Universidad de Buenos Aires
PROJECTS | 2021
Myxoglow
Aldana Benitez Juřena, Paula Bianchi, Daniela Garabito, Carolina Vera Wilcke
Glitter takes hundreds of years to decompose. This project proposes an alternative made from Myxomycetes fungi. Drawing from the organism’s natural structural color properties, the material mimics the shimmer of glitter without the use of environmental toxins.
Finalist Team
Aguapé
Juana Benito, Clara tipitto, martin iungman, magdalena gonzalez botana
Aguapé is a plant-based phytoremediation system for water polluted with toxic heavy metals released from manufacturing.
Didykit
Marina Teubal, Paula Morazzani, Maria José Silberg, Florencia Loustaunau, Ailén Borches
Didykit is a biodegradable and compostable kit of plates, placemats, and bowls made completely out of the invasive algae called Didymo.
Marsheets
Aldana Kremer, Rocío Ferri, Martín Mendilaharzu, Lucila Sarasola
A new food production system that cultivates and integrates the superfood plant called Salicornia, or sea asparagus.
InstructorS - 2021
Heidi Jalkh
Heidi Jalkh is an experimental designer trained in industrial design. She was born in Medellín, Colombia and is currently based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her work focuses on craft-based processes, the manufacturing of bio-inspired materials, and strategic design. She is a specialist in logic and technique of form and holds a master's degree in interdisciplinary research from OpenDesign, a joint program from Humboldt-Berlin University and the University of Buenos Aires. Currently, Heidi works as a teacher and researcher at the University of Buenos Aires, FADU. She teaches morphology and industrial design at the undergraduate level, biodesign in the master’s program MAEDI, and directs the research group Sistemas Materiales. In 2020, Heidi was selected to be part of the Global Community Bio Fellows Program, organized by the Community Biotechnology Initiative of the MIT Media Lab. Parallel to her academic activities, she continues to run her professional practice as a designer. Heidi sees materials as a creative trigger, and her passion for them goes beyond their application. She is interested in material fabrication, in exploring its variables, looking to accentuate functional and intangible aspects of materials that can emerge as sensory experiences.
Leonardo Majul
Leonardo Majul is a researcher at the Institute of Mycology and Botany at the University of Buenos Aires. He completed his PhD in biological sciences at the UBA. In his thesis work he developed environmentally friendly wastewater treatments with White Rot Fungi. Leonardo leads the biological research in the interdisciplinary group “Sistemas Materiales” of the Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Urbanism at UBA, with focus on the production of fungal biomass biomaterials. He is also team member and science communicator of the “Fundación Hongos de Argentina para la Sustentabilidad” (Mushroom Foundation of Argentina for Sustainability).
Lara Fernandez Vallone
Lara Fernandez Vallone is an industrial designer who graduated from the University of Palermo in Argentina with a degree in Logic and Technique of Form. Lara is a member of the Latin American Association for the Studies of Form (ALEPH). She is a professor at the University of Palermo in the field of 'Design of Objects and Products' and is part of the Degree Project Evaluation Team, both for the Departments of Design and Communication. She is also a member of the Materials Systems Research group (UBA). Lara works as an independent designer providing design services to established companies, start-ups, and factories.
Agustina Ruiz
Agustina Ruiz is an industrial designer who graduated from the National University of Mar del Plata in Argentina. She has been based in Buenos Aires since 2010. Agustina founded a design studio where she develops and creates different interdisciplinary projects for Argentina and Japan. She developed the brand 7RAYOS in 2015, which focuses on design and production of sensitive design products for the home. Within her creative practice, Agustina explores materials, works on morphology, uses manual techniques, and incorporates new technologies and sustainable production processes. Her designs have obtained distinctions such as the "Argentine Good Design Seal" and have been exhibited in national and international events and exhibitions including Wanted Design NYC, Design Festa Tokyo, and NY Now. Alongside her professional practices, Agustina is a design teacher at multiple universities and is currently part of the “Sistemas Materiales” research group.
Natalia Ruiz
Natalia Ruiz was born in Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina. She is a graphic designer with a degree from the University of Buenos Aires. She specializes in UX design and finds herself constantly studying to approach a more empathic and accessible design. Since 2019, Natalia has been a part of the research internship program of the Sistemas Mateiales group. She currently works as a freelance designer--generating brand design, identity for social networks, and communication pieces for different fields.
Sofia Aristizabal Lanza
Sofia Aristizabal Lanza is an industrial designer who graduated from the University of Buenos Aires. She was born in Bogotá, Colombia and currently lives in Argentina. Since 2019, she has been a part of the research internship program of the Sistemas Mateiales group.
Ana Maria Celeda
Ana Maria Celeda holds a chemical sciences degree from the Department of Exact and Natural Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires (1980). She recently graduated as an industrial designer from the Department of Architecture, Design, and Urbanism at the University of Buenos Aires. Ana completed post-graduate studies in the Czech Republic, Japan, Sweden, and Finland. She specializes in industrial processes, sustainable development, and environmental protection in the mining and chemical industries, as well as materials recycling. Over her extensive career she has directed, developed, researched, and provided technical assistance in projects for mining and chemicals companies. Ana is the Co-Director of the post-graduate career on Mining Geology in the Department of Exact and Natural Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires and co-founder of the Argentine Society of Environmental Science and Technology (SACyTA). Ana is also an editor and reviewer of books and papers for international journals and has more than 40 papers published in national and international congress proceedings and international publications. Since 2019, she has been a team member in the interdisciplinary group “Sistemas Materiales” of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urbanism of the University of Buenos Aires, with focus on the production of fungal biomass, biomaterials, and residues recycling.