P R O L E A R N
DESIGN CO-CREATION
Design Co-Creation involves actively engaging diverse stakeholders, including end-users, in the design process to create more relevant, user-centric solutions. This approach goes beyond traditional user research by making stakeholders active participants in ideation, development, and refinement of designs.
Key Characteristics
Collaborative Process: Involves multiple stakeholders working together throughout the design process.
User-Centric: Places end-users at the heart of the design process, ensuring solutions meet real needs.
Iterative Approach: Encourages continuous feedback and refinement through multiple stages of development.
Benefits
Enhanced Innovation: Co-creation projects have a 30% higher success rate than those without collaborative efforts.
Improved User Satisfaction: Solutions developed through co-creation are more likely to meet user needs and expectations.
Reduced Development Costs: Early stakeholder involvement can reduce costly redesigns later in the process.
Innovative Applications
Participatory Design Workshops: Bringing together diverse stakeholders for hands-on design activities.
Digital Collaboration Platforms: Enabling remote co-creation through online tools and virtual environments.
Prototyping and User Testing: Involving users in creating and testing early prototypes for rapid iteration.
Challenges and Considerations
Managing Diverse Perspectives: Balancing different viewpoints and priorities among stakeholders.
Ensuring Equal Participation: Creating an environment where all voices are heard and valued.
Intellectual Property Concerns: Addressing ownership of ideas generated through collaborative processes.
Future Outlook
As technology advances and the importance of user-centric design grows, we can expect to see more sophisticated co-creation methodologies emerge. The integration of AI and machine learning may further enhance the ability to synthesise diverse inputs and generate innovative solutions.
Call to Action:
Evaluate your current design processes to identify opportunities for integrating co-creation methodologies. Consider pilot projects that leverage diverse stakeholder input, and invest in developing the necessary skills within your team to facilitate effective co-creation sessions.
Atelier LUMA is a design research program founded in 2016 as part of LUMA Arles in France. The atelier was established with the mission to explore sustainable design solutions through innovative material research and local resources. Atelier LUMA's current approach focuses on integrating circular economy principles into design processes, creating products and systems that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and bioregional design, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: Arles, France.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations in the Arles-Camargue bioregion.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using local and renewable materials, and creating products that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Key innovations: Development of materials and products using local resources such as salt, sunflowers, algae, and agricultural by-products. Creation of the "Lot 8" project, a large-scale applied research for bioregional architecture.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Strong emphasis on using materials from within a 70-kilometer radius of Arles, supporting local economies and minimizing environmental impact.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: Le Magasin Électrique renovation (incorporating various bio-based materials), salt-based wall cladding for The Tower at LUMA Arles, bioplastic tiles made from algae and invasive plants, and furniture made from rice straw and Arles merino wool.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable material development techniques, exploring new applications for local resources, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption in design and production processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products and buildings, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to design and environmental stewardship globally.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design services and products available through collaborations, exhibitions, and partnerships with cultural institutions and businesses.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles and bioregional design).
Material Passport: Detailed use of local and renewable materials in projects, with emphasis on their environmental and cultural significance.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, many projects focus on biodegradability and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of local materials and sustainable production methods. Specific carbon metrics not provided.
Key Takeaway
Atelier LUMA transforms the design industry through innovative use of local and renewable materials, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and bioregional innovation in contemporary design.
Explore Further
Atelier LUMA website: https://atelier-luma.org
Timur Ersen is a French/Turkish architect and craftsman based in Istanbul, Turkey, and France. He established his practice with the mission to create sustainable architectural solutions using local and natural materials such as earth, stone, wood, and straw. Ersen's current approach focuses on integrating circular economy principles into his architectural designs, promoting the use of traditional building techniques and local resources. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between architecture, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey, and France.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations in Turkey and France, particularly focusing on local resources and traditional building techniques.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using local and natural materials, and creating buildings that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Key innovations: Development of projects using rammed earth, stone, wood, and straw, such as the construction of wine cellars and public buildings. Ersen's work emphasizes the use of local materials and traditional techniques to create sustainable and durable structures.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Strong emphasis on using locally sourced materials and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: Ersen's portfolio includes innovative projects such as the construction of a wine cellar using dry stone and rammed earth in the Drôme region, the La Apoteka workshop made from stone, brick, and bamboo, and various other projects that showcase the potential of sustainable materials and traditional building techniques.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable architectural techniques, exploring new applications for natural and local materials, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption in design and construction processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the architecture industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste buildings, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to design and environmental stewardship.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Architectural design services available through collaborations, exhibitions, and partnerships with cultural institutions and businesses.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles and using local, natural materials in architectural design).
