In the face of the Anthropocene’s challenges, architects and designers must rethink their approaches to create sustainable societies that harmonize with nature while addressing the rising demand for resources, housing, and infrastructure. The workshop focuses on bio-derived materials, particularly innovative living materials, as transformative solutions aligned with bio-circularity principles.

Tailored for doctoral students, the program explores biomaterials’ potential in architectural and design applications, emphasizing their role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG9, SDG11, SDG12, SDG13). Through hands-on activities, lectures, and fieldwork, participants will delve into biomaterials’ ecological, economic, and practical relevance, preparing to drive innovation in sustainable construction and material culture.

This hybrid workshop combines theory and hands-on laboratory training to explore bio-derived materials for innovative products, building units, and sustainable transformations of existing structures. Participants will gain insights into regenerative and bio-based design through lectures and participative sessions led by interdisciplinary experts.

The program covers topics such as 3D printing with biomaterials, CAD prototyping, parametric design, and wet lab practices, emphasizing the sustainable performance and biological cycles of new materials. Hosted by BIOLAB Lisbon, a collaborative research hub, the workshop introduces cutting-edge materials like algae-based biopolymers, mycelium composites, bio-pigments, and waste-derived bio-composites.

Practical sessions deepen participants’ understanding of material behaviors, characteristics, and scientific documentation, while theoretical inputs on data collection and analysis offer a comprehensive framework for experimental research. Students will have the flexibility to focus on specific materials aligned with their interests, fostering innovation in sustainable design practices.

Institutions involved: Faculdade de Arquitetura da Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa, BioLab Lisboa.

For more information please visit: https://biolabworkshop.wixsite.com/home