SDA 2022 Entries

• Temporary Structure - A Temporary Structure that is not intended to remain where it is erected for more than a short period of time. This award focuses on the increase of temporary and pop-up structures being more sophisticated and aesthetical in their design

This sea fan coral structure stands at 1.5m tall and is entirely made of grass root.

I am a self-taught, British photographer generally found working in underwater environments. My practice focusses on environmental issues that connect people to oceans, rivers and lakes. In 2018 I became interested in material science and the biological products and processes that are set to shape our world in the future. I recently pioneered a method of cultivating grass to grow in moulds - carved from beeswax. I’ve been using this process to create bio-art structures and wearables that highlight our need to move towards a more sustainable future, built with biology, not oil.

In the project Rootfull I proposes a collaboration with nature to grow structured material using the weaving and binding properties of root. The fashion industry produces 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions and creates a huge amount of pollution in the process of making textiles. By contrast this project imagines the alternatives and grows material from root. It takes the maker on a wonderful journey to design and grow individual root textiles without harming the planet.

Whilst roots nourish and sustain plants and trees on land, coral reefs do the same for the oceans. They provide an ecosystem that supports a quarter of all marine life. Therefore it seems appropriate to engage biomimicry to grow roots into coral patterns and textures. The aim is to champion ocean conservation and raise awareness about bleaching events that are predicted to wipe out coral over the next 30 years if we do nothing.

The process of growing root textile is surprisingly quick. The tiny wheatgrass seed contains all the nutrients the plant will need for the first 14 days of life so it can be grown with or without soil. Wheat seed is widely available worldwide and given the right temperature and the right amounts of water, it will flourish and grow roots up to 20cm in length in just 2 weeks. Water run-off is captured and reused so water consumption is kept to a minimum. There are no pollutants during the process and all the ingredients, as well as the end product, are 100% natural and compostable.

The roots of the wheatgrass plant can be grown vertically or horizontally and will follow the form of the templates they grow into. They can be forced into small spaces so they become flat and compact or encouraged to grow more deeply to create 3D shapes. When freshly harvested the roots are heavy and damp. After 24 hours they dry out to become featherweight and stiff enough to support their own weight.

The raw materials for the project cost no more than £10
The project was completed August 2021

The project is entirely made from grass root.
The only ingredients are grass seed, water and a little time – 12 days in fact.

The structure is 100% compostable and carbon negative.
The only ingredients are wheat seed and water.

It has taken a number of years to develop the growing process and to understand how the roots weave and connect to one another to form the material. Many different materials were tested before bees wax was finally realised as the best choice to make the templates.

The structure will be on show at the London Toast Shop for a number of weeks in Autumn 2021