Biodesign and Art: A Journey Through Ethical Complexity

For me, bio-design and art represent the pursuit of harmony between human creativity and the intricate dynamics of living systems. It's an art form that involves relentless experimentation and collaboration with experts, striving to achieve a deep understanding and mastery over organisms or biomaterials. This field challenges us to rethink traditional design principles, which are typically anchored in static materials, and embrace the fluidity and unpredictability of life itself.

The living world is a source of endless fascination and inspiration. By observing and mimicking nature (biomimicry), we can harness its beauty and functionality for our benefit. Alan Levinovitz highlights in his book "Nature" how the concepts of "nature" and "natural" are overwhelmingly perceived as positive by humans. Yet, the living world has also tinkered to produced phenomena which don't fit in our picture perfect — behaviors such as can be observed near by you: necrophilia (mallard ducks), infanticide (meerkats and swans), coprophagy (dogs) and siblicide (herons)—many clash with human ideals of morality and virtue. This dichotomy challenges us to reflect on our own values and the language we use in bioart and biodesign. By critically examining the notion of what is "natural," we open the door to essential and complex discussions, making me a critical yet engaged advocate for biophilic design. Our aim should not be to blur the lines between humans and wildlife to the extent that it risks another zoonotic pandemic.

The processes of biomaterials and biofabrication, which encompass growth and termination, draw inspiration from the agricultural world. Here, the craftsmanship lies in managing these cycles responsibly. While my expertise in certain fibers and materials may be limited, I rely on a network of knowledgeable individuals, particularly students from Wageningen specializing in biochemistry.

Regenerative design poses its own set of challenges, especially as we confront the reality that we have crossed a point of no return to be a keystone species within our ecology. My teaching often incorporates concepts such as planetary boundaries and the social foundation of humanity (inspired by the donut economy model), underscoring the urgency and complexity of sustainable practices in our interactions with the Earth.