Biomaterials - oyster shells

Interested in biomaterials, circular design, or simply enjoy creating with your hands? This interactive workshop opens the door to a world where creativity, sustainability and innovation intersect.

In this workshop you will learn how to:

•⁠ ⁠Think like a biodesigner: discover the principles of circular design and explore the potential of waste.

•⁠ ⁠Give oyster shells a second life: transform waste material into a stone-like biocomposite.

•⁠ ⁠Experiment with form and finish: use moulds to create coasters as well as incense, candle or tealight holders. You’ll also play with pigment and textures to give your piece character.

We’ll blend insight with practice: you’ll explore the role of discarded resources in sustainable innovation while getting hands-on with experimental making and design-led thinking.

By the end, you’ll walk away with:

•⁠ ⁠A distinctive object crafted by you

•⁠ ⁠Practical knowledge in biomaterial creation

•⁠ ⁠Fresh perspectives on circular design and resources

All supplies are included (though you’re welcome to bring along any interesting moulds or tools you’d like to try out).

Meet your instructors

Akir Hall is a biodesigner and researcher whose practice ranges from bio-digital fabrication to fashion design. His current work focuses on community-scale bioremediation practices in West-Africa. He has also co-founded the podcast Biodesign Now to highlight regenerative innovations at the intersection of design and biology. As a visiting researcher at LifeFabs Institute, he has taught workshops on cyanobacteria, bacterial cellulose and marine bio-polymers and has guest lectured at Bath Spa University London.

https://akirhall.com/ https://www.instagram.com/akir.bio/

Weronika Turowska is a biodesigner and material researcher interested in regenerative design principles, innovation and environmental, cultural storytelling. Her work is rooted in the belief that material literacy is essential for navigating sustainable design transitions. At Blunik Studio, Weronika experiments with living and circular materials, often drawing from biological processes, craft traditions, and waste streams. Her work seeks to create objects and systems that not only reduce environmental impact but also spark new narratives about our relationship with matter, microbes, and making.

https://www.blunikstudio.com/portfolio-2 https://www.instagram.com/blunikstudio/

Kirsten Tingle is a biodesigner and artist specialising in mycelium fabrication and regenerative painting. She teaches mycelium workshops with Lifefabs in Camden, and frequently guest lectures on Biodesign practice across London. Her paintings have been exhibited in The Chan Gallery in LA; Pioneer Works, Vent, Chashama, and Phyliss Harriman Gallery in NYC; Biocalibrate Symposia, Broadworks, The Lethaby Gallery, and Safehouse in London; The Guidecca Satellite in Venice, Italy; The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland; and The Kyoto Arts Center in Japan.

https://www.instagram.com/kirstentingle

📩 Questions? Please contact: [email protected]

Host or Publisher Blunik Studio x Biodesign Now