FAQ
Do I need to have any knowledge of bio-Inspired design?
Experience in biologically informed design is not necessary. However, we are looking for practitioners that are interested in learning from biology and have ambition to innovate sustainable design.
What type of Makers are we looking for?
We are looking for a range of practitioners from all types of design disciplines that use a combination of soft and hard materials. We are looking for range of designers that create products by hand or by machine, or create prototypes for bigger applications such as in architecture.
When will this funded collaboration take place?
This is still ‘to be confirmed’ but we require anyone interested to fill in an expression of interest form so we can assess how the collaboration can work before the application stage opens.
How much will the fee be?
This is still ‘to be confirmed’ but this information will be provided when the official application stage opens.
What is the deadline for the expression of interest?
Midnight (GMT) 17 February 2022
Expression of interest
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DESIGN COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITY
Would you like to explore how learning from biology can help us design more sustainably?
Would you like to be paid a fee to do this?
We are looking for product, furniture, jewellery, footwear, transport, or any other types of designers for a funded design collaboration.
Expression of interest deadline:
Midnight (GMT), 17 February 2022
Please read all the information below before filling out the form.
WHAT IS BIO-INSPIRED DESIGN?
(also known as bio-informed design, biomimetics and biomimicry)
No matter what term you use, Bio-Inspired Design describes the practice of drawing ideas from biological systems and structures and apply them to design solutions for human problems. The purpose of Bio-Inspired Design is to advance the skills and knowledge of circular, sustainable and regenerative design practice.
Bio-Inspired Design is different to biofabrication or bio-material design, which refers to designers using techniques from biotechnology to produce new materials. These can be grown, fermented, or created by organisms. (Please note this is not the focus of this project).
BIO-INSPIRED DESIGN
refers to the structures and their resulting functions that are found in nature which can be mimicked by designers using established skills, such as weaving, 3D printing and so on.
We believe any designer/ maker who creates physical products can benefit from a Bio-Inspired Design approach. However, there is no one-size-fits-all method. The sheer variety of different design disciplines (furniture, fashion, jewellery, textile etc… ) and associated range of specialist skills, materials and techniques makes for a very complex landscape to navigate.
We took a deep-dive into Bio-Inspired Textiles. The outcomes of this project demonstrate proof-of-concept of how this approach can enhance design for resource efficiency, longevity and recovery within the textile discipline.
BIO-INSPIRED TEXTILES
The project explored how Bio-Inspired Design can advance sustainable textile practice by enhancing resource efficiency, longevity, and recovery via design.
During this the Bio-Inspired Textile research we launched a textile maker collaboration exploring the structures in biology and how they are applied to create sustainable weave, knit and non-woven materials. Check out the work-in-progress from our textile makers.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are now looking for other types of designers, such as product, furniture, jewellery, footwear, transport, or any other designer that uses a combination of soft and hard materials, to explore how Bio-Inspired Design can contribute to resource efficiency, longevity, and recovery in these disciplines.
Please note: experience in Bio-Inspired Design is NOT required.
HOW CAN I EXPRESS MY INTEREST?
The Bio-inspired Textile research is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and supported by the Crafts Council.