Neri Oxman

Neri Oxman is a trailblazer at the intersection of design, biology, computing, and materials engineering, known for coining the term "material ecology" to describe her unique approach. This concept merges computational design, digital fabrication, materials science, and synthetic biology, stretching across disciplines and scales, from microscopic to architectural levels. Her aim is to enhance the relationship between the built, natural, and biological environments by leveraging design principles inspired by nature, leading to the innovation of new design technologies 【49†source】.

Oxman's notable work includes projects that utilize both mechanical and biological processes, such as the Ocean Pavilion and Silk Pavilion, reflecting her broad interest in how organic and synthetic forms can be combined through technology. The Silk Pavilion, in particular, stands out as it was woven by 6,500 silkworms, showcasing her exploration into how natural processes can be integrated into design and manufacturing. This project, along with others like the Synthetic Apiary, emphasizes her focus on sustainability and bio-integration .

Her Mediated Matter research group at MIT has developed numerous methods and platforms for 3D printing, focusing on a wide array of materials from biocomposites to DNA assembly. These efforts aim to rethink how objects, from wearables to buildings, can be designed and produced, merging the boundaries between the digital and biological. One of her most ambitious projects, Aguahoja I, exemplifies this, using a composite of biodegradable materials like cellulose, chitosan, pectin, and calcium carbonate, printed in a way that mimics natural processes 【50†source】.

Oxman's work is recognized globally, with pieces featured in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), among others. Her innovative approach to design and technology has garnered numerous awards, underscoring her influence and contribution to both the design and scientific communities【49†source】.

Neri Oxman's projects and research open new pathways for how we think about the materials and methods we use to shape our environment, making her a pioneering figure in the realms of design and material science. Her work not only pushes the boundaries of imagination and possibility but also advocates for a more sustainable and interconnected approach to how we live and build.