Carole Collet (FR)
The Botanical Experiment
July 18th – July 24th 2021
Carole Collet France
Carole Collet is Professor in Design for Sustainable Futures at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts where she currently holds two key roles. She is Director of Maison/0, the CSM-LVMH Sustainable Innovation Programme set up in 2017 in partnership with the luxury group LVMH. She is also co-director of the Living Systems Lab, a research lab which explores the inherent properties of biological living systems to develop new knowledge in the field of ecology via creative practices in art, design and architecture.
As an educator, she has pioneered the integration of sustainability in the curriculum by founding new courses such as MA Textile Futures in 2001 (now Material Futures) and the first MA in Biodesign in 2019. In her research, Collet questions how and what we can learn from living systems to develop inherently sustainable propositions. She curated the first international biodesign exhibition ‘Alive, New Design Frontiers’ in 2013 to propose a sustainable framework for biodesign. Her work has been featured in international exhibitions such as the V&A and the Pompidou Centre. She regularly contributes to conferences on the subjects of biodesign, biomimicry and sustainable futures.
www.carolecollet.com
The Workshop
What can designers learn from plant systems?
In the context of the current biodiversity emergency (the 6th extinction of biodiversity in the history of our planet), this workshop is for designers and architects who are interested in the creative exploration of the botanical world to develop a regenerative design practice that can help restore our biodiversity. Focused on deepening our understanding of plant systems, the week will be structured around a series of creative tasks that will help us connect with local biodiversity and observe plants’ behaviours and ecosystems. We will discuss principles of biomimicry, permaculture and regenerative design and how they can translate into pertinent new design directions that are respectful of our natural world. The workshop is very hands-on and will combine a range of creative and playful sessions together with observation and study of plants, as well as an introduction to scientific protocols borrowed from the natural sciences. By the end of the week, participants will have revisited their personal practice via the lens of regenerative design principles and will have clearly identified a personal manifesto to design with and for biodiversity.
Housing
Accommodation & food are included
We can accommodate for special catering
All participants sleep in dormitories
To book a private room or bring additional guests, get in touch: workshops@boisbuchet.org
Education
Our staff are available to help you conceptualize & produce your designs
Tools & materials are provided by Boisbuchet
All workshops are taught in English
The number of participants is limited to 22
Activities
Weekly campfire, exhibition & guided tour of the Domaine
Conferences from designers throughout the week
The famous Wednesday Porky’s party