Base Diseño e Innovación. 2025, 8: Biodiseño e innovación inspirada en la naturaleza

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Diseño en regeneración. 25 años creando futuro y coevolucionando con la naturaleza / Design in Regeneration. 25 Years Creating the Future and Co-evolving with Nature
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Amenábar, Alejandra
Design is undergoing a crucial transformation. Historically, it has responded to social, technological, and environmental changes. Today, it faces a significant challenge: to move beyond sustainability towards regeneration. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the School of Design at UDD, we embraced the theme "Design in Regeneration: 25 Years Creating the Future." This theme encourages us to rethink design through a lens of positive impact. We are committed to transforming our environment and promoting co-evolution with natural and cultural systems
Biodiseño e innovación inspirada en la naturaleza / Biodesign and Innovation Inspired by Nature
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Bravo, Úrsula
This edition of Base Diseño e Innovación brings together the voices of experts who have positioned themselves at the intersection of science, technology, and design, seeking new ways of thinking, doing, and researching design. Through its pages, we reveal a complex and fertile fabric where designers, architects, artists, biologists, chemists, engineers, and thinkers collaborate, sharing the same conviction: that it is possible—and urgent—to learn from nature’s resilience to transform our production models and our lifestyles
Andrés Couve: “La interdisciplina es la respuesta obligatoria a los problemas complejos” / Andrés Couve: “Interdisciplinarity is the obligatory response to complex problems”
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Bravo, Úrsula
Andrés Couve is a prominent chilean scientist, recognised for his leadership in academia and government. He holds a degree in biological sciences from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and a phd in cellular and molecular biology from the mount sinai school of medicine in new york. he completed a postdoctoral specialisation in neuroscience at university college london (ucl). He was Chile's first Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation (2018-2022) during the second government of Sebastián Piñera. from that position, he promoted public policies to strengthen scientific research and its connection with society. Currently, he combines his work as a neuroscience researcher at the University of Chile with scientific and technological consultancies at national and international levels. with this vision in mind, he joined idemax, a regional consulting firm dedicated to adding value through innovation and scientific knowledge. the firm helps companies develop impactful businesses for the world. He recently published the book “la liebre y el compás” (Paidós, 2024), discussing the importance of science in society. We want to know his views on the value that chilean public policy assigns to science, innovation, and interdisciplinarity. We believe it is essential to understand better the most significant achievements and barriers to collaboration between the state, universities, and the productive sector, As well as the remaining challenges. He welcomes us through zoom at his home office. As a background, a bookcase full of books and a painting resting on the floor. The setting reflects this scientist who seeks to create links with creative disciplines. Through my window, i look out to a cold june morning
Cultivando un movimiento biomaterial. Perspectivas de la práctica biomaterial en Latinoamérica a partir de la experiencia del Laboratorio de Biomateriales de Valdivia (LABVA) / Nurturing a Biomaterial Movement. Perspectives on Biomaterial Practice in Latin America Based on the Experience of Laboratorio de Biomateriales de Valdivia (LABVA)
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Besoaín, María José; Weiss Münchmeyer, Alejandro
The laboratorio de biomateriales de Valdivia (biomaterials laboratory of valdivia) labva was born as a self-managed collective space dedicated to exploring the relationship between materials and the specific abundances of a bioregion. Inspired by experiences of autonomy and territorial sovereignty, labva was established in 2017 in a historic kitchen in the centre of Valdivia, Chile. It uses the region's diverse natural environment, characterised by cold forests, wetlands, and the Valdivian Coast. Throughout its seven years of experience in biomaterials development, labva has gained insights into how the biomaterials community is forming in latin america. some of the questions in this process are: what actions contribute to forming a biomaterial community from individual practices? is it possible to foster biomaterial practices relevant to the Latin American context? these questions accompany our collective learning journey. this paper reports on the milestones that, in the context and experience of labva, have contributed spontaneously and critically to shaping this movement. over time, people, summits, organisations, laboratories, cultural agents, and companies have left a particular mark in the configuration of a Latin American biomaterials assemblage.
