Research

I explore the Unmaking of the traditional process of obtaining agar, a gel-forming substance derived from the red seaweed Gelidium corneum, which is abundant in Portuguese shores. And the Making of an agar based recipes — a biobased and biodegradable materials crafted in a kitchen-lab setting using conventional culinary tools and ingredients.

Events

Agar: From the Sea to the (DIY) Lab - 8th October 2024. Biolab Lisboa.

This workshop demonstrated a ‘DIY’ extraction process for obtaining agar, a gelling polysaccharide derived from the red alga Gelidium corneum, abundant on the Portuguese coast; We will demonstrate how we get agar flakes from the alga, using adapted household equipment (such as a vacuum cleaner and pressure cooker.) We made a recipe for biofoam based on agar, a versatile biomaterial, using only biodegradable and accessible ingredients. By exposing these processes, we are invited to reflect on the origin of materials and how to promote a deeper understanding of their possibilities, limitations, and life cycle.

Work

I hold an MA in Industrial Design from Central Saint Martins (UAL), where I focused on generating value from waste through a critical lens. With a background in packaging design, I'm fascinated by the paradox of packaging’s brief lifecycle versus its lasting environmental impact—a curiosity that led me to explore circularity and alternative materials.

At Loowatt, a London-based SME, I co-designed sanitary packaging for waterless toilets, aimed at resource recovery. I also supported bioplastics research projects with SWU and UCL in the UK. Additionally, I've consulted for Notpla, an award-winning packaging company that creates plastic-free, seaweed-derived packaging solutions.

FERNANDA COSTA

Designer and Researcher I explore the untapped potential of biomaterials otherwise regarded as waste in the intersection of design and technology and through critical lenses. design@fernandacosta.co.uk Instagram: @biomatterlab

FERNANDA COSTA

Designer and Researcher I explore the untapped potential of biomaterials otherwise regarded as waste in the intersection of design and technology and through critical lenses. design@fernandacosta.co.uk Instagram: @biomatterlab

Designer and Researcher

I explore the untapped potential of biomaterials otherwise regarded as waste in the intersection of design and technology and through critical lenses.

design@fernandacosta.co.uk

Instagram: @biomatterla b

Designer and Researcher

I explore the untapped potential of biomaterials otherwise regarded as waste in the intersection of design and technology and through critical lenses.

design@fernandacosta.co.uk

Instagram: @biomatterla b