#15767 - Distributed Design Platform

Detailed Description

Sea glass is the first bio-sourced glass ever made. Obtained from glass-producing microalgae, it is a carbon-capturing process due to the highly efficient photosynthetic activity of the microalgae.

Project Details

In your project's current stage of development, how does it align with the OPENNESS value of the Distributed Design Platform?: The project embodies an open mentality by prioritizing transparency, replicability, and accessibility in every aspect of the design and implementation processes. The production method is designed to be replicable anywhere in the world, leveraging the fact that microalgae can grow in ponds that can be established in any location, including non-fertile lands.
The technology for extracting silica from the organic matter of diatoms will be fully open-source, allowing anyone to replicate the process. This ensures that communities, researchers, and industries globally can adopt and adapt the method to local conditions. Additionally, the glass-making process using diatom silica mirrors traditional glass production techniques, enabling any glass blower or glass factory to produce Sea glass using familiar methods.
By documenting and sharing my research, I ensure that the processes are transparent and accessible.
In essence, my commitment to openness is about more than just developing a new material; it’s about creating a global movement towards sustainable and eco-friendly industrial practices, accessible to all who wish to participate.

In your project's current stage of development, how does it align with the COLLABORATIVE value of the Distributed Design Platform?: The project thrives on collaboration by actively involving a diverse range of stakeholders in the design and production process of diatom silica. This includes engaging with cities or NGO’s interested in carbon capture, as well as wastewater treatment companies and municipalities, leveraging the diatoms' ability to treat wastewater. Additionally, collaboration with industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biofuel companies, and bioplastics manufacturers that utilize the organic matter of microalgae, doesn’t conflict with the use of diatom silica.
My approach envisions using a single infrastructure to provide multiple services and products, thereby reducing costs, saving energy, and minimizing emissions. This collaborative model transforms the microalgae pond into a communal resource, akin to a communal garden, where various stakeholders are actively involved in the cultivation of microalgae. This involvement allows for the collective benefits of purifying the air, cleaning water, and producing valuable resources.
By fostering a collaborative environment, I ensure that the project serves multiple purposes and engages a broad spectrum of participants. This inclusive and participatory approach not only enhances the efficiency and sustainability of the processes but also empowers communities to take an active role in addressing environmental challenges and benefiting from the shared resources.

In your project's current stage of development, how does it align with the REGENERATIVE value of the Distributed Design Platform?: The project is grounded in regenerative design principles, aiming to renew and restore the systems we interact with rather than merely replacing or devaluing them. By cultivating diatoms for material applications, a sustainable cycle that enhances environmental health is created.
The use of microalgae ponds not only captures significant amounts of CO2 but also treats wastewater, contributing to cleaner ecosystems and healthier communities. This dual functionality exemplifies my commitment to restoring natural systems and promoting ecological balance.
Diatom silica is biodegradable, soluble in water, and fully recyclable, ensuring that the material integrates harmoniously with natural processes and does not contribute to long-term pollution. Furthermore, my approach reduces the need for environmentally destructive sand extraction, preserving coastal ecosystems and reducing energy consumption. The organic matter from the microalgae is utilized in multiple industries, ensuring that nothing goes to waste and supporting circular economy principles.
Growing microalgae in ponds prevents the disruption of natural ecosystems, which can occur when harvesting specific species from their native environments. For instance, kelp harvesting can deprive marine species of essential food and shelter, leading to ecosystem imbalances.
My material does not rely on land-based crops, thereby eliminating the need for fertile land and avoiding practices such as monoculture farming that heavily depend on water and pesticides and significantly reduce biodiversity.
My vision extends to local communities, where microalgae ponds serve as communal assets, providing air purification, clean water, and valuable materials. This regenerative model supports local economies and fosters a deeper connection between people and their environment.
By prioritizing regeneration, the aim is to create a future where industrial processes contribute positively to the planet, enhancing the resilience and vitality of the systems we depend on.

In your project's current stage of development, how does it align with the ECOSYSTEMIC value of the Distributed Design Platform?: My project adopts an ecosystemic approach, recognizing the intricate interactions between cultural, natural, and social aspects, and designing solutions that enhance the health of both social and environmental systems. By integrating diatom cultivation into production processes, we could create a holistic model that addresses multiple dimensions of sustainability.
Microalgae ponds function as dynamic ecosystems, capturing CO2, treating wastewater, and producing silica. This not only improves environmental health but also supports cultural and social well-being. Communities benefit from cleaner air and water, while local economies are strengthened through the creation of green jobs and the provision of valuable resources.
Diatom ponds can be placed anywhere in the world, including vulnerable regions such as deserts or arid areas. This flexibility allows to boost local economies in these regions by providing sustainable livelihoods and enhancing environmental resilience.These ponds do not rely on fertile land, thereby avoiding competition with food crops and preventing the monocultures that destroy biodiversity and rely heavily on water and pesticides. This ensures that it doesn’t contribute to the already significant problem of food scarcity, unlike other biodegradable material innovations such as corn-based bioplastics.
The process actively engages with diverse stakeholders, including municipalities, industries, and local residents, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone contributes to and benefits from the project. This participatory approach ensures that our solutions are culturally relevant and socially inclusive.
By addressing the interdependencies between ecological health, economic resilience, and social equity, the project contributes to the creation of more resilient and sustainable communities. The ecosystemic approach underscores the importance of viewing and treating our project as part of a larger, interconnected system, ultimately promoting the well-being of both people and the planet.