Hands-on craftsmanship

This card helps you embrace craftsmanship and hands-on experience in biodesign, valuing practical skill and the tangible process.

• How will hands-on experience with biodesign materials deepen your understanding of their properties and potential?

• Since biodesign is often related to tradition in crafts, how will craftsmanship support your biodesign process?

• How does the act of crafting with living materials influence your relationship with the natural world and the sustainability of your designs?

Kanshitsu

Kenji Toki Lab revived an ancient Japanese craft technique, called Kanshitsu. By using Urushi lacquer, a fully biobased natural sap, they bind natural fibers and coat surfaces. When exposed to air, this sap spontaneously oxidizes and hardens, turning into a dark brown, almost black hue, biocomposite.

• Look-up the traditional uses of your natural materials stream in ancient times. 

• Explore traditional craftsmanship techniques to inspire your biodesign process.

• Tips&Tricks: TT6