BurgLabs - A participatory approach towards interdisciplinary biodesign research

Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle (BURG) integrates biodesign into its curriculum through the innovative BurgLabs, preparing students for the interdisciplinary demands of the field. Biodesign bridges biology, engineering, environmental science, design, and art, necessitating skills in cross-disciplinary collaboration. BURG addresses this through its BioLab, SustainLab, and XLab, each providing unique insights and methodologies related to biodesign through project-based learning and research. The BioLab emphasizes sustainable material development from renewable resources and the exploration of living materials for product creation. The SustainLab assesses biodesign projects for sustainability and regional relevance, whereas the XLab investigates biodesign's synergy with technologies like AI and robotics. This comprehensive, interdisciplinary framework is supported by a team of experts across various fields, ensuring students have the resources and guidance needed for their projects. BURG's program aims to develop designers capable of solving contemporary challenges by merging design innovation with biotechnological insights. The projects emerging from the BurgLabs highlight biodesign's potential to initiate new industrial and societal cycles, demonstrating the field's significance for future sustainable and innovative solutions. This integration of biodesign into education emphasizes its importance for regional development, sustainability, and the evolving role of designers in a technologically advancing world.