Material Passport: Detailed use of local and natural materials in projects, with emphasis on their environmental and cultural significance.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, many projects focus on traditional techniques that allow for future adaptability and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of local materials and sustainable building techniques. Specific carbon metrics not provided.
Key Takeaway
Timur Ersen transforms the architecture industry through innovative use of local and natural materials, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and material innovation in contemporary sustainable architecture.
Explore Further
Timur Ersen website: https://www.timurersen.com
Clayworks is a UK-based company founded by Adam Weismann and Katy Bryce. The company was established with the mission to create sustainable, high-performance clay plasters for interior and exterior applications. Clayworks' current mission focuses on promoting the use of natural, breathable, and environmentally friendly materials in building and interior design. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship, with a purpose to enhance the quality of living spaces while minimizing environmental impact.
Location
Headquarters: Helston, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Cornwall, UK.
Note: Strategic location in Cornwall to leverage local resources and optimize production processes.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using abundant and renewable materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable and biodegradable.
Key innovations: Development of a wide range of clay plaster finishes, including Classic and Custom Finishes, made from unfired clays mixed with minerals and pigments. These plasters are designed to be breathable, non-toxic, and low in embodied carbon.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced materials and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Classic Clay Plaster Finishes (Smooth, Tonal, Demi Rustic, Rustic) and Custom Clay Plaster Finishes.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable clay plasters that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. Clayworks' products are known for their unique textures, colors, and health benefits, including moisture regulation and improved indoor air quality.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable materials, optimizing production processes, and developing new applications for clay plasters.
Ambitious goals: To lead the building and interior design industries in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to material design.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available globally through direct sales and partnerships with distributors.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Available, providing transparency on environmental impacts.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of natural, abundant, and renewable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production. Clay plasters have low embodied carbon and are biodegradable.
Key Takeaway
Clayworks transforms the building and interior design industries through innovative, sustainable clay plasters, setting a benchmark for circularity and environmental responsibility.
Explore Further
Clayworks website: https://www.clay-works.com
Sustainability overview: https://www.clay-works.com/sustainability
Example product: Classic Clay Plaster Finishes - https://www.clay-works.com/clayworks-finishes
EWE Studio is a design studio based in Mexico City, founded by Héctor Esrawe, Manuel Bañó, and Age Salajõe. The studio was established with the mission to preserve and advance Mexico's rich artisan heritage while embracing new mediums and technologies. EWE Studio's current approach focuses on creating high-end, handcrafted design pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Core values include cultural preservation, innovation, and sustainability, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, materials, and artisanal traditions.
Location
Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations in Mexico, working with local artisans.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: While not explicitly focused on circular economy, EWE Studio's work incorporates principles of material longevity, craftsmanship, and cultural sustainability.
Key innovations: Development of pieces that combine traditional materials like marble, bronze, and volcanic stone with contemporary design techniques.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on working with local artisans and using locally sourced materials, though specific information on closed-loop practices is not provided.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: EWE Studio's portfolio includes innovative projects such as the Nebula Lighting Sculpture, Copal Coffee Table series, Magma series, and custom installations that showcase the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing techniques for combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, exploring new applications for local materials, and developing solutions that preserve cultural heritage.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in preserving artisanal techniques, create high-end pieces that celebrate Mexican craftsmanship, and inspire a shift towards more culturally conscious and sustainable design practices.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design pieces available through galleries, exhibitions, and direct commissions.
Circularity Rating: 3/5 (Focus on durability and cultural sustainability, though explicit circular economy practices are not mentioned).
Cost Rating: High-end pricing for collectible design pieces.
Material Passport: Use of traditional materials like marble, bronze, and volcanic stone, though formal material passports are not mentioned.
Designed for Disassembly: Information not explicitly provided.
Carbon Performance: Specific carbon performance metrics are not provided.
