Abstract:

In this paper, the author describes how he challenges his senior level undergraduate design students to integrate the use of biomaterials in their projects. One of the biomaterials suggested is the root structure of mushrooms named mycelium, a material that grows and can be shaped in different forms inside a mould. The other material is PLA (Polylactic Acid) a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable sources such as corn starch, that can be used to print 3D objects. The assigned project was to design a lamp that is both innovative and sustainable i.e. minimal impact on the environment, from its birth to its end of life. Other objectives were to explore innovative technologies (3D printing, 3D scanning, leds, sensors). Students were free to define the type of lamp that they wished to design (table lamp, floor lamp, wall lamp, suspension) according to their specific needs and/or interests. The prototype had to be functional and ready for “market”/small production; this means they had to plan a strategy for packaging and transport.

Another challenge involved the development of a communication strategy to inform the user about the sustainable dimensions behind the concept (for repair, disassembly, re-use, recycling, use of biodegradable elements), through a document, web site or video. Based on the principles of Jonathan Chapman’s Emotionally Durable Design, Ed Van Hinte’s Eternally Yours: Visions on Product Design, and Don Norman’s Emotional Design: Why we Love (or Hate) Everyday Things, the objective was to focus on sustainable design and address the complexity of the task. Through this paper, the author will present the innovative solutions that were developed in this studio and the importance of introducing those new materials in design education.

Keywords:

Design education, Biomimicry, Design Thinking, Biomaterials, Sustainable Design, Sustainability.