New European Bauhaus Prizes 2023

Initiative category

Identify the award category for which this initiative is being submitted
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking

Email user
metiproto@gmail.com

Basic information
Initiative title
"Endless"

Full initiative Title
This is a story about the leaves and barks.

Please provide a short, catchy description of your initiative to be used in communication towards the public.
My research on the use of natural processes in design began when I realized that the streets of my neighborhood are full of magnolia leaves in autumn. The question was “Wouldn't it be possible a new life for leaves and bark (waste of bio-resources) before they mix with nature?” So whilst I have decided to use different bio-waste such as magnolia leaves, pine and eucalyptus tree bark, pine tree needles, and more to create experimental materials.

What was the geographical scope of your intiative?
Cross-border/international

Where was your intiative implemented?
Location 1
Italy

Location 2
Other

Which other country?
Turkey

Member State(s), Western Balkans and other countries
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If relevant, insert names of region(s)/municipality(ies) involved
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Does your initiative address mainly urban or rural issues?
It addresses urban-rural linkages

Does your initiative refer to a physical transformation of the built environment or other types of transformations (hard or soft investments)?
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

Has your initiative benefited from EU programmes and/or funds?
No

Has your initiative won an EU prize with a monetary value awarded?
No

Does your initiative has a minimum level of maturity? The minimum level of maturity is exemplified by stakeholder/ initiative promoter commitment to implement the initiative in practice and a clear methodology /approach.
Yes

On whose behalf are you submitting the application?
As an individual
Please provide the contact details for the intiative promoter (the individual or representative of the organisation authorised to represent the intiative).
- First name: Meltem
  Last name: Eti Proto
  Gender: Female
  Nationality: Italy
  If relevant, please select your other nationality: Turkey
  Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: via marco besso, 62 int.8
  Town: Roma
  Postal code: 00191
  Country: Italy
  Direct Tel: +393338868848
  E-mail: metiproto@gmail.com
  Website: https://metiproto.wixsite.com/art-design/about-3
Social Media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
- URL: https://www.instagram.com/metiproto/
In case my initiative is selected as a finalist of the NEB Prizes 2023, I agree to share the name (individual and/or organisation’s), email address, website and social media accounts indicated above with other NEB Prizes finalists. I also agree to publish the name (individual and/or organisation’s), website and social media accounts indicated above next to the public description of my initiative in the channels of the European Commission.
Yes

How did you hear about the New European Bauhaus Prizes?
Social Media

Description of the initiative
Please provide a summary of your initiative
My research on using bio-waste in design began when I realized that the streets of my neighborhood are full of magnolia leaves in autumn. While they get dried on the asphalt floor nobody touches them. They change their color from bright green to arrive finally dark brown. Nature is a significant source for designers and researchers. So I have been focused on transforming bio-waste into bio-material.

The question was “Wouldn't it be possible a new life for leaves and bark (waste of bio-resources) before they mix with nature?” So whilst I have decided to use different bio-waste such as magnolia leaves, pine and eucalyptus tree bark, pine tree needles, and more to create experimental materials. After the realization of bio-materials, I did experimental studies also on design possibilities. Different forms emerged with the leaves and bark I collected in various cities ( in Rome, Bodrum, and Istanbul) and rural areas.

It is aimed to transfer the whole process of this project to young designers within the education program. At the same time, the realization of a series of design objects with local craftsmen is one of the desired goals of the project.

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with 5 key words.
bio-waste material

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
experimental bio-material

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
education on sustainability

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
unique creation

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
circular economy

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of sustainability and how these have been/will be met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
As a result of this process, the products created by recycling bio-waste materials are handmade objects. The material that exists in nature integrates with the design object without losing its original properties. The designs produced with leaves, bark, pine cones, and coffee beans have unique color and texture characteristics. All these forms realized with biomaterials can return to nature again. This study and its results aim to raise awareness about the use of biomaterials in design. In terms of sustainability, the transformation of bio-waste material, the inclusion of recycled natural material in the design production process, and the possibility of returning to the nature of the designed object meet the main objectives of the project.

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people (through design, positive emotions and cultural benefits) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
We see many researchers and designers working on biomaterials and processes. The inclusion of recycled natural material in the design production process has various benefits. First of all, using the existing natural material contributes to the increase of consciousness on sustainability. Another benefit is the increase in the user's contact with natural materials in products that can be used in daily life. The unique forms of the products, which are shaped by the texture, color combination, and design process coming from nature, are the continuation of the emotional relationship with nature through the objects that make up the physical environment of the user.
The users' approaches to the everyday forms developed in this study are positive and exciting. The production approach of the material used, the natural texture, unique form, and color alternatives of the objects have attracted the attention of users. They were curious about how the natural environment could be a source for a design object. Considering that the production of this type of biomaterial is economical and trouble-free, it is open to different design solutions.