Key Takeaway
EWE Studio transforms the design industry through innovative use of traditional materials and craftsmanship, setting a benchmark for cultural preservation and material exploration in contemporary high-end design.
Explore Further
EWE Studio website: https://ewe-studio.com/en/
Blast Studio is a sustainability-focused design and maker studio based in North West London. Founded by Paola Garnousset, Martin Detoeuf, and Pierre de Pingon, the studio was established with the mission to transform urban waste into valuable design objects and architectural elements. Blast Studio's current approach focuses on integrating circular economy principles into their design processes, particularly using recycled coffee cups and mycelium. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and biomimicry, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: North West London, United Kingdom.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations in London, particularly focusing on local waste collection and production.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled materials, and creating products that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Key innovations: Development of a technique to transform discarded coffee cups into a biomaterial that can be 3D printed and combined with mycelium to create furniture and architectural elements.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Strong emphasis on collecting waste locally (e.g., coffee cups from West London cafés) and transforming it into new products within the same urban ecosystem.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: Blast Studio's portfolio includes innovative projects such as the Tree Column (a 2-meter high structural column made from recycled coffee cups and mycelium), the Tree Pavilion (an ambitious architectural project using their waste-based biomaterial), and various furniture pieces and objects made from urban waste.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing techniques for transforming urban waste into viable construction materials, exploring new applications for mycelium-based materials, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption in design and production processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products and buildings, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to urban design and material usage.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design pieces and services available through collaborations, exhibitions, and direct sales from their website.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles and waste reduction in design).
Key Certifications: Finalist for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize 2022.
Material Passport: Detailed use of recycled materials in projects, with emphasis on their environmental and ethical significance.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, many projects focus on biodegradability and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of recycled materials and local production. Specific carbon metrics not provided.
Key Takeaway
Blast Studio transforms the design and architecture industry through innovative use of urban waste materials, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and material innovation in contemporary design.
Explore Further
Blast Studio website: https://blast-studio.com
Super Local is a design studio founded by Pim van Baarsen and Luc van Hoeckel in 2012. The studio was established with the mission to create sustainable products and services that improve lives and build stronger communities, particularly for the 90% of the world's population often overlooked by traditional design. Super Local's current mission focuses on co-creating sustainable solutions through a unique blend of local knowledge, resources, and innovative design methods. Core values include sustainability, social equity, and human dignity, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, communities, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: Netherlands.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various global locations based on project requirements, including Nepal, Rwanda, and Zanzibar.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using local and recycled materials, and creating products that promote sustainable practices and community empowerment.
Key innovations: Development of projects like "From the Himalayas," which transforms waste from Mount Everest into valuable products, and the "Care Collection," which creates affordable hospital equipment from locally available materials.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Strong emphasis on using locally sourced materials and production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: "From the Himalayas" (recycling waste from Mount Everest), "Care Collection" (affordable hospital equipment), and "Bottle Up" (upcycling glass bottles in Zanzibar).
Unique value propositions: High-quality, innovative design solutions that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and social impact. Super Local's work is known for its ability to create sustainable products that address local challenges while promoting community development.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing upcycling techniques, exploring new applications for waste materials, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption while empowering local communities.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in sustainable and socially responsible practices, create zero-waste products and services, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to design and community development.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design services and products available through direct collaborations, exhibitions, and select retailers.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on circular economy principles and waste reduction).
Key Certifications: Information not available, but recognized with Dutch Design Awards.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Focus on creating affordable solutions for underserved communities).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of locally sourced, recycled, and upcycled materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Information not explicitly provided, but emphasis on local production suggests potential for repair and adaptation.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of local materials and production. Committed to minimizing environmental impact through efficient design and manufacturing processes.
Key Takeaway
Super Local transforms the design industry through innovative, sustainable solutions that prioritize circular economy principles and social impact, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and community empowerment in contemporary design.
Explore Further
Super Local website: https://www.super-local.com
Example project: From the Himalayas
The New Raw is a research and design studio founded in 2015 by architects Panos Sakkas and Foteini Setaki. Based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the studio was established with the mission to give new life to discarded materials through design, robots, and craftsmanship. The New Raw's current mission focuses on transforming plastic waste into beautiful and meaningful products that are 100% circular. Core values include innovation, sustainability, and digital craftsmanship, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between waste, design, and environmental responsibility.
