Application of Biodesign Framework and Principles in Public Space

Biotechnology's global impact presents a unique opportunity for designers to integrate biological principles into their practice (Myers, 2014). In Mexico, there is a growing recognition of the need to formally educate designers in biodesign. This abstract explores the educational strategies used to nurture Mexican design students into biodesigners. Inspired by scholars like Donna Haraway and Donella Meadows, this document advocates for a paradigm shift towards multispecies collaboration, known as the Chthulucene (Haraway, 2016). Biodesign, in this context, goes beyond material choices to embrace a holistic understanding of ecosystems and collaborative creation through the chiasmic experience of environmental sympoiesis. As biotechnology expands into sectors like consumer products and energy, biosemiotics emerges as a theoretical driver for creating meaning (Kohn, 2013). This approach emphasizes communication with our environment and creating meaning together with other species. This research provides an initial exploration of the biotechnology-design relationship, outlining key concepts and methodologies. It showcases Mexican student projects that innovatively integrate biology and design principles. Through three main themes—foundational concepts, teaching approaches, and project examples—this document uncovers insights to inform the education of future designers during their final year of studies in industrial design. The aim is to inspire them to advocate for biodesign. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and deepening the understanding of biology and design, educators can prepare students to navigate biotechnology complexities and contribute to a more symbiotic human-nature relationship (Davis, 2023).