At the 12th International Conference on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing (SDM2025) in Catania (Italy), the University of Ghent presented the Utopian Biodesigner Profile, developed within the BBoBB project and based on its insights.
Researchers from Universtiy of Ghent; Bert Vuylsteke, Jan Detand and Francesca Ostuzzi presented the Utopian Biodesigner Profile at the 12th International Conference on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing (SDM2025). This international conference brings together researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to explore the latest developments in sustainable design, manufacturing, and circular innovation. The presented paper will be published in the official conference proceedings and possibly also in a book.
The research introduces the idea of the Utopian Biodesigner, a new type of designer with the core skills and mindset needed to design with biobased materials. In academic terms, the profile provides a reference point for anyone who wants to become a (better) biodesigner, or who is involved in training future biodesigners.
Within the “Building Based on BioBased” (BBoBB) project, this profile is not only theoretical but also a practical tool. Designers from different North Sea regions take part in workshops and self-assessments before, during, and after their projects. This way, we can measure how their competencies evolve.
By conducting this large-scale experiment, the BBoBB project contributes valuable insights into how designers develop when working with biobased solutions in innovation projects. At the same time, it strengthens the biobased value chain, from raw material to product to building and helps shape the next generation of sustainable designers.