OrbMatter is a design lab that is further developing a low-carbon material mixture made from bio-based fibres and a mineral binder and investigating its use in art and design. The focus is on hemp, but the mixture also allows the use of other local plant fibres. The aim is to use them in specific products and teaching formats in such a way that their creative and ecological potential can be experienced.

Funding from S4S is enabling this development phase. It is being used to test and document prototypes and to prepare and conduct an initial pilot workshop. This will lay the foundation for improving the material and making it usable for teaching and design.

The results of this work are evaluated in consultation with experts and students. They form the basis for using the material in a way that makes sense both creatively and educationally. In workshops, participants explore the origin and properties of the material mixture. The aim is to raise awareness of how the choice of materials affects the environment and society and how the next generation can be empowered to use resources more responsibly within planetary boundaries.

OrbMatter aims to provide a space where knowledge is deepened through hands-on experience. The ‘transitions in practice’ approach describes this step from understanding to design and is based on SDGs 4.7, 12.2 and 12.8.

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