pleasing pieces of lighting that delight.
5. Composites and Clusters
Here’s an unpopular opinion: composites made from recycled and bio-based materials should be discussed more often. They should even be the next big hype, which we will cover more in the future.
One great exhibit we saw in Milan was the work of Arper. Composed of 29 layers of paper bonded with natural resin, Catifa Carta showcases exciting, aesthetically pleasing, high-performance applications of scraped paper. The end-of-life also excites: the pyrolysis process will turn the material into biochar.
6. Materials with memory
One of the highest acclaimed exhibitions on biofabrication would be ECAL’s (Ecole Cantonale d'Art de Lausanne) exhibition "Under Pressure Solutions”. This project offers an interesting approach to addressing transportation issues in furniture design. The exhibition highlights works on cellulose sponge, a bio-sourced and biodegradable material. The team was made of ECAL’s students and tutors, imagining a lightweight furniture system that can be compressed for efficient shipping and later expanded upon arrival with just a bit of moisture.
Conclusion
This second part of the Biodesign Report 2024 ends with ECAL’s exhibition "Under Pressure Solutions" such a tasteful ending note to add to the theme of Milan Design Week 2014’s "Materia Natura”. Such thoughtful and exciting material innovations are adding hope for the next generation of designers and creators. And we would love to catch that wave: the next part of the report is all about New Talent to watch.
---
Read Biodesign Report 2024 - Part 3 - Colour trends for Fall/Winter 2024-2025
Once the 5 parts are all published, our team will compile them into a downloadable PDF.
In case you want to contribute to the report, or you see great biodesigns and biomaterials that we absolutely should know about, ping us at contact@tocco.earth