Carolina Obregón: Trayectoria resiliente a través del biodiseño / Carolina Obregón: Resilience Trajectory Through Biodesign
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Buenaventura, Mary
Biodesign is gaining traction as a groundbreaking field that merges biology and design to create sustainable and innovative solutions. Carolina Obregón, a leading figure in biodesign, has been pivotal in integrating these concepts into fashion and academia. Her work showcases the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential for biodesign to scale within organizations. This article delves into carolina’s journey, the challenges of scaling biodesign, and her vision for the future
Cu-paper: investigación, diseño y ciencia para la transformación de recursos locales en innovación global / Cu-paper: Research, Design, and Science to Transform Local Resources into Global Innovation
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Amenábar, Alejandra; Contreras, Paulina; Silva, Nataly
The materials research team of the school of design at Universidad del Desarrollo (Diseño UDD) presents the cu paper project, an antimicrobial paper based on two key natural resources of the country: copper and cellulose. This research began in 2013 and involved several key components: laboratory proofs of concept, the generation of copper microparticles, and their application in industrial processes in collaboration with forestal y papelera Concepción s.a. (fpc). Additionally, the study has validated these microparticles’ antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effectiveness against sars-cov-2. It thus becomes a technology that limits fomite transmission, expanding the properties of paper and offering the possibility of being applied in areas where paper is the main component. It opens possible future applications in construction, health, packaging, filters, sensors, and fashion. in addition, the project was integrated into the academic training of design students through workshops to develop innovative applications of antimicrobial paper, including the exhibition at the salone satellite in Milan in 2023. This research led to the university's first national and international patent, demonstrating Chile and UDD's commitment to advancing material development.
Atarraya, atrapando talentos STEM desde la curiosidad y la creatividad / Atarraya, Grasping STEM Talents Through Curiosity and Creativity
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Danies, Giovanna
Inspired by studies showing that the integration of art increases participation in stem fields, particularly in contexts of the global south, the atarraya team has developed academic programmes, methodologies and tools based on design thinking that seek to stimulate curiosity and awaken vocations for stem disciplines. Among these tools, perhaps the ones that have achieved the most significant international dissemination are the book “biodesign for high schools”, published in 2020 and, more recently, the massive online course biodesign: answering complex challenges, offered since 2024 on the coursera platform. however, the methodology developed by atarraya is much more than that of the book and the online course. in this article, biologist and director of atarraya, Giovanna Danies, explains the motivations of scientists, designers and educators behind the success of “biodesign for high schools”.
Sistemas Materiales. Creciendo desde el asombro a la comunidad / Material Systems. Growing from Wonder to Community
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Jalkh, Heidi
In this article, Heidi Jalkh shares her experiences as the creator and manager of Sistemas Materiales. She emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary and community collaboration in conducting experimental work with biomaterials. Throughout her account, she underlines that connecting various disciplines enhances access to and enriches the development of more envi ronmentally friendly materials and practices. Additionally, the article encourages consideration of the transformative power of biomaterials and our relationship with ecosystems.
Materiom. Tecnología, naturaleza y comunidad para un futuro resiliente / Materiom. Technology, Nature, and Community for a Resilient Future
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Bolumburu Pérez, Pilar; Garmulewicz, Alysia
Materiom aims to foster a new economic model centred on regenerative materials. these materials, derived from abundant regional resources, are environmentally friendly, and their production processes are decentralised and distributed. This new model targets to design processes that avoid pollution and capture carbon, helping to mitigate climate change. This could be achieved through greater insertion of regenerative biomaterials in materials production, enriching local economies and communities, and fostering sustainable and resilient development
Arquitectura de avispas alfareras en Chile y su potencial para el biodiseño / Potter Wasp Architecture in Chile and its Potential for Biodesign
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Soffia, Alejandro
Biodesign is the set of collaborative areas that bring together biology and design. one of these is animal architecture, which presents a world of possible forms to study from an architectural point of view. in Chile, the nests of “potter” wasps, which build a set of cells with mud, are particularly noteworthy. today, it is possible to learn about their geometry, internal organisation, and material dosages through computed tomography. This article outlines possible transfers of forms and performances of these nests to develop a more benign architecture with the natural environment.
