To promote cross-collaboration and peer learning among students from LUH, UNIGE, and IAAC, we introduced three transversal challenges to work with:
- keep-in-use strategies,
- bio-regional material flows
- storytelling for bio-based materials
Addressing the transversal challenge of ‘keep-in-use’ for urban circularity means extending the life of materials, buildings, and urban elements.
It’s about preserving, like in Tallinn where old industrial fabric was transformed into co-working spaces;
Adapting underused areas — like the spaces beneath bridges;
And transforming, for example, by giving old lamps a second life.
It’s circularity through creativity and care.
Addressing bio-regional material flows means promoting sustainable, closed-loop systems by using bio-based materials and regenerating local resources within ecologically and culturally connected regions.
The map shows a collaboration between design and fashion industries in areas like Milan, Chiasso, Varese, and Como, working together to develop innovative mycelium-based materials, that are already replacing leather in fashion. And it’s design that’s driving this material innovation.
The third transversal challenge, Storytelling for bio-based materials, products, and services. Adopting bio-based materials requires transformation, not only in design practices, but across society.
And success with bio-based innovation depends on more than great ideas, it needs effective communication, compelling storytelling, and strong stakeholder engagement to build awareness, trust, and adoption.