Projects with the Living Station Lab

Our new facilities the Living Station Lab at WdKA is running since October 2022 and hosted already some nice projects.

If you wonder what can be done in our new station here are few examples:

• Esther Maij

Putting down roots

Esther came to work in the Living Lab to be able to grow mycelium and visualize the network it created when growing. The connection between humans and the fungi world is a topic we would like to explore further in the Living Station Lab.

“The Living Station Lab has been a great support in realizing this project. Growing mycelium cultures and looking at them through the microscope helped me enter the hidden world of fungi and gave me a bigger understanding and appreciation of the wonderful realm of mycelium.” – Esther Maij, Fine Art Graduate WDKA 2023

Human Mycelium is part of the research project Putting Down Roots, a multidirectional exploration of roots and rhizomes, situated on Buitenplaats Brienenoord. Human Mycelium is a collective action of recreating tree roots and fungi overground. Join in and become the ‘human mycelium’ by artificially connecting these separated trees together with branches and string, highlighting their interconnected nature. The work was exhibited during the Graduation Show 2023 in front of the Willem de Kooning Bleak entrance.

Putting Down Roots investigates how the ‘invisible’ life below the forest can be made visible and how humans can form sustainable sympoietic relationships with nature. From the rhizomatic (non-linear) research emerged multiple artworks as fruiting bodies.

• Anne Visser

Scobyosa

Anne was very explorative with bacteria cellulose. She could grow large pieces in our storage room and we exchanged about her experiments, especially making the SCOBY conductive. This was a new approach that we hope will be explored further.

The project Scobyosa delves into the realm of bacterial cellulose and its wonderful qualities and potential. Derived from the natural fermentation process of yeasts and bacteria in sweetened tea, the bacteria convert sugars into an organic material: bacterial cellulose. Its appearance possesses an intriguing, otherworldly appearance that simultaneously captivates and challenges.

In the Kombucha industry, bacterial cellulose is a by-product, losing its value. The material holds properties that respond to different senses, allowing the material to be experienced in different ways and making its value transparent. The installation demonstrates the collaborative abilities of the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and the transformative potential of bacterial cellulose. Serving as an invitation to challenge conventional perspectives on organic materials, highlighting the importance of reevaluating our relationship with materials and our understanding of waste in the context of sustainability and interconnectedness.

“SCOBY is only so much: it is alive, it is growing, it is dying, it colours, it is culture, it has a strong aroma, it is a drink, it is a snack, it is slimy, it is strong, it is alien, it is familiar, it repels, it intrigues, is it leather? Is it skin? is it natural, is it synthetic? It is vibrant.” – Anne

• Gwen de Krijger

Coming soon

Gwen has worked with us on her project about data storage in Living Systems. She discussed her project with us and we helped her via our scientific knowledge to create a visualization of the process using cyanobacteria (photosynthetic microorganisms).

• Conor Croasdell

Fungal timepiece

Conor has a long experience with the fungi world and let us dive in thanks to his installation created in collaboration with the Living Station Lab. Previously he had to use the facilities of Blue City but since October 2022, he can study at WdKA and drop by the lab to work on his project. Thanks to our Biocabinet he could create a large sterile agar box where several species of mycelium grow and interact with each others.

• Artemis Mitsiou

A growing monument for the lost natures: remediation through mycelium’s metamorphosis

For her project, Artemis wanted to give attention to a polluted area. She came up with a list of toxic chemicals and many questions about it. Since in the lab, we have the microorganism Pleurotus that has the ability to decompose nearly everything, she made experiments to show the power of this fungus to depollute. Mycoremediation is a topic that should be communicated and developed. We are glad to have had the possibility to work with a student of Spacial Design and collaborate via Artemis to this Major.

• Julius Enneking

Julius is fascinated by crystals and has worked on this topic with the Living Station Lab using our expertise and microscopes. He explored all possibilities to improve the imaging of our best microscope and the result turned out stunning.