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of inclusion (ranging from accessibility and affordability for all to inclusive governing systems, design for all principles or new societal models) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
The availability of bio-waste is seamless in any physical environment. In this sense, it is easier to reach different materials such as leaves and bark anywhere in the world, both in the city and in the rural areas, than all other materials. At the same time, it will always have different colors and textural properties in every physical-geographical environment, which adds an important value that differentiates and personalizes the products.
The stages of material collection, material-making process, and design object creation applied in this project are open to being repeated in all geographies. I believe that the introduction of the project with educational activities where natural materials, textures, and forms specific to different geographies will be tested can help both the development of the project and the artisanal production. This method is an exemplary study as it is economical in the realization of all processes, can be repeated in every geography, creates endless use of natural waste materials, is a method that opens a window to sustainability for young designers with training programs, and the opportunity to work with artisans can contribute to the local economy.

Please explain the way citizens benefiting from or affected by the initiative and civil society have been/will be involved in the initiative and what has been/will be the impact of this involvement on the initiative
I consider that the results of the project could contribute to the awareness of the user and society from a larger perspective about the use of bio-materials in daily objects.

The project, which will be handled within the education programs, will support the use of bio-waste materials in design products. Students benefiting from the initiative will participate in training programs and will be informed about bio-material production and its use in design.

At the same time, ensuring the production of artisanal and locally produced objects with bio-materials will contribute to the local economy and support sustainable production.

Please explain how different stakeholders at various levels (local, regional, national, European) were engaged in the design and implementation of the initiative.
Biomaterials (such as leaves and bark) collected in Italy have been first developed in an individual study. Experiments were carried out by producing various sample materials. Sample productions have been experienced on small-scale design products such as lamps, wearable objects, and different-sized bowls.
In the implementation of the initiative in order to increase the quality of production, support was received from artisans and artists in Turkey at the stages of material application and shaping.

Please explain which disciplines and/ or knowledge fields were reflected in the design and implementation of your initiative. Please explain how representatives of these different fields interacted with each other, and what the added value of this process was
Design, art disciplines, material knowledge, and material technology knowledge fields were used in the design and implementation of this study. In practice, support was received from an artist who is an expert on material technology and form shaping. This process contributed significantly to the recovery of the biomaterial, which is the main feature of the project, and to the creation of original forms. Since the variability of the density of the bio-material in the form-shaping stage has an important role in the efficiency of production, the communication of the representatives (designer, artist, craftsman) in both fields made a significant contribution.

Please highlight the innovative character of the initiative, when compared to mainstream actions in the field of the initiative
We see a lot of researchers and designers working on biomaterials and processes. We can talk about Neri Oxman's initial research into the use of natural processes in design, Mexican designer Fernando Laposse uses corn husk as a coating and Krill Design has created a material they use for 3d printing from orange peel. Orange Fiber was patented by an Italian company in 2014 and produced sustainable fabrics. All these examples have unique processes.
Each method has benefits and expands the use of bio-waste materials. As in all these examples, my initiative has an innovative character because the chosen bio-wastes are easily accessible in any environment. (rural or urban) Anyone could be a part of this process by collecting leaves, and various other bio-waste from the back streets of their homes, without the need to spend large sums of money, in any setting where it will be applied.
The bio-material to be used will continue to live with its color and texture in the design object produced. This approach will bring together the natural environment which is about to disappear with the user. At the same time, it is thought that the planned training programs and the planned production programs with local craftsmen will make a widespread contribution to the sustainability of the project for different participants.

Please describe which elements of your initiative could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries and contexts. This may involve, for example, aspects of the methodology, technology, processes, products, learnings, etc.
The initiative supports the production of handmade objects made using natural materials from both rural/urban contexts. The collection of bio-waste materials and the implementation of design objects produced by this initiative can be reproducible around the world.

It is possible for anyone who is interested in the subject to be involved in this process by providing information about the collection of natural materials and the shaping of biomaterials with molds, the implementation of all stages from the material to the design process, with different training programs. In this context, all elements of the initiative can be transferred to beneficiary groups who want to participate in the project.

Please describe the methodology or approach used in your initiative.
METHODOLOGY Design with the principle of recycling of bio-waste is the basic approach of the project. To achieve this, biowaste was collected and material experiments were carried out in different contexts.

