About Us
The “What’s Around Design?” 2024 Conference covers three paths that cross over these four days: (a) The Design ISMAT Research Group Creative | Strategic | Bio | Design which focuses on creativity, application of innovative and nature-inspired approaches; (b) The research project Biomaterialskit, funded by the EU, that has its final SUMMIT at this conference to disseminate the good practices and achieve results, (c) The EU-funded research project – COCOON: Co-creating Greener Futures focused on Biodesign and Biomaterials.
Design ISMAT
“True passion for transforming…”
ISMAT’s Communication Design course focuses on the intersection of digital transformation, social issues, and nature’s regenerative purposes, placing humanity and the environment at the heart of the creative design process. The curriculum emphasizes the development of innovative digital solutions that address pressing social challenges while promoting sustainability and ecological restoration. Students learn to harness technology to foster positive societal impact and environmental stewardship, encouraging a holistic approach to Design that integrates ethical considerations, community engagement, and a deep respect for the natural world. Topics like Biodesign, Strategic Design, Circular Design, Speculative Design, Performative Design, Participatory Design, and Creative Technologies, among others, add value to our integrative vision of Design intervention and power to change the world.
At the Master Course on Design for Circular Economy, we engage the Students on a journey of four dimensions: the Human, the Natural, the Socio-Cultural, and the Economic dimension. Our master’s students immerse themselves in four major projects in a real-life context so that their learning is active, collaborative, cooperative, and demonstrative of the power of Design to regenerate and change territories and prepare them for the green transition.
BiomaterialKIT EU
project Summit
The project envisions a future where the Biomaterials and Biodesign KIT will reduce waste generation and do so significantly. This will be achieved through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse, all guided by the principles of biodesign. The outcomes lead to the environmentally sound management of bio-materials and their life cycle, in alignment with the Bio-design KIT and its methodological frameworks. This, in turn, will make a significant and tangible contribution to human health and the environment, inspiring and motivating our stakeholders to support the project.
The outcomes also grow global partnerships for sustainable development, complemented by multi-actors that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources to support achieving the sustainable development goals in both countries. They also promote effective public-sector partnerships, building on stakeholders’ experience and resourcing strategies.
COCOON EU
Co-Creating greener futures: Designing bio-design modules to accelerate the green transition
Recognizing climate change as one of the greatest threats to life on Earth, CoCoon is committed to accelerating knowledge transfer in biodesign and bio-fabrication. The project will identify and develop living bio-based solutions to produce materials that replace fossil-based materials. CoCoon will develop pioneering methodologies for teaching biodesign, recognizing the crucial role of educators and students at universities, vocational schools, and life-long learners. The objective is to increase awareness of the most promising existing technologies globally and empower people to find alternative ways of making more environmentally sustainable products.