How can Bio-Strategies Inform Design for Sustainability?

Abstract

This study presents a Nature-based Design project developed using Bio-strategies. Biophilia, Biomimicry and Biotechnology were used to explore seaweed-based materials for reusable food packaging. Biophilia is employed to evoke empathy towards Nature and embrace its natural aesthetics. Biomimicry serves as inspiration for a structure’s resilience, hydrophobic properties, and overall system and design. Biotechnology contributes to the development of products and materials derived from renewable biological sources. The expected contributions lie in the realm of design development methods that address the product’s circular economy and environmental impact. To create seaweed-based bio-plastic films and bio-yarns, a process was employed using sodium alginate (NaC6H7O6) and calcium chloride (CaCl2). The process involved different procedures: Firstly, the sodium alginate hydrogel was prepared by gelification, followed by hydrogel polymerisation using a calcium chloride solution. Moulding and extrusion techniques were employed to produce sodium-alginate bio-based materials. Additionally, commercial natural fibres such as seaweed yarn and thread, linen thread, and sugar cane yarn, were coated with sodium-alginate bio-plastic using both bath and brush methods. The resulting bio-coated threads and yarns were knitted using knitting needles and a round plastic loom. Furthermore, Rhino 6 was used for technical drawings and LaserWorks for the laser cutting to create 3D Design. A plywood 3D loom was developed to fabricate a grocery bag inspired by a spider web biosystem. The results of this study demonstrate the relevance of designing with Bio-strategies in the context of the circular economy, facilitating the development of bio-based and biodegradable materials.

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Author Information
Carolina Vasco Costa Delgado, CIAUD - Research Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Design, Lisbon School of Architecture, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
Arlete Apolinário, IFIMUP - Institute of Physics for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology and Photonics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
Gabriela Forman, CIAUD - Research Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Design, Lisbon School of Architecture, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal

• Category: Science, Environment and the Humanities

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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