Key Points
- Rigorous analogue–digital documentation turns 50+ iterations into usable material knowledge.
- Hybrid workflow: CAD/3D printing for form, hand experimentation for function.
- Waste streams become resources: oysterX (oyster shell + algae) shows ceramic-like, fire-retardant potential.
- Cross-disciplinary practice blends design with chemistry/biology to validate new materials.
- Next steps: mycelium packaging and bio-manufacturing to scale earth-centric materials.
Full interview with Chloe Harper
How do you document and evaluate the performance or behaviour of new materials, especially when these materials do not have established benchmarks or standards?
In the emerging biodesign industry, where established benchmarks or standards are lacking, proper documentation is essential, due to the experimental nature of the process. Documenting the process is also important as there may be upwards of 50 iterations of one material, with each iteration varying in chemical, molecular, or physical makeup I employ both analogue and digital documentation methods to do this. Rigorous testing is also essential, ensuring comprehensive research to evaluate the performance and behavior of new materials.
Can you explain the process of integrating digital fabrication techniques with traditional material experimentation in your projects? What unique outcomes have arisen from this hybrid approach?
Within my design process, I have found that digital fabrication techniques, such as 3D CAD modeling and CAM techniques like 3D printing, are useful tools and are very valuable, as they complement traditional material experimentation.
The combination of the two techniques is essential in the prototyping stage of my design process. While digital fabrication aids in establishing the form, traditional methods focus on function. This hybrid approach results in more accurate visualisation and fosters unique outcomes by merging the strengths of both approaches.
How have you utilised waste or by-products from other industries as materials, and what discoveries or innovations have resulted from this exploration?
Great question. All of my projects are rooted in this ethos, of giving waste new life and practicing circularity. I have utilized waste from the agricultural and food service industries, as well as household waste in my biomaterials projects, to create bioplastics, ‘ceramic’ like materials, and biocomposites.
This exploration has birthed many innovations, such as my creation ‘oysterX’, a sea-based biocomposite, ceramic-like material, created from oyster shell waste (sourced from a local oyster farm), as well as algae, harnessing their superior material properties. Not only does this practice reduce landfill waste, but it also leads to the discovery of new material functionalities, such as fire retardancy in the case of oysterX.
How do you foresee advances in materials science impacting your future projects? Are there specific developments or materials you're keen to explore?
I am really excited about the future of biomaterials and materials science - I foresee any advances to hold immense promise for our community and projects. There is definitely a push towards ‘grow your own’ materials, like bacterial and fungal-based materials, which presents exciting new opportunities for sustainable innovation.
I'm particularly keen on further exploring the wonderful world of mycelium, given its scalability and diverse applications, including my upcoming project in the mycelium packaging industry. Advances in bio-manufacturing will also be amazing to generate commercial, profitable design solutions.
Can you give an example of a past project that involved a collaborative effort with other disciplines to realise a material concept?
Biodesign thrives as a multidisciplinary collaborative industry, where expertise from various fields converges to realise material concepts. During the development of my project ‘bioNana’, a bioplastic made from banana peel waste, there was a lot of chemistry and molecular biology involved. This collaboration ensures a holistic approach to material innovation, combining design with scientific rigor to achieve successful outcomes.
As a designer, I need to ensure I have the engineering and scientific side down pat - otherwise, it would be a total disaster. I do a lot of my own research, and I’ve taken university materials science and engineering papers to fill this knowledge gap. However, if I am in doubt - I phone a friend and collaborate with the experts in the required field.
Reflecting on your portfolio, which project do you believe most successfully pushed the boundaries of material innovation?
A project that stands out to me, is my project ‘bio ovo’, which utilised household eggshell waste, to develop egg-cup like egg holders. It was a super speculative project. I asked myself “What if my eggshells held my eggs?” and innovated upon this question. It was a really interesting material to work with and involved many failures.
The material leveraged the unique properties of eggshells, including their calcium content for ceramic-like quality, while other ingredients ‘plasticised’ the material, while an agar agar base created a firm yet jelly-like consistency. I had never seen any material behave quite like it. The breakthroughs achieved in 'bio ovo' underscore the importance of experimentation, perseverance, and thorough research in pushing material innovation boundaries.
Looking forward, are there materials or technologies on the horizon that excite you for future experimentation? How do you anticipate they will transform your work?
Since I was a child I have prophesied the future potential of spiderweb waste. I am intrigued by the potential of the material, which holds promise for diverse applications in the built environment and beyond.
Exploring this material in future projects aligns with my passion for pushing creative boundaries and embracing innovative solutions. I am eager to collaborate with fellow designers, businesses, and experts in the industry to further explore and experiment with emerging materials and technologies!
Visit Chloe’s work at offwiththepixies_studio
