Biomaterials: Inspired by Nature, Designed for the Future
We’re always inspired by the potential of nature to create spaces and experiences that are not only beautiful and engaging but also sustainable and meaningful. While biodesign continues to evolve across industries, it’s already revolutionizing how we think about materials and production. From packaging made of fungi to bacterial dyes for textiles, biophilia is proof that there are better ways of designing products, spaces, and experiences.
So... what is biophilia? The term was coined in the 1980s and is defined as ‘the urge to affiliate with other forms of life.’ In the context of design, it’s an intentional approach to creating sustainable products and spaces inspired by ideas and systems from nature. The concepets popularity has grown in recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased emphasis on mental health and climate change.
The Glasgow club SWG3’s BODYHEAT system
Imagine how sustainable an entertainment venue could be if it was powered by its audience. That’s exactly what a club in Glasgow did by installing low carbon technology into it’s buildings to heat and cool them. By embedding living systems into built environments, we not only improve air quality, regulate temperature, and reduce waste but also create spaces that actively enhance human health and well-being. Biomaterials are rapidly changing the way we build; naturally occurring (like mycelium), lab-grown (like cultured leather), bio-engineered (like bacterial cellulose), & bio-based composites (like hemp-based plastics) are already replacing synthetic materials to build everything from pavilions to space habitats! These designs work symbiotically with the planet, prioritizing regeneration over depletion, and re-establish a meaningful connection between people and planet. This paradigm shift offers a glimpse into a future where our environments don’t just coexist but harmonize.
Bioluminescent dress by Victoria Geaney, Anton Kan, and Bernardo Pollak
We strive to incorporate biophilic and sustainable practices into every project. While much of our work transforms spaces into sensory-rich environments, we see immense potential in integrating biological solutions into our work…
Living Walls and Facades: Incorporating vertical gardens or moss walls that purify air, regulate temperature, and create dynamic aesthetics.
Bioluminescent Lighting: Using naturally glowing organisms, like algae, for low-energy ambient lighting in interiors.
Mycelium-Based Panels: Sustainable and biodegradable wall, ceiling, or furniture materials grown from fungi.
Climate-Regulating Structures: Buildings using materials inspired by natural thermoregulation, like termite mounds for cooling.
Natural Acoustic Solutions: Integrating materials like cork or organic composites to absorb sound and create acoustically rich environments.
Hydroponic Installations: Indoor farming systems incorporated into workspaces or public areas for greenery and food production.
Adaptive Design: Furniture or surfaces responsive to touch or light, mimicking natural adaptability.
While implementing these approaches presents some challenges—from manufacturing complexities to cost barriers and regulatory hurdles—these obstacles fuel our determination to innovate. Each project offers a myriad of opportunities to teach us something new about creating spaces that don't just minimize harm, but actively nurtures our planet's ecosystems. We're not just reimagining manufacturing and materials—we're architecting a future where human innovation and natural systems work in perfect harmony, where sustainability isn't the ceiling, but the foundation for unprecedented environmental prosperity.