The recently concluded Dubai Design Week unveiled an array of biomaterial installations. The annual design showcase in Dubai’s Design District highlighted a prevalent trend in temporary installations employing biomaterials—materials sourced from living organisms, including plants and animals. Ranging from conventional materials like wood and paper to more experimental options, these installations aim to demonstrate the potential of biomaterials for sustainable and functional structures. Among them is India’s Made in Earth Collective’s installation, The Future Will Be Sown. Know more about it on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).
Situated in Bengaluru along the Kaveri belt, Made in Earth Collective’s exhibit at Dubai Design Week 2023, The Future Will Be Sown, illustrated the inventive use of everyday organic materials. The unique light installation, distinguished as the sole non-pavilion entry, which was crafted from dried loofah, lending the commonplace material an ornamental touch. The designers carefully selected the tropical fruit, capable of being dried and transformed into a washing sponge, after the drying process and seed removal but before composting.
The dried loofahs were intricately woven together to form expansive light panels, highlighting the plant’s rugged texture.
The dried loofahs were intricately woven together to form expansive light panels, highlighting the plant’s rugged texture. These panels are complemented by minimalist coconut wood benches featuring a natural decorative pattern. Reportedly, while the collective primarily works with stone, they have recently ventured into other biomaterials, aiming to explore materials that can be regenerated, grown, and utilized in creating spaces.
The immersive installation, The Future Will Be Sown, thus advocates for a profound shift in humanity’s environmental relationship, utilizing loofah—a common agricultural by-product from Southern India—to encourage respect for nature and indigenous communities, envisioning a regenerative future through sustainable materials.
Image credit: Dubai Design Week