DIGITALAB is a studio focused on generative design and digital fabrication
Digitalab is a multidisciplinary design studio and creative lab based in Porto, Portugal. Founded by Brimet Silva and Ana Fonseca, the studio focuses on generative design and digital fabrication. Digitalab's current mission emphasizes the integration of circular economy principles into their design processes, particularly through the innovative use of sustainable materials like cork. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: Porto, Portugal.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations in Portugal, particularly in collaboration with local artisans and manufacturers.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled and sustainable materials, and creating products that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Key innovations: Development of CO-RK, a method of turning cork into thread for sustainable furniture and lighting. This process uses cork pellets, which are a by-product of the cork industry, to create a sustainable, non-fibrous alternative to materials like plastic.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced cork and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: Digitalab's portfolio includes innovative projects such as the CO-RK thread (used for sustainable furniture and lighting), various generative design projects, and collaborations with companies like Gencork to create sustainable design solutions.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable material development techniques, exploring new applications for cork and other natural 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 inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to material design and usage.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design services and products available through collaborations, exhibitions, and partnerships with brands and institutions.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles and waste reduction in design).
Key Certifications: Winner of the Rising Star Award at Stockholm Furniture Fair.
Cost Rating: High-end pricing for innovative and sustainable design pieces.
Material Passport: Detailed use of cork and other sustainable materials in projects, with emphasis on their environmental and ethical significance.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, many products focus on recyclability and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of sustainable materials and local production. Specific carbon metrics not provided.
Key Takeaway
Digitalab transforms the design industry through innovative use of sustainable materials like cork, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and material innovation in contemporary design.
Explore Further
Digitalab website: https://www.digitalab.pt
Digitalab is a multidisciplinary design studio and creative lab based in Porto, Portugal. Founded by Brimet Silva and Ana Fonseca, the studio focuses on generative design and digital fabrication. Digitalab's current mission emphasizes the integration of circular economy principles into their design processes, particularly through the innovative use of sustainable materials like cork. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: Porto, Portugal.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations in Portugal, particularly in collaboration with local artisans and manufacturers.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled and sustainable materials, and creating products that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Key innovations: Development of CO-RK, a method of turning cork into thread for sustainable furniture and lighting. This process uses cork pellets, which are a by-product of the cork industry, to create a sustainable, non-fibrous alternative to materials like plastic.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced cork and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: Digitalab's portfolio includes innovative projects such as the CO-RK thread (used for sustainable furniture and lighting), various generative design projects, and collaborations with companies like Gencork to create sustainable design solutions.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable material development techniques, exploring new applications for cork and other natural 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 inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to material design and usage.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design services and products available through collaborations, exhibitions, and partnerships with brands and institutions.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles and waste reduction in design).
Key Certifications: Winner of the Rising Star Award at Stockholm Furniture Fair.
Cost Rating: High-end pricing for innovative and sustainable design pieces.
Material Passport: Detailed use of cork and other sustainable materials in projects, with emphasis on their environmental and ethical significance.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, many products focus on recyclability and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of sustainable materials and local production. Specific carbon metrics not provided.
Key Takeaway
Digitalab transforms the design industry through innovative use of sustainable materials like cork, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and material innovation in contemporary design.
Explore Further
Digitalab website: https://www.digitalab.pt
Digitalab is a multidisciplinary design studio and creative lab based in Porto, Portugal. Founded by Brimet Silva and Ana Fonseca, the studio focuses on generative design and digital fabrication. Digitalab's current mission emphasizes the integration of circular economy principles into their design processes, particularly through the innovative use of sustainable materials like cork. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: Porto, Portugal.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations in Portugal, particularly in collaboration with local artisans and manufacturers.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled and sustainable materials, and creating products that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Key innovations: Development of CO-RK, a method of turning cork into thread for sustainable furniture and lighting. This process uses cork pellets, which are a by-product of the cork industry, to create a sustainable, non-fibrous alternative to materials like plastic.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced cork and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: Digitalab's portfolio includes innovative projects such as the CO-RK thread (used for sustainable furniture and lighting), various generative design projects, and collaborations with companies like Gencork to create sustainable design solutions.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable material development techniques, exploring new applications for cork and other natural 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 inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to material design and usage.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design services and products available through collaborations, exhibitions, and partnerships with brands and institutions.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles and waste reduction in design).
Key Certifications: Winner of the Rising Star Award at Stockholm Furniture Fair.
Cost Rating: High-end pricing for innovative and sustainable design pieces.
Material Passport: Detailed use of cork and other sustainable materials in projects, with emphasis on their environmental and ethical significance.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, many products focus on recyclability and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of sustainable materials and local production. Specific carbon metrics not provided.
Key Takeaway
Digitalab transforms the design industry through innovative use of sustainable materials like cork, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and material innovation in contemporary design.
Explore Further
Digitalab website: https://www.digitalab.pt