The bio-waste passed through the mixer has different grains depending on the material used. The particulate biowaste is mixed with the adhesive to form a pulp that can be used in a variety of applications. My experiments showed that varying properties occur depending on the material structure, the grinding size of the material, and the character of the glue. It is possible to use bio-waste materials in many ways. Among the designs I have produced as a result of my experiences, there are small-scale objects such as tiles and wearable forms (small jewelry), and medium-sized objects such as containers, vases, and lamps. The use of natural color, the effects of different grain textures of biomaterials on the form, and the possibility of coloring biomaterials are among the experiments I have done. Hand shaping of the obtained bio-material would support the production of the craftsman.

Please explain what kind of global challenges the initiative addresses by providing local solutions
The initiative would raise awareness about the production of sustainable materials and their use in design, with workshops to be held with different institutions. This approach can offer solutions to global challenges in terms of sustainable materials, emphasizing the use of local materials and craftsman.

Please detail the scope of progress in the implementation of the initiative. This can include already demonstrated results/outputs related to the chosen Prizes category, and the already achieved benefits from the initiative for direct and indirect beneficiaries. This can also include a development plan of the initiative, with a particular attention to the steps envisaged in the year following the application, and including envisaged results and benefits from the initiative
The initiative’s scopes are training programs for young designers and local craftsmen. In this way, it aims to offer solutions to local production by raising awareness about the use of sustainable materials.

Development plan of the initiative:
1. More bio-waste materials will be experienced.
2. Different-sized design solutions with bio-materials will be developed.
3. The developed method will be shared with the students in workshops.
4. The local people and cfìraftsman will be involved in this initiative. Local workshops will be scheduled at different institutions in Italy and Turkey.

Please provide documents that demonstrate the maturity level of the initiative and commitment to implement the initiative in practice (e.g.: evaluation report, final or mid-term initiative report, certification, publications, building permit, grant agreement, letter of support, partnership agreement, etc.)
Both
PDF
- pdf-1-9389.pdf
Web link
- https://metiproto.wixsite.com/art-design/about-3
If relevant, please describe how your initiative contributes to developing new competences, especially in the context of the European competence framework on sustainability.
With this method, sustainability will be integrated into education and training.

With the educational programs to be held in Italy and Turkey, students and craftsman-local people will be provided about obtaining biomaterials and their use in design. The initiative could contribute to transforming local production into more sustainability and circularity.

In order to raise awareness about bio-materials and their use in design, it is aimed to share the outputs of this method through various methods such as academic writings, catalogs, short films, and exhibitions.
Please attach at least 6 high resolution images or visual representations of your initiative to your application.
If you would like to upload additional documentation, please upload or write below.
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By submitting your application you confirm that you are the copyright owner of the images provided and that they can be used by the European Commission for the purposes of promoting the New European Bauhaus on all platforms (websites, print, social media and other).
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that you are not in in one or more of the exclusion situations foreseen under Article 136 of the Financial Regulation.
Yes

By submitting this application, I declare that I am not related to the entities subject to EU restricted measures under Article 29 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and subject to Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU)1, and entities covered by Commission Guidelines No 2013/C 205/05), which are not eligible to participate in any capacity.
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that all the information provided in this form is factually correct, that you assume sole liability in the event of a claim relating to the activities carried out in the framework of the contest, that the proposed initiative has not been proposed for the New European Bauhaus Prizes in any other category or strand and that it has not been subject to any type of investigation, which could lead to a financial correction because of irregularities or fraud.
Yes

By submitting your application, you guarantee that you are the author or have the rights to proceed with the application and to authorise the use of the initiative and that you have obtained any necessary consents, licenses or assignments from third parties and included copyright notices when necessary
Yes

By submitting your application, you understand that all the applications that meet the eligibility requirements will be shared for the purposes of the selection processes, and notably published on the secured platform prizes.new-european-bauhaus.eu and for the purposes of the promotion of these on the New European Bauhaus website and/or other European Commission communication channels. In this sense, the applications would be widely available. Applicants should ensure that they present their initiatives, initiative, in such a way that they could be shared without giving rise to intellectual property related concerns. If your submission is selected as one of the finalists, it will additionally be shared for the purpose of the public vote that will take place. The European Union is granted a licence to use and share your application with the general public and the official external experts for the purposes of the selection process, including the voting. The European Union has the right to use the images and visual materials and the description provided in the application for communication purposes related to the contest and beyond. Rights granted comprise the right to store, reproduce, display, publish and communicate or distribute copies in electronic or digital format, including, but not only, through the internet. Unless you have disclosed your name, the European Commission has no obligation to share your name when using or disseminating your contribution to the public. The European Union cannot be held responsible in case any submitted initiative, initiative is found to infringe third party’s rights. The European Union shall be neither responsible for the use that third parties may do of the applications or related content.
Yes

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you read and understand that the ‘Guide to Applicants’ of the NEB Prizes 2023, available online in the website of the NEB Prizes 2023, is an integral part of this application form and that it must therefore be observed when completing and submitting your application.
Yes