In this series, we spotlight the creative minds shaping BBoBB. Who are they, what drives them, and how are they advancing biodesign with bio-based materials?
This edition features Nathan Vrebos, a product designer and maker based in Leuven, Belgium.
Who are you?
Hi, I’m Nathan Vrebos. I’m a product designer and maker based in Leuven, Belgium. I’m a hands-on designer who experiments with all kinds of materials and techniques. I do a lot of different things, such as working as a carpenter, designing and making “collectible” furniture and I’m also doing research on (biobased) materials and production techniques.
What is your role in the BBoBB project?
In the BBoBB project I’m working with hemp and flax shives in combination with citric acid. The first step is to produce a material that looks like a wood composite material like MDF or Fibreboard. After establishing a workable material I’ll research the material properties and use those to identify what makes the material unique. With this information I’ll design an object that highlights the unique properties of the material using suitable production methods.
I see my role as a designer within BBOBB more as a story teller rather than just making a product that’s ready to be sold. I want to show what’s possible, tell the story of the used resources and inspire other people to use biobased materials.
What have you done so far in the project?
I’ve spent quite some time researching possible binders and came across literature about the potential of using citric acid as a binder for wood composite materials. Since flax and hemp shives have already been used in the production of wood composite materials such as fiberboard, this seemed like an interesting starting point. Both flax shives an citric acid are produced in Belgium, making it a local and circular combination.
So far I’ have done some experiments based on the data I’ve found in literature. The results seems promising, but there is still a lot of experimenting to do.
Working with Bert’s biodesign methodology
I’m not really used to working with design methodologies, so it took me a little while to find a way to incorporate it into my workflow, but once I got the hang of it, its proven to be very helpful. The tool is actually very easy to use and it can be used in different ways. So it is really up to the user to find a way to incorporate it into their process. As for me, the tool helps with structuring my process and reminds me to not overlook anything.
Ho do you describe your vision on working with biobased materials?
During my training as a product designer I’ve always had an interest in materials and production methods. Everything we design and make has an impact on the environment and climate. Since I like to create and make objects, I started looking for ways to keep doing that in a responsible manner and I believe that working with biobased materials is part of the answer.
I believe it’s also a very interesting time to work with biobased materials as a designer. There’s still a lot to discover and as a creative you see possibilities that researchers don’t and vice versa. I like to experiment and with biobased materials I know my work contributes to a better future.
Any final thoughts or hopes for the BBoBB project?
As I mentioned before I want to show other designers, makers and the industry what’s possible, tell the story of the used resources and inspire other people to use biobased and local materials.
As you said, everything we design and create has an impact on the environment and climate. By working with biobased materials, BBoBB contribute in a responsible way to addressing these challenges. Good luck with your efforts not only as a designer but also as a storyteller inspiring others to follow this path.