Introduction
Biodesign is surely not just about pretty products; it's about the tangled web of relationships between people, ecosystems, and materials. When looking at a biodesign, we are looking at the process, the connections, and their intertwined ecological and societal impacts. In this part of the Biodesign Report 2024, we focus on the unexpected collaborations seen during Milan Design Week 2024 and beyond.
1. Material Meets Object
Sponge x Chairs at ECAL/University of Art and Design Lausanne
When you think of furniture, a sponge probably isn't the first material that comes to mind. Yet, ECAL/University of Art and Design Lausanne is flipping that notion on its head. During Milan Design Week 2024, ECAL presented "UPS – Under Pressure Solutions" featuring furniture made from biodegradable cellulose sponge. Inspired by Gaetano Pesce’s UP5 chair, these pieces expand to functional furniture when submerged in water.
The team, including designers Camille Blin and Christophe Guberan, chose cellulose sponge for its ability to grow ten times its size upon contact with moisture. After two years of experiments and prototypes, they showcased tables, chairs, and decor, highlighting the potential of this renewable material as a viable alternative for sustainable furniture production.
Recycled Aluminium with Hydro CIRCAL 100R
Spazio Maiocchi hosted the Hydro CIRCAL 100R Exhibition, showcasing the world's first aluminum made entirely from post-consumer scrap at Milan Design Week 2024.
Designers like Inga Sempé and Max Lamb turned this humble material into sleek, luxury items, boasting a carbon footprint of just 0.5 kg CO2e per kg. Hydro's initiative redefines aluminum, proving it can be both low-carbon and chic. Recycling aluminum requires only 5% of the energy needed for primary production, and Hydro's advanced tech ensures even scrap can be reborn into high-end design.
Recycled PET Resin from Bottles to Toilet Interiors
At Alcova 2024 Exhibition, DURAT launched DURAT Plus, claimed to be “the first 80% recycled solid surface”. Combining PET resin and recycled solid surfaces, this material boasts up to 80% recycled content and a palette of 300 colours with distinctive grit patterns.
DURAT Plus is reported to cut the carbon footprint by 50% compared to traditional solid surfaces, pushing the circular economy forward by recycling both pre- and post-consumer waste.
2. Technique Meets Machine
3D Printed Table by Studio TOOJ
Studio TOOJ's collection at Alcova Exhibition 2024 turned heads with furniture that defies traditional aesthetics. The standout? The Contourage Blue Console Table by Wilén.
Despite its wooden look, this table is 3D printed in sand — a collaboration with Sandhelden. The process took 24 hours and used renewable resources for binders. This piece blends digital precision with artisanal craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of Biodesign. It’s an exciting example of how Scandinavian design can evolve beyond minimalism, merging heritage with modernity in a bold yet understated expression.
3D Printing and Hand Weaving
Gabriel Tan's "Good Gourd – Hybrid Basketry Lamps" stole the show at Milan Design Week 2024's Future Impact 2. These lamps, a collaboration with Spanish artisan Idoia Cuesta, merge traditional hand-weaving with 3D printing.
Using recyclable nylon and PMMA, Cuesta weaves over a 3D-printed frame, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern materials. Inspired by gourds and Isamu Noguch's "Akari lanterns", these eye-pleasing lamps symbolise a harmonious marriage of heritage and innovation.
Non-Recyclable Glass Waste Gains Unexpected Value
Rehub is tackling glass waste management, a problem we don’t think about too much, since glass is often labeled as a “green” material. Based in Murano, where half of the glass produced is discarded due to coloring additives, Rehub tackles this 1,000-ton annual waste issue with innovative tech.
Their collaboration with Venetian fashion brand Golden Goose turned Murano glass waste into chic urban terrazzo coasters, blending streetwear aesthetics with recycling techniques. With Europe generating 8 million tons of non-recyclable glass waste annually, Rehub's mission to upcycle this "waste" into stylish, functional pieces can be a game-changer for modern design.
4. Innovator Meets Designer
XL Extralight x Dropcity
XL Extralight, in collaboration with architect Andrea Caputo and artist duo Invernomuto, made waves at Dropcity with their exhibition on foam and sole-making processes.
This ultra-light, versatile thermoplastic material is ideal for foams expanded and molded via injection technology. Their display delved into the intricate blend of chemical science, engineering, and technology, showcasing XL Extralight's innovations. Known for being three times lighter without compromising strength, it is also antibacterial, antimicrobial, and eco-friendly.
Bonus note:
XL Extralight x Camper Lab: Inspired by Japanese design, Roku footwear features six interchangeable components, including a 51% pre-consumer recycled XL EXTRALIGHT® outsole.
The innovative one-piece knit technology claims to minimise CO2 emissions, and the glue-free design ensures the shoe can be easily disassembled, repaired, and reused.
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The last part of the Biodesign Report 2024 will be a Curated Inventory of biodesigners and their work.
Stay tuned as we compile these insights into a downloadable PDF.
To contribute or share great biodesigns and biomaterials, contact us at contact@tocco.earth
