Waste to Wonder

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    Sphere Cell Lamp

    Abdulaziz aldakak
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    The Sphere Cell Lamp is designed as a spherical lighting unit, composed of three interlocking segments that fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Each segment can be envisioned as resembling an orange slice. The outer surface of one segment is hollowed out and replaced with a translucent, bioplastic material that mimics the texture of fabric, allowing it to function as a light-diffusing material.The design incorporates three distinct textured shadow patterns, achieved by creating “human cell-like” structures during the bioplastic molding process. This unique approach transforms the lamp into a one-of-a-kind shadow-casting lighting element. The spherical form is designed to gently wobble when placed on a surface, making it a dynamic and visually engaging lighting unit for any tabletop.

    Bab Al Ahmar Lamp

    Kamar Kerdieh
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    Bab Al Ahmar Lamp
    This project draws inspiration from the historic Bab al-Ahmar Gate and the ancient doors of Aleppo. The goal was to explore the rich history and architectural heritage of Aleppo while creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing design. The lamp is designed using 3D modeling and crafted with 3D-printed PLA material. Green bioplastic is used to add a translucent quality, allowing the lamp to cast intricate shadows reminiscent of the gate’s architectural details, creating a dynamic shadow play that enhances its aesthetic and cultural appeal.

    BioWizard

    Leen Arksoussi
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    Biowizard Sketchbook and Purse Bag

    This project is designed for Harry Potter enthusiasts who enjoy writing and sketching on the go. It features two main products: a sketchbook and a purse bag. The sketchbook is crafted with a bioplastic cover, adorned with a Harry Potter-inspired concept logo, and incorporates 3D-printed PLA elements. Complementing this, the purse bag is made using bioplastic fabric, combining functionality with a neo-green aesthetic to create an innovative, sustainable design.


    Prompt

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    In this studio, we're embarking on a journey to reimagine single-use event items with biodegradable materials. From birthday parties to music festivals, our goal is to create biodegradable objects that leave a positive impact on the environment, even after the event ends. 

    You will select a single-use plastic item commonly found at events - such as birthday parties, weddings, concerts, mud runs, carnivals/fairs, or even protests - and redesign it using bioplastics such as: potato starch or gelatin. Whether it's decorations, accessories, or utensils, let your imagination run wild! Utilize the unique properties of bioplastics to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Craft your prototype, experiment with shapes, textures, and colors, and share your insights with your peers. 

    Together, we'll showcase the power of creativity and innovation in crafting biodegradable solutions for short-lived events with long-lasting effects on the planet.

    Ecobloom vase

    Sedra Turkmani
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    The Ecobloom Vase is a decorative object crafted from bioplastic, a material derived from renewable sources such as plants, algae, or microorganisms. Unlike traditional plastics, the Bio Vase emphasizes cultural diversity and sustainability in its design. It combines 3D-printed PLA with agar-based bioplastic, resulting in an innovative and eco-friendly creation. The vase’s form is inspired by the natural curves of flowers, serving both as a functional vessel for blooms and a visually striking home accessory. Additionally, a bioplastic leather component is incorporated as a translucent material, adding a delicate light aesthetic to the design.

    BioMorph Bowl

    Lujain Ibrahim

    Gif maker

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    The Bio Morph Bowl, composed of 3D-printed PLA, is designed as a three-layer structure. Each layer is crafted with a distinct form, and when stacked top-to-top, the layers transform into an aesthetically striking object reminiscent of an architectural structure. This design highlights the organic and transformative nature of bioplastic, merging sustainability with artistic expression to showcase its potential in contemporary design.

    RecordNest

    Aya Turkmani
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    aya.....3dm
    Aya_record display11.3dm

    The Record Nest is a modular record display designed for vinyl enthusiasts. Made with PLA 3D-printed Lego-like pieces and eco-friendly agar-agar-based plastic separators, it holds 20 records across four sections. 

    Combining functionality, sustainability, and modern aesthetics, this customizable display offers a stylish and eco-conscious solution for organizing and showcasing vinyl collections.

    Aguahoja: Biocomposites for Digital Design and Fabrication across Scales

    Joselyn McDonald

    Aguahoja is a biomaterials exploration from the MIT Mediated Matter Lab. 

    "Aguahoja is an exploration of Nature’s design space.  A collection of natural artifacts were digitally designed and robotically fabricated from the molecular components found in tree branches, insect exoskeletons,  and our own bones."

    Learn more about Aguahoja here.  

    Tutorial: Make Bioplastic!

    Joselyn McDonald

    Gelatin BioPlastic

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    Estimated Time: 60 minutes

    Introduction

    In this activity, you are going to make your own bioplastic! Individually or in pairs, you will follow the recipe below to make bioplastics. Ultimately, you will use these sheets of bioplastic to creat alternatives to single-use plastics, but at the stage, you should only focus on experimentation with this innovative material. We encourage you to play with color and texture. Pro-tip: Make extra sheets of bioplastic so you can have enough to make projects with (even if some of the outcomes aren't successful). 

    Note: This recipe requires roughly 24 hours to complete because the bioplastic needs an extended drying time. Please plan accordingly!

    Instructions

    Take at least three pictures of your bioplastic making progress. You’ll be sharing these at the end of the challenge.  


    Basic Gelatin Bioplastic Recipe

    Supplies needed: 

    Digital thermometer, access to a gas or electric cooking hob (or hot plate), non-reactive mixing pot (stainless steel or glass), mixing spoons, whisk, weighing scales, something to pour onto (such as a non-stick baking pan, glass casserole dish, or silicone baking mat). 

    Ingredients: 

    240ml water

    48g gelatin

    31g glycerine

    Food coloring 

    Straws (for blowing bubbles into the bioplastic)

    Nonstick surface

    Other decorating materials, such as glitter (optional)

    Tools: hot plates and pans

    Directions: (please read through all of the steps before getting started!) 

    1. Add the gelatin and water to your mixing pot. 
    2. Thoroughly mix the gelatin and the water until you get a consistent paste. Avoid chunks of dry material.
    3. Then slowly heat the mixture till it becomes runny. 
    4. Now slowly mix in the glycerine. 
    5. Mix the solution continuously to keep the mixture from burning. You may add food coloring at this point if you want! 
    6. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to bubble (up to 95°C) then remove from heat and pour! 
    7. Pour a thick layer onto a non-stick surface. (You may add other decorative materials at this stage and try to blow bubbles into the mixture ... let it cool a bit to not melt the straw). 
    8. Wait for 24 hrs for the material to set. Plan on longer. When the plastic is dry, it will pull away more easily from the surface you poured it onto. (Caution! The material is very hot! Be cautious when mixing and pouring to avoid burns or even melting materials that are not made to withstand high temperatures.)

    Deliverable

    In the Responses tab above, add photographs of your Bioplastic making process. Add a few sentences to your post about something you did (or would like to do) to experiment with the bio-material.

    Sketching: Thinking Visually