Location
Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations for projects and collaborations, including Thessaloniki, Greece.
Note: Strategic location in Rotterdam to leverage local expertise in design and technology and foster international collaborations.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable and sustainable.
Key innovations: Development of robotic 3D printing techniques to transform plastic waste into functional and aesthetic products. Projects like "Print Your City" and the "Zero Waste Lab" exemplify the integration of circular design principles and community engagement.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced plastic waste and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: "Print Your City" (transforming city plastic waste into urban furniture), "Zero Waste Lab" (a community recycling initiative in Thessaloniki), and "Pots Plus" (3D-printed street furniture with integrated planters).
Unique value propositions: High-quality, innovative design solutions that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. The New Raw's work is known for its ability to create immersive, community-focused environments that promote sustainability and circular economy principles.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing robotic 3D printing techniques, exploring new applications for recycled plastic materials, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption in design and production processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products and installations, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to design and environmental stewardship.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design services and products available through direct collaborations, exhibitions, and select clients.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles in design and production).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with high-end design services, with significant value in sustainability and innovation).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and recyclable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products and installations are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of recycled materials and local production. Committed to minimizing environmental impact through efficient design and production processes.
Key Takeaway
The New Raw transforms the design industry through innovative, sustainable solutions that prioritize circular economy principles, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and material reuse in contemporary design.
Explore Further
The New Raw website: https://www.thenewraw.org
About: https://thenewraw.org/Studio
Example project: Zero Waste Lab
Waterweg is a Dutch company founded in 2019 by Jasper Knoben and Joost Knoben. The company's mission is to revolutionize the construction industry by developing and implementing circular building solutions that prioritize sustainability and resource efficiency. Waterweg's core values revolve around innovation, circularity, and environmental responsibility, with a purpose to create a regenerative built environment that minimizes waste and maximizes the reuse of materials.
Location
Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Rotterdam, with projects across the Netherlands.
Note: Strategic location in Rotterdam to foster innovation and collaboration with industry partners.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled and bio-based materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of modular, demountable building systems using recycled and bio-based materials, enabling easy disassembly and material reuse.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on local materials and production to minimize environmental impact.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Modular building systems for residential and commercial projects, including the Waterweg Circular Building System.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable building solutions that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable materials, optimizing modular design processes, and developing new circular business models.
Ambitious goals: To lead the construction industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste buildings, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative built environment.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products and services available for residential and commercial projects in the Netherlands.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and bio-based materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Waterweg is a pioneering company that transforms the construction industry through innovative modular building systems, setting a benchmark for circularity and sustainability in the built environment.
Explore Further
Waterweg website: https://www.waterweg.co/en
Example projects: https://www.waterweg.co/en/portfolio
Polycare was founded in 2010 by Dr. Gerhard Dust and Gunther Plötner in response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The company was established with the mission to build affordable, durable, and comfortable houses using locally available secondary raw materials without the need for expensive equipment. Today, Polycare's mission focuses on revolutionizing the construction industry through sustainable and circular building solutions. Core values include innovation, sustainability, and responsibility, with a purpose to create a regenerative future through advanced material science and production technology.
Location
Headquarters: Thuringian Forest, Germany.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations across Germany.
Note: Strategic location in the Thuringian Forest to optimize local sourcing, distribution, and collaboration with industry partners.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled and bio-based materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of Polyblocks made from secondary raw materials, elimination of cement as a binder for geopolymer concrete, and integration of industrial by-products such as fly ash and slags.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using local materials and production to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Polyblocks for modular construction, SEMBLA® reusable masonry system.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable building solutions that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. Polycare's products are known for their durability, ease of assembly, and innovative use of secondary raw materials.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable materials, optimizing recycling processes, and developing new circular design principles.
Ambitious goals: To lead the construction industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative built environment.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available globally through direct sales and partnerships with distributors.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and bio-based materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Polycare transforms the construction industry through innovative, sustainable building solutions, setting a benchmark for circularity and environmental responsibility.
Explore Further
Polycare website: https://polycare.de/en
Polycare purpose: https://polycare.de/en/polycare/our-purpose
Example product: SEMBLA®