Design around nature. Nature as inspiration and image renovation for sustainable materials

Research carried out in the Hybrid Design Lab of SUN is aimed at experimenting a methodology for bio-inspired design, using nature as a reference not only for inspira- tion, but also to obtain raw materials for sustainable and innovative products. This in- volves using renewable materials, not only realised with biological raw material and with sustainable end of life, but also serviced according to biological logic and codes. In recent years, plant fibres are increasingly studied in materials engineering. In par- ticular, their mechanical performance, easy processing, compatibility with oil-based and biodegradable polymer matrices are investigated and aiming to reduce their environ- mental with more sustainable fibre treatment, extraction and weaving. Plant fibres, such as hemp, jute, kenaf, etc., are low-cost and highly renewable materials, which do promise generating significant added value in applications. This investigation is centred on the verification of specific opportunities for develop- ment offered by this approach to innovation and revaluation of productive sectors, which may be strategic for a territory deemed difficult, as it is the case for Campania region. Integrating the productive system in a “km zero” philosophy, reducing environ- mental impact in the whole of products’ life, moving towards full biodegradability and exploiting the growing knowledge of “natural structures” obtained from science are some of the reasons why plant fibres have a significant potential for contemporary de- sign. In this regard, the use in design of “local” and “perceived as local” can be of fore- most importance.