Futures in Biodesign: Navigating Speculative Realms to Grow a Biodesign Framework (A Student's Perspective)

As an undergraduate Biodesign student at the University of Sydney, my work reflects the integration of biological design principles through a 13-week unit. This study emphasizes key concepts including Biophilia and Mimicry, which leverage nature's influence on design, and explores the challenges of incorporating biological technologies through Methodology and Morphological Problems. It also addresses Materiality by analyzing biological materials and their ecosystem impacts, and integrates planning for ecological interactions akin to UI/UX design. Ethical considerations are central, with a focus on creating sustainable and regenerative designs within the Anthropocene. The intersection of Design vs. Science, alongside considerations of Synthetic Biology and its commercial applications, shapes the framework for developing biodesign artifacts. My practical application of these concepts is demonstrated through the development of a mycelium-grown coffee cup, inspired by Joseph Dahmen’s research on mushroom-based biocomposites. This project embodies speculative design methodologies by utilizing living materials that adapt and contribute positively to ecosystems. It underscores a shift towards regenerative manufacturing processes and anticipates future possibilities in biodesign, aligning with contemporary ecological and ethical standards while pushing the boundaries of biological design.