Philia, bio-plant
DESIGN: Laura van de Wijdeven (Atelier LVDW)
Netherland
make me! 2023
An alternative for decorative plants. Real or fake, both aren’t very environmentally friendly. For example the plastic production for artificial plants and the high water and energy use in the production of real houseplants. Besides that, many illegally obtained plants are in circulation worldwide, which are poached from the wild. This has serious consequences for biodiversity. Poaching of wild animals and plants is in the top 3 of biggest threats to biodiversity worldwide. It comes after habitat destruction, but before climate change. To draw attention to this problem, Laura developed a biomaterial made from botanical waste for the development of “rare” artificial plants. She made a fermented liquid from the stinging nettle in which good bacteria where added, this ensured the growth of a biomaterial called bacterial cellulose. A very strong bio-material which consisted of pure cellulose. With this material she developes fully biodegradable art-plants.
Philia, bio-plant, design: Laura van de Wijdeven / from designer’s archive
Philia, bio-plant, design: Laura van de Wijdeven / from designer’s archive
Philia, bio-plant, design: Laura van de Wijdeven / from designer’s archive
Philia, bio-plant, design: Laura van de Wijdeven / from designer’s archive
Laura van de Wijdeven
Atelier LVDW
Researches the future of sustainable and circular materials with a biophilic point of view. Her goal is to enrich interiors by the use of organic waste streams and bio- based matter. Subconsciously connecting its user with nature by implementing new bio-materials. The social connection between material, human and nature is intertwined in all her projects. Material always plays a leading role in the design process, this leads to intuitive design and circular concepts. Laura works on a collection of unique materials and likes to collaborate on bespoke projects. Those outcomes result in a variety of interior surfaces and objects, an interplay of reproducible design, craft, experimental and unique art works. All products and materials are completely handmade in her Rotterdam based studio.
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