Biomaterials

Creating biomaterials is an innovative and sustainable approach that holds immense potential for addressing environmental challenges and revolutionizing various industries. By utilizing biological resources and processes, designers and researchers are developing materials that are renewable, biodegradable, and have a lower ecological footprint.

Biomaterials encompass a wide range of substances derived from renewable sources such as plants, algae, bacteria, and even waste materials. These materials offer exciting possibilities in fields like packaging, construction, textiles, medicine, and more. They present an alternative to conventional materials, which often contribute to pollution and resource depletion.

One area where biomaterials shine is in packaging. Traditional single-use plastics have become a major environmental concern, polluting our oceans and landfills. Bio-based alternatives, such as bioplastics made from plant starches or bacterial cellulose, offer a more sustainable choice. These materials are designed to break down naturally, reducing the impact on our ecosystems.

In construction, biomaterials are revolutionizing the way we build. Researchers are exploring the use of materials like mycelium (the root structure of mushrooms) as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. Mycelium can be grown into various shapes and sizes, making it ideal for creating biodegradable packaging, insulation, and even structural components.

The textile industry is also embracing biomaterials. Fibers made from renewable sources like bamboo, hemp, or pineapple waste offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fabrics. These materials are not only biodegradable but also require fewer resources and chemicals during production.

In medicine, biomaterials play a crucial role in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Scientists are developing bioengineered scaffolds and implants that can promote tissue regeneration and integration within the body. Materials like collagen, chitosan, and alginate are being used to create biocompatible structures that can assist in wound healing and organ repair.

The field of biomaterials is a fascinating intersection of science, sustainability, and innovation. By harnessing the power of nature, we can create materials that align with the principles of the circular economy, minimize waste, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. As research and technology continue to advance, biomaterials hold the promise of shaping a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

REFERENCES:

Material District: https://materialdistrict.com/material/

Loes Bogers, https://class.textile-academy.org/2020/loes.bogers/files/presentation/

Lab Pastoe: https://labpastoe.gitbook.io/lab-pastoe/tutorials/bioplastics

Electives – Biomaterials for Designers

This week of Electives with the Living Station will explore biomaterials as a sustainable solution. Creating biomaterials is an innovative and sustainable approach that holds immense potential for addressing environmental challenges and revolutionizing various industries. By utilizing biological resources and processes, designers and researchers are developing materials that are renewable, biodegradable, and have a lower ecological footprint.

Future designers will think about the whole lifecycle of the materials and how they impact the natural world. ​

The Kick-off will give the main information and the students will discuss a particular material that they brought to introduce a personal relation to the choices to make when creating.

Lecture: the non-human

Kas Houtwijk gave a new perspective on the invisible but so present world of microorganisms.

Experimentation

Speculative prototypes were realized after experimenting with some basic recipes.

Presentations

Bikeisko: a Kaleidoscope for happiness with biomaterials and microbes

Ecofriendly tobacco-packaging

Throat clamp: a reflection around our fragilities (animal cruelty and environment threat)

Plant Swap

Plant Swap Event on the rooftop garden of the WdKA on May 31 at 3.30 pm.

We want to celebrate spring, exchange ideas about plants, and drink WdKA-made Kombucha 🙂 with YOU. We also hope to talk with you about how we can make the rooftop garden at the WdKA even greener and more beautiful in the near future.

For this plant exchange, you can bring 3 or more indoor and outdoor plants that you have grown yourself or of which you may have too many in your garden and/or house. Next to bringing plants to swap, we hope you can also donate a plant – which loves sun and drought – for the rooftop garden :-).

This is also possible if you don’t have a plant but would like to participate!
Make sure the plants that you take with you are in a pot or container.
You can also save old yogurt cups and put your plants in them.
Make sure your plants aren’t sick or have bugs, that won’t make the new owner happy.

Hope to see you at the Rooftop, Second floor Blaak building!

Practical information
This event will take place on the Rooftop Garden, the second floor of the Blaak building

Reference
https://livingstations.wdka.nl/

Free e-book “Emerging Bioart & Biodesign”

Celebrating the last 10 years of the Bio Art & Design Awards!

