On Spring 2024, DumoLab run a series of hands-on living materials and biomaterial architectures workshops in West Philadelphia focusing on outreach on ecological literacy. We partnered with an afterschool program for PhilaSD K-4 & with a preK classroom at SMNS (Saint Mary's Nursery School).
Rethinking design and manufacturing for a regenerative future necessitates a radical change in societal demeanor. By recognizing architecture’s power to influence behavior, this early eco-literacy project grows biodesigners today as stewards of eco-attuned futures tomorrow. Architects, biologists, behavior analysts, and educators delve here into biodesign as an educational tool for children, by emphasizing bio-materiality as a driving factor influencing regenerative design decisions and eco-heroism. Our work weaves together 20's tactile theory, 50's approach of the environment as third teacher, 70's architectural hand-mind pedagogy, and 90's toc evaluation tools, as well as recent biodesign practices and biomaterials discovery at DumoLab @dumolab. This child-led approach to biodesign and bio-supportive behavior, fosters ecological literacy and combats eco-phobia by seeding mindsets and providing tools for change during children’s formative years.
- Research: Sharlene Yulita (Penn MArch Thesis'24), Dr Laia Mogas-Soldevila (PI). - Team: Christy Mauro (SMNS Director), Sara Karlen (SMNS lead preK Teacher), Jacob Ryan (SMNS lead Afterschool Teacher), Jo Sullivan (Penn Neuroscience'26), Dr Fernanda Gandara (Literacy Evaluation Consultant), Camilla Cantadori (UniMore/FRC Visiting PhD'25), Eric Sugar (Photography), - Support: Penn Global Engagement Fund GEF.
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