Soil Matters

This exhibition presented responses to environmental challenges through the convergence of design and ecological data, featuring the works of two distinct perspectives in design, Steve Santer from a critical design perspective, and Javier de Urquijo from a material-driven one. Steve Santer's research manifests in a collection of critical ecological representations that dynamically respond to soil health indicators derived from ecological data. These imaginative creations offer provocative insights into potential futures shaped by the intersection of technology, ecology, and design. In contrast, Javier de Urquijo's exploration in material-driven design harnesses the power of ecological data to formulate novel, home-compostable materials suitable for 3D printing. Through transdisciplinary research and experimentation, de Urquijo presented material alternatives that redefine the possibilities of nonhuman collaboration in design. The exhibition presented an invitation to delve into the world of ecological data-driven design through a curated selection of videos showcasing the creations and processes of both researchers.

This activity was conducted by Steve Santer and Javier de Urquijo, design practitioners and doctoral researchers located in Naarm (Melbourne).

This exhibition was part of an event hosted during Melbourne Design Week 2024. [https://wipclub.org/javier-steve_tabling]