Design team develops bio-glass cladding tiles made from mussel shells

2022-05-31T20:27:00-04:00

London-based architecture studio Bureau de Change and Lulu Harrison, a postgraduate student in Central Saint Martins' Material Futures program, have collaborated to create a series of cladding tiles made from glass using mussel shells. Their work explores alternatives to the processed and unsustainable materials used in traditional glass production that also prioritizes the use of locally-sourced materials.

The bio-glass, named Thames Glass, is made from a mixture of the ground-up shells of quagga mussels, sand, and waste wood ash. These invasive mussel species often clog the transfer tunnels used by water and wastewater services company Thames Water. Rather than being removed and sent to a landfill, Harrison developed an eco-sensitive solution by using the shells as a raw material to produce this unique kind of glass.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bureau de Change Architects (@bureaudechange_architects)

The biomaterial is entirely handmade, making e...

Architect Nancy Diniz creates new sustainable design program at Central Saint Martins focusing on biodesign

2019-06-07T19:24:00-04:00

An architect by training, Diniz will lead Central Saint Martins’ newest programme: a masters in biodesign that will launch in the new academic year. The school’s ambition is to educate a future wave of designers and entrepreneurs who can break down barriers between disciplines and lead advances in bio-materials.

Sustainability in fashion has become a growing trend in classrooms as well as the fashion industry. However, despite the industry's attempts it still struggles to understand and tackle the effects it has on the environment, several designers and students are reworking this approach. Architect and educator Nancy Diniz will be spearheading a new master's program that focuses on biodesign. An alumnus of University College London, Diniz will use her background in bio-design research and material study to lead students towards bridging design and science together in fashion.

Natsai Audrey Chieza studied architecture and pursued her studies in materials and fashion. She the founder of Faber Futures. Faber Futures x Ginkgo Bioworks, 2017. Design-led protocol development for bacteria pigmented textiles and garments. Photo courtesy of IMMATTERS Studio.

With an extensive career in exploring materials and alternative manufacturing methods through biotechnology and computational design, Diniz s...

Archinect - News

Design team develops bio-glass cladding tiles made from mussel shells

Architect Nancy Diniz creates new sustainable design program at Central Saint Martins focusing on biodesign