Get your copy HERE:

https://www.m21d.org/news-1/(e)book-launch:-emerging-bioart-and-biodesign

Rooftop gardening

Spring has arrived!

Nature is waking up and plants start to grow and get green.

Every Wednesday morning from 9am to 11am the living station is getting on the rooftop to get it green. Feel free to join us and contribute to our green roof!

Station skills sessions EVERY WEEK

Every week check My WdKA for station skills in the LAB

• “WELCOME TO THE NEW LIVING STATION LAB!”

Introduction to our lab and microorganisms. Experiment with a new world!

Learn about all that can be done in our Living Station Lab and get some practice with microorganisms and the microscopes.

Sign up here: MyWdKA -> Stations -> Station skills

• “ALGAE FOR BIOPLASTIC”

Do you want to know about alternatives to plastic with a natural polymer?

Improve the making of bioplastic with agar

Sign up here (if no session is planned click the “I’m interested” button): https://stationskills.mywdka.nl/?p=6799

• “The World of Fungi”

Do you want to know about the fungi kingdom?

Discover the world of fungi and all that can be done with them.

Sign up here (if no session is planned click the “I’m interested” button): https://stationskills.mywdka.nl/?p=7121#post-7121

Ivan Henriques

Ivan Henriques works at WDKA since 2016.

Henriques is an artist, researcher and tutor at the Digital Craft course and the Living Station, with a vast experience in interdisciplinary practices which includes art/design/engineering/science, with a critical approach to how we have been dealing with the natural environment. At WDKA Henriques is implementing sustainability in the academy curriculum, based on system thinking and making.

Henriques has a background in the combination of art & science, and his interests go from symbiosis of the living with the non-living, communication with other specimens to bio-robotics. He considers nature as an inspiration and a necessary force and knowledge to shift the human-centered development of the technological world.

Henriques believes that education is the main pillar for the development of a sustainable world where we educate ourselves and help students make ecological decisions.

You can find Ivan Henriques at WDKA on Mondays, Tuesdays and the mornings of Wednesdays. You can email him at:

i.martins.henriques@hr.nl

Miso workshop by Erika Hirose

Erika Hirose shared with the Living station and the lucky WdKA students from P1 her precious knowledge about Miso. Students have a 6 weeks program around fermentation with the Living Station Lab and could experiment with growing their own Miso in 3 weeks thanks to the magic starter from Erika.

Erika originated from Japan and has many years of experience with Miso from her family to her own kitchen. She is an artist and very passionate about Miso.

What is Miso?

It is a fermented product largely used in Japan. A very famous fungus in Japan: Koji (Aspergillus oryzae / ニホンコウジカビ) is mixed with soybeans and salt. After fermentation, a paste is obtained with a typical taste that we could try during the workshop from 1 year and 5 years of precious Erika’s jar collection.

Marcin Cieślak

Marcin collaborates with Erika in sonification: he brings the growth of Miso into music.

Erika is involved in making Miso with bread in The Netherlands.

Watch her food waste fight here:

Connect with Erika or get the starting kit to grow your own Miso here:

https://www.wewakeat.com/

Elective biomaterials

• The biomaterials created were exposed at WdKA during the “RESEARCH FESTIVAL MAKING (IN) THE UNFORESEEN” with the wall of biomaterials.

• The second week was centered on research to define a speculative application for a biomaterial.

Biomaterials recipes:

• Kombucha leather made of cellulose

• An 3D object made of mycelium: a light, fireproof and biodegradable material

• Bio-coloring: Bacterial dyes can be an alternative to toxic textile dyes

• Bio-plastics alternative

• Fruit leather: orange skins into your second skin

• Crystals from sugar and alum

Exhibition 25-26th of January research festival “MAKING (IN) THE UNFORESEEN”

Our Biomaterials Wall was shown in a beautiful sample collection. It was for the Living Station an opportunity to showcase what the Living Lab is offering and researching.

We have been collaborating for the Elective with different workplaces: digital lab (3D printing, laser cutting), ceramic, wood and fabric station.