The Bio Design Award champions forward-looking creative practitioners designing with biomaterials for the environment. Questioning how we accelerate our transition away from extractive and carbon-centric design and materials, the award goes beyond environmental sustainability, to include practices and design innovations that work towards symbiosis with nature. Meet the Shortlist:
Jesse Adler
Jesse Adler created a makeup collection to demonstrate the viability of fungal pigments and their potential to reduce or replace our dependence on non-renewable colourants, such as minerals and fossil fuels.
Thora Arnardottir
Thora Arnardottir designs novel fabrication methods that utilise bacterial biomineralisation to form calcified biocomposite materials. She is co-founder of @bio.babes and founder of @unrulymatters.
Malu Luecking
Malu Luecking is an interdisciplinary designer. She explores the potential of both microalgae and macroalgae as a resource of regenerative aquaculture for today’s material world and the future of food.
Louise Lenborg Skajem
Louise Lenborg Skajem is an interdisciplinary designer who uses material exploration and biomimicry as methods to design innovations that tackle climate change.
With thanks to our independent Bio Design Jury: Natsai Audrey Chieza, Leonie Bell, and Sarah Wigglesworth who said:
“All of the designers showed huge commitment and purpose in their research which is changing our response to the natural world. Often starting with a natural product or condition, these designers seek new uses and applications for these self-generating resources that could mean we touch the planet more lightly.”
The recipient of the £10,000 Arts Foundation Fellowship will be revealed at an Awards Ceremony on Thursday 23 February 2023, with all Shortlisted Artists receiving £1,000. Presented in partnership with Leeds 2023 Year of Culture!
The Bio Design Award is generously supported in partnership with The David Collins Foundation.