Faba-Forma
Detailed Description
Project Details
- In your project's current stage of development, how does it align with the OPENNESS value of the Distributed Design Platform?
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The aim of this design system, from the very beginning, has been to produce an accessible, affordable, relatively low-tech and transferable approach to improving local food conditions for both food producers and the public, whilst restoring the surrounding ecosystem and soil.
The raw materials used for the material production, bean waste, is the key element, which is easy to and encouraged to be produced all over the world, organically and regenratively. Any colouring and soil enhancers used are sourced from a close-by radius, don’t require any additional input and have to make sense and be accessible to the growers. The actual preparation process uses relatively low-tech and efficient equipment, such as a flour mill and a 3D clay printer, which maximise the results and make them easily replicable. The finished products are air dried hence don’t require additional equipment.
As the material is fully degradable, it is encouraged that a new ‘collection’ is made very year, so that the bean waste can be returned to and feed the soil with the growing cycle. This means that there is complete freedom and diversity in what can be produced and input from the community and users is wanted.
- In your project's current stage of development, how does it align with the COLLABORATIVE value of the Distributed Design Platform?
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Due to the changing and ever developing nature of the designs and the system, a collaboration between the growers, the customers and non-direct users is much encouraged and relied on. Through eating experiences, introductory workshops and demonstrations of the process, the importance of good food and direct interaction with the end product and website (in the making), people can provide their own designs and have an input.The core of Faba-forma is to have impact on the surrounding culture and ecosystem by raising awareness about regenerative growing principles. To encourage local and seasonal food that is good both for us and the environment, and create a collaboration and a connection between the community, where their food comes from and and the producers themselves.
- In your project's current stage of development, how does it align with the REGENERATIVE value of the Distributed Design Platform?
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The circularity of the material and system behind Faba-forma uses all the waste from bean crops, which adds up to about 50% of a plant, transforms it into agency for growers, provides healthier nourishment for both people and planet and then returns to feed the soils. It creates value for people, society and the environment by optimising growing conditions and maximising the outcomes, whilst giving back to nature and community. It looks at restoring not only our relationship with food and our environment, but also the system behind it. Currently, people worldwide do not know where their food comes from, how it is grown, its nutrient content, and its impact on local and global ecosystems. By giving agency back to growers and the community, this project aims to remediate this disconnection and restore the system behind food production, health and stability.
- In your project's current stage of development, how does it align with the ECOSYSTEMIC value of the Distributed Design Platform?
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As mentioned in the previous abstracts, the processes behind this project work towards general improvement of soil health, waste management, societal connection with food, security and stability for food producers and rekindling of people’s passion for local produce. Design is a complex tool that holds a lot of power over what it can achieve. I believe that that material innovation behind Faba-Forma and affordability to most people, can positively effect such ecosystems, help communities start their journey of reconnecting and improve both human and environmental health.
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