Embodied Material Learnings: A Workshop Journey
Introduction
Our recent workshop series delved into the fascinating world of bio-waste and material creation, uncovering valuable insights and innovative ideas. Here's a look at what we learned and how these findings are paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Key Learnings
1. Understanding Glycerol's Role
One of the first steps was to comprehend the viscosity of glycerol and determine the amounts needed to alter the composition of the clay mix. This understanding was crucial in creating a workable material blend.
2. Hands-On Bio-Waste Experience
Participants engaged in a hands-on approach, gaining practical knowledge of bio-waste and its potential for material creation. This tactile learning was essential for fostering a deeper connection with the materials.
3. Technical Possibilities and Material Design
We explored the technical possibilities of material creation through design samples from Phase 1. Participants were guided through previous experiments, ensuring that the making process was grounded in realistic expectations rather than speculation.
4. Creating a New Narrative for Waste Fats
The workshop also focused on changing the perception of waste fats. By co-creating new narratives, participants began to see waste fats as valuable materials rather than disgusting byproducts.
Collaborative Innovation
During Act 4, participants were paired and given four prompts related to labor, production, design applications, and climate-positive approaches. Each pair devised speculative material applications and visualized their ideas using the ‘bio-fuel waste clay’ mixture. This collaborative effort led to a variety of innovative concepts and practical solutions.
Success Factors
The success of this workshop hinged on the rapid sharing of knowledge and co-creation. Introducing clay paired with the bio-waste product allowed for a seamless blend of play and discovery. Participants’ questions were layered and unprompted, stemming from their active engagement with the tools and ‘fat clay’ provided.
Phase 1 vs. Phase 2
Phase 1 focused heavily on technical speculation with design engineers and biochemists. In contrast, Phase 2 welcomed narrative and public service-based participants alongside engineers. This diverse mix encouraged a broader discussion on public perception and human-centered design.
Practical Applications
One notable idea was using waste glycerol biomaterial as an underground filter or collector to gather more fats and waste oils. This concept leverages fluid materials that can adapt to varying heat conditions in drainage systems or align with tidal movements.
Economic Considerations
From a restaurant owner’s perspective, we questioned whether this 'underground fat collection material' could be economically beneficial. Could it reduce costs for restaurant owners involved in waste oil collection? This led to broader considerations of how such innovations could be visible in public spaces, emphasizing the need for public campaigns to increase appreciation and value for waste oil services.
Future Plans
This pilot workshop is set to travel to Europe in 2024 and will also be conducted at St. Joseph's School in West Norwood. Our goal is to appeal to a younger generation interested in waste economics, engineering, and design speculation, fostering a new wave of sustainable innovation.
Conclusion
The embodied material learnings from this workshop highlight the immense potential of bio-waste and open-source technology. By fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging hands-on learning, we can drive forward sustainable practices and innovative solutions for a cleaner, greener future. Stay tuned as we continue this journey across Europe and beyond, inspiring the next generation of eco-conscious designers and engineers.