MADE IN workshop: Introduction to living pigments

Introduction to Living Pigments

Living pigments are pigments produced by living organisms and often they play roles in various crucial biological to numerous processes. Some of these functions include for example: photosynthesis, protection from UV radiation, and attracting species mates or pollinators. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to biodesign principles and lab protocols and learn about the field of regenerative and circular design. Through a combination of design thinking and practical application, participants will learn how to cultivate and manipulate algae cultures to acquire algae-based inks. This course encourages experimentation and creativity, fostering a deep understanding of the potential of biology and design in revolutionizing the design industry.

In this workshop participants will:

• Learn biodesign principles and practices;
• Get an introduction to algae species and their various applications in design;
• Do hands-on experience with lab processes to produce living color.
• Gain insights into design forecasting to anticipate trends and innovations in regenerative design practices.

The workshop will be held by Nancy Diniz, co-founder of bioMATTERS.

About bioMATTERS

bioMATTERS is a research and design studio based in New York City and London founded by Nancy Diniz and Frank Melendez in 2018. Their mission is to develop biomaterials, and invent biofabrication methods, that counter the negative impacts of the environmental and ecological crises. Their process for the design and fabrication of their products includes; growing living organisms, creating living-based pigments, upcycling waste materials, integrating computational design techniques, and 3D printing and robotic fabrication. In addition to being partners at bioMATTERS, Nancy Diniz and Frank Melendez are educators. Nancy Diniz is the Course Leader of the Masters in Biodesign at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. She is the recipient of numerous grants and fellowships namely the 2016 New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) award sponsored by Storefront for Art and Architecture NY, MacDowell, EYEBEAM, Seoul Art Space Geumcheon, Korea and The Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal. Frank Melendez is an Associate Professor at the Spitzer School of Architecture, City College of New York, City University of New York. He is the recipient of various grants and residencies including the 2018 New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) award sponsored by the Van Allen Institute, MacDowell, and Nature Art & Habitat Residency (NAHR).

The workshop is part of MADE IN platform, a research, design and heritage platform that proposes new collaborative practices and knowledge exchange between the traditional craftspeople and contemporary designers.

Made in partners: Museum of Architecture and Design – MAO (Ljubljana, Slovenia) (coordinator), Center Rog (Ljubljana, Slovenia), City Museum Zenica – MGZ (Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina), Drugo more (Rijeka, Croatia), Museum of Decorative Arts, part of the State Art Collections of Dresden – SKD (Dresden, Germany), Museum of Arts and Crafts – MUO (Zagreb, Croatia), Oaza (Zagreb, Croatia), Creative Hub Nova Iskra (Belgrade, Serbia), Passa ao Futuro – PAF (Lisbon, Portugal), and University of Applied Sciences Zwickau – WHZ (Schneeberg, Germany).