2023

BEA BRÜCKER: POST-CAPITALIST BIODESIGN – CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES 

Bea Brücker’s practice-based research explores the development of biomaterials from algae, bacteria and circular production processes. She investigates how biodesign and computational design can create a holistic, climate-positive and post-capitalist fashion system, guided by natural ecosystems. Working with algae, other living organisms and digital art, she explores the relationship between humans, capitalism and the threat of ecological collapse, and demonstrates the urgency of systemic change. She designs post-capitalist futures in which humans live in symbiosis with nature.

Our rivers and oceans suffer from eutrophication and biodiversity loss. There are more and more harmful algal and cyanobacteria blooms. This leads to almost oxygen-free zones, where marine life is almost impossible. Agricultural runoff and wastewater from the textile industry contribute strongly to these hypoxic zones. However, algae are not only the problem but could be part of the solution. Some algae species can regulate the nutrient content of the water and thus could prevent dead zones. Bea Brücker is researching the cultivation and processing of these algae species and uses them to develop a cruelty-free leather-like material.