Clara Schmelter de Escobar
produktdesign
universität der Künste berlin
Specialisms: Sustainable Design / Material Innovation / Architecture
Location: Berlin, Germany
Clara Schmelter de Escobar
First Name: Clara
Last Name: Schmelter de Escobar
Specialisms: Sustainable Design / Material Innovation / Architecture
Sectors:
My Location: Berlin, Germany
University / College: universität der Künste berlin
Course / Program Title: produktdesign
About
Clara Schmelter de Escobar from University of the Arts Berlin is a biodesigner working at the intersection of biotech, computational design, and digital fabrication. She is fascinated by translating nature’s intelligence into holistic design solutions that help heal nature. All her projects happen in collaboration with natural scientists, and develop sustainable materials for ecosystem restoration. Clara is currently studying a Master’s in Bio-Integrated Design at University College London.
85% of the world’s oyster reefs have disappeared due to human activity. This is alarming, as reefs are essential both to marine ecosystems and to coastal communities. Many initiatives are therefore attempting to restore these ecosystems with the help of artificial reefs. However, most current designs rely on plastic, steel, or concrete - materials that, ironically, contribute to the very problems they aim to solve. CARBOGEM is a reef restoration module made from a novel concrete developed in collaboration with scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute. The bioconcrete is porous and incorporates recycled oyster shells to support the settlement of oyster larvae. Photosynthetic, biomineralizing cyanobacteria are used as a binder, making the concrete entirely renewable and capable of capturing CO₂. Turning carbon into gems.
Competitions
