Food Origins: Invisible Makers

This workshop uncovers the hidden work of microorganisms in food growth and health, from nitrogen-fixing bacteria to fungi and plant-growth-promoting bacteria, and explains how to tell beneficial microbes apart from harmful ones.

Participants will explore microbiota’s role in soil health and restoration, and learn how self-watering planters support root absorption.

Hands-on, everyone will build their own mini self-watering herb planter using fresh herbs or vegetables, boosted with modified microbial components suited to the local climate’s soil.

By the end, participants will understand the ecology behind food growth and natural food cycles, and take home a working mini planter, boosted to help their herbs grow better.

Sarvin Farhangi is a London-based biodesigner working at the intersection of biology, food, design, and material experimentation.

Her practice explores living systems and ecological relationships through hands-on making, research, and experimental food practices, with a particular interest in alternative food systems, soil health, and non-human collaboration.

She graduated from the Bio-Integrated Design programme at The Bartlett and is the co-founder of The Living Table Atelier, a food and biodesign collective exploring how biology can reshape the way we grow, make, and experience food.

Instagram: @sarv_fa @thelivingtableatelier

Chloe Perez is a London-based biodesigner working at the intersection of biology, design, and engineering.

Her practice explores biological systems to develop regenerative materials, products, and experiences through material experimentation, prototyping, and digital fabrication.

She recently graduated from the Bio-Integrated Design programme at The Bartlett and is co-founder of The Living Table Atelier, a collective exploring the intersection of biodesign, food, and dining experiences.

Instagram: @chloehperez @thelivingtableatelier

Extra Info

Accessibility Statement:

Lifefabs Institute is committed to ensuring that our events and workshops are as accessible as possible and meet the ever-changing needs of our community. As we navigate the opportunities and challenges of our workshops, we are constantly learning and adjusting our workflows to prioritise accessibility.

We’d love to hear any feedback our community might have.

Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any specific accessibility requirements or questions.

Seating:

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at [email protected] and we'd be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing [email protected]

Support to Attend Our Events & Workshops

Lifefabs Institute may be able to offer financial assistance to enable adults or children to participate in our events and activities if this would otherwise be financially difficult.

Please contact our team: [email protected] and we will aim to agree a reduction or bursary or wavier your fee free of charge.