It is facing numerous challenges, because of these challenges the physical, chemical, and biological conditions are changing. This has catastrophic effects degrading the habitats and the species that live there.
The oyster, a small yet important keystone species. With its 3D reef structures and water filtering abilities they form the basis for a healthy ecosystem. Unfortunately their numbers have declined by 85-95% in the last 100 years.
How can we, by utilizing natures teachings save the North Sea?
A design build with a material made from locally available waste streams that is biodegradable.
A design based on the Strong durable structures of the phylum porifera, also known as the glass sponge, that allows for efficient water filtering. A design that will offer temporary protection from predators and the strong currents to juvenile oyster spat. Giving them all the necessary extractable materials and time that they need to grow into strong adult oysters.
The oyster spot A small intervention that is efficient, adaptable in its design and in harmony with the environment, based on nature for nature, with exponential effect
Artist statement
As a designer, you are engaged with the world of tomorrow, and that comes with a certain responsibility. That's why I find it very important to engage with the philosophy of life principles and the blue circular economy. This way, I am not only focused on a possible solution but also on the system in which it will be implemented. Where do the materials come from? What happens to the design once it has fulfilled its function? Through this approach, I strive to design as ethically responsible as possible. It's not about creating something new to add to the pile of existing objects, but rather about making an addition in a system where there was a gap. Hopefully, this will contribute to addressing major issues that the world is facing today.
My ambition is to find my own unique approach to research and make text more accessible by transforming it into drawings. This method represents my artistic scientific research way of working. From the very beginning, I pondered over what contribution I, as a designer, could make to a field that is still emerging. A space that lies between science and creative problem solving.
I see research as having two distinct facets. One involves gathering information from diverse sources, while the other revolves around translating that knowledge into research papers, books, or informative infographics. Personally, I believe the latter aspect has more potential. Visual imagery holds immense power for individuals with creative minds, providing a fantastic starting point for generating practical solutions through interdisciplinary teams consisting of information gatherers, translators, and creators (designers). If I were to position myself along a spectrum, I would identify as the translator/creator.
Ambitions
Over the next five years, my aspirations revolve around professional growth, impactful contributions, recognition, collaboration, and personal development. I aim to expand my expertise as a designer and researcher, constantly pushing my boundaries and refining my skills. Through my artistic scientific research approach, I want to create designs that have a meaningful and positive impact on society, bridging the gap between science and creative solutions.
Alongside professional growth, I strive to be recognized as a influencer in my field, inspiring others with my unique perspective and creative contributions. I envision working closely with diverse professionals in interdisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and bringing together different skill sets and perspectives to tackle complex challenges and generate innovative solutions.
I want to accomplish this by participating in the ASU masters program, Biomimicry. Where the main goal is to create designs that are based on Nature. With their main philosophy, Life creates conditions conductive to life. I also want to gather more life and work experiences. Talk at conferences en conventions to share my vision with other people. And to be able to create a network to be able to have those interdisciplinary teams where I know that I can flourish.
Learned during the studies
With the right network you are able to accomplish anything as long as you have a vision and are able to turn negative hurdles into creative opportunities.
When I started HKU I know that I was fascinated by biology and nature. By talking to people I learned that there is an entire world of bio-inspired design and that I could use my natural fascinations to be able to create a project that could actually help to make the world a better place. This really took shape when I ventured outside of the HKU. I went from Zeeland to The Haque and Rotterdam. There I did internships, minors and I worked in Bluecity which was filled with like minded people. I was also a TA (Teachers assistant) for the minor Design with Nature. I spoke to companies got some real life experience of how complex the world is today. With every single hurdle I used it as a moment of reflection of growth and as a opportunity to be able to connect to people and to try to understand their language to form a bridges.
List of publications / exhibitions / prices / concerts / shows etc.
Participating in:
The Ray of Hope Prize, 2023
The BioDesign Challenge,2023
The Oyster Spot, Why are oysters the future? My research till February 2023
https://youtu.be/E78LRJAh0lQ
Blueblocks
