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Design Challenge
Natural meadows used for outdoor events that destroy the soil and vegetation due to frequent walking. Result during the event and afterwards, are muddy or dammed earth strips.
Motivator
Clean soil cover that allows visitors to easily walk the natural terrain and regenerate nature afterwards.
This sounds like a design challenge where nature could provide an answer.
Every question starts with defining the context.
Every question starts with defining the context.
Biosphere
Biosphere
We start to think about the local scenery. Settings like grassy plains, meadows, wildflowers, insects, seeds, spores, soil, grasses, etc.
Biodesign
Biodesign
Start from a design challenge. Formulate the challenge is such a way that it defines the goal you are setting out to reach.
Operating scale
Operating scale
Project initiation, we have no expertise in-house regarding biology. We have a biolab/makerspace available.
Setting the mindset from the human side of the framework.
Setting the mindset from the human side of the framework.
Broader view
Broader view
Identify system in which the design challenge occurs. What elements play a role? Weather, visitors, environment such as type of soil, type of footwear of users, natural environment, ground plan of outdoor event, etc.
Create connections between the elements, are they strengthening (+) or weakening (-), and are any strengthening loops (R) or balancing loops created (B).
Connection with nature
Connection with nature
Observing an outdoor event how the soil and pavement evolve throughout the event and after. What factors influence it.
Observe, measure, discover the change of the system over different timeframes.
Thinking about how the project will need to match different system dynamics across different time frames.
Tips & tricks - System archetypes
If you want some more information on why and how system thinking can help, check out this 101 Tips & Tricks card to learn how this approach can help you out.
After setting the mindset, we look at the process cards and make the bridge using the future cards.
After setting the mindset, we look at the process cards and make the bridge using the future cards.
Transdisciplinary Collaboration
Involve event organizers or visitors, ask for their opinions regarding walkways at events.
Go speak with a biologist or even local resident about the impact of outdoor events on the local wildlife and landscape.
Design for one
Design for one
Consider if there are local craftsmen who can assist in crafting the project.
This brings us all the way to the other side of the perspective, the bio side of the framework.
This brings us all the way to the other side of the perspective, the bio side of the framework.
Cultural History
The project takes place in a region known for its peat soil. Peat is known as a soil enhancer and properties such as clumping / sticking together.
The region also used to be known for its wildflower meadows.
Using the framework
Using the framework
This is a first step into cycling back and forth between the human- and the bio-perspectives of your process. The aim here is to seamlessly blur our human and natural world into one unity, as showcased with the fading colours.
Follow the arrows, we go through process, resource and process again.
Follow the arrows, we go through process, resource and process again.
Starting from a natural feedstock
What are the unique properties of peat and wildflowers?
How can peat be used to provide a solution to muddy walkways and destroyed nature?
Biothinkerspace
In which room will you conduct your first experiments? What equipment is there and do you at least need for your first experiments?
Are the materials you are working with safe to experiment with?
Widening your know-how
Looking up information on peat and wildflowers, what are the properties of each.
Starting first experiments with peat and wildflowers, how can peat be processed? In what conditions do wildflowers grow/sprout well? Etc.
This brings us to the bridge and again to the human perspective.
This brings us to the bridge and again to the human perspective.
Material property control
Gain insight into the properties of your materials and how they vary or interact with different use environments/contexts and across different timeframes.
Refine the controllable properties and anticipate the uncontrollable properties.
Improve project sustainability
What are possible interfaces between peat or wildflowers and solving muddy trails and destroyed nature?
Wildflowers help biodiversity by creating habitats and nutrients. Peat, in turn, is a soil enhancer, promotes plant growth and can be pressed into slabs.
With this, we have a first full cycle of the framework.
With this, we have a first full cycle of the framework.
A possible concept = Blooming Tiles
Tiles covering walkways of festivals and events to provide clean pavement for visitors.
Fully biodegradable and contains flower seeds, which will turn all walkways into large flower strips after the festival.
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