Abstract
As an undergraduate Biodesign student at the University of Sydney, my work reflects the integration of biological design principles through a 13-week unit. This study emphasizes key concepts including Biophilia and Mimicry, which leverage nature's influence on design, and explores the challenges of incorporating biological technologies through Methodology and Morphological Problems. It also addresses Materiality by analyzing biological materials and their ecosystem impacts, and integrates planning for ecological interactions akin to UI/UX design. Ethical considerations are central, with a focus on creating sustainable and regenerative designs within the Anthropocene. The intersection of Design vs. Science, alongside considerations of Synthetic Biology and its commercial applications, shapes the framework for developing biodesign artifacts. My practical application of these concepts is demonstrated through the development of a mycelium-grown coffee cup, inspired by Joseph Dahmen’s research on mushroom-based biocomposites. This project embodies speculative design methodologies by utilizing living materials that adapt and contribute positively to ecosystems. It underscores a shift towards regenerative manufacturing processes and anticipates future possibilities in biodesign, aligning with contemporary ecological and ethical standards while pushing the boundaries of biological design.
Supplementary materials
Title
Portfolio
Description
The design portfolio was accomplished as part of the Biological Design major core unit BDSN 2002: Biodesign Fundamentals, which structured tasks into three core elements: reflecting on the project brief or question, conducting background research, and creating an artefact or product based on the findings. This process has led to the emergence and dominance of a speculative design framework within the creative process.
Actions
