New Material from Arundo Donax

Experimentation and Innovation in Sustainable Design

Carlos Lozano, a renowned designer, has drawn inspiration from traditional artisans of the Occidental Mediterranean basin to create a groundbreaking new material. His project focuses on utilizing Arundo Donax, a plant species that was once commonly used but has since been forgotten. Lozano recognized the low environmental impact of this material and saw an opportunity to reinvent its manipulation.

The uniqueness of Lozano's design lies in his experimentation and development of a new material derived from Arundo Donax. This plant, known for its invasive nature, poses a threat to native ecosystems and their flora and fauna. By utilizing a material with limited productive uses, Lozano's project aims to reduce the population of this species and improve the surrounding ecosystems.

The realization of this design involved a methodical process that prioritized low environmental impact and supported local economies and artisans. Lozano meticulously transformed the cane in various ways, applying a test-error approach. With each result obtained, he further refined the material by applying multiple processes and incorporating the characteristics of different materials. The final samples were meticulously prepared for testing and evaluation.

The new material created from a mixture of Arundo Donax variants and bio resins boasts numerous strengths and unique properties. It is highly moldable, lightweight, and resistant once hardened. These characteristics open up endless possibilities for its application in both form and structure.

Lozano's design showcases the adaptability and versatility of the new material. Through his experimentation, he was able to produce a wide range of results from a single source element. While not all samples yielded positive outcomes, the combination of cane dust, shavings, and rice and corn bio resins proved to be the most successful. The resulting material is not only strong and malleable but also cost-effective to produce. Its potential for formal and structural applications is limitless.

The project, which took place in Barcelona from January to June 2016, required extensive research on Arundo Donax as a raw material. Lozano discovered its affordability and intriguing qualities, making it an ideal candidate for his sustainable design. The experimentation process involved a trial and error approach, with each step leading to new and exciting discoveries.

One of the main challenges faced by Lozano was transforming a raw material that was once commonly used but had fallen out of favor into a valuable resource for modern industrial production. Through his innovative approach, he has successfully overcome this challenge and created a material that has the potential to revolutionize the design industry.

Carlos Lozano's project has garnered recognition and acclaim, including the prestigious A' Design Award. His design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2017, which recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. This accolade highlights the integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.