Todo suelo sueña con ser bosque. Bosko y sus bosques Miyawaki para la ciudad / Dreams of Being a Forest. Bosko and its Miyawaki Forests for the City
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Valdés, Magdalena
Chiloé's natural landscape reflects the earth's capacity for regeneration, but human impact has accelerated climate change and biodiversity loss. ecological restoration is now more urgent than ever. in this article, Magdalena Valdés, founder of bosko, explains how the miyawaki method enables the rapid creation of native forests. inspired by potential natural vegetation, this approach mimics natural processes to regenerate soils and foster resilient ecosystems. Its application in urban environments enhances quality of life and strengthens the connection with nature, promoting a vital balance between humans and their surroundings.
Recorriendo la geografía de Chile a través del diseño / Exploring Chile's Geography Through Design
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Garfias, Hernán
Chile, a country of geographical and natural contrasts, offers an inexhaustible source of design inspiration in its vast and diverse geography. From the arid deserts of the North to the Glaciers of the South, chilean designers have captured the essence of their land in each of their creations. The exhibition “nature and geography of Chile through design”, inaugurated in april 2024 at the design gallery of centro cultural la moneda, is a testimony to this prosperous relationship between territory and design.
Diseño y ciencia para la sostenibilidad. Desarrollo interdisciplinario hacia un centro de investigación en materiales / Design and Science for Sustainability. Interdisciplinary Development Towards a Materials Research Centre
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Contreras Correa, Paulina
This article details the school of design (udd design) at Universidad del Desarrollo's journey towards establishing the newly opened centre for interdisciplinary research and development in sustainable materials. this journey began in 2012 in response to the climate crisis and the urgent need for sustainable production models. it started with initial explorations during a final degree studio and included significant milestones, such as awarding a patent to produce antimicrobial paper. in 2022, a formal line of research in materials was established, which was designated as a priority for technological development at the institutional level. innovative solutions based on valorising organic waste and biofabrication have been developed through research projects, international collaborations, and training programs such as the integrated biodesign workshop. the article highlights the relevance of interdisciplinarity in developing materials with sustainable industrial applications, underscoring the impact of designers’ research and training in transforming the productive sector. Finally, the new research centre is presented as a milestone in integrating science and design, strengthening the link between academia, industry, and sustainability
Diseño de materiales para la transición. Prácticas y materialidades para el balance ecológico y la regeneración / Materials Design for Transition. Practices and Materialities for Ecological Balance and Regeneration
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Duarte Poblete, Sofía Soledad; Rognoli, Valentina
Materials design for transition (made/trans) is an interdisciplinary research group at the department of design of the politecnico di Milano. It was created in 2015 under diy-materials and is led by valentina rognoli. it focuses on materials design as a core area, positioning research and practice at the intersection of ecology, biodesign, regeneration, and sustainability. with a materials-driven and material-centered approach, made/trans researchers generate theoretical and practical proposals that contribute to a cultural change related to materialities and promote a more than human-centered design approach that includes ecosystems and all their participants. the team is composed of industrial and product designers, specialists in design and engineering, and in the fashion system. the lab is part of the international platform materials experience lab, founded by Elvin Karana and valentina Rognoli in 2014. In this article, the authors discuss their vision of materials design, concluding that this emerging discipline still needs to consolidate to achieve a more significant impact. Furthermore, it is essential to prioritise its transdisciplinary character and potential when recognised by its inherent connection to biodesign and nature's inspirations.
Materiales biobasados en Chile. De residuos a nuevos productos / Bio-based Materials in Chile. From By-products to New Products
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Wechsler, Andrea; Briones, Yesenia; Domínguez, Pablo; Benavides, Paola
Sustainability has become a global imperative, driving the quest for innovative solutions in different areas, such as waste management. in this context, bio-based materials emerge as a promising option by transforming by-products into inputs for new materials, preventing them from ending up in landfills with high social and environmental costs. Following this global trend, in Chile some initiatives have emerged to incorporate industrial and post-consumer by-products into new production chains. However, these initiatives are still scattered, so the question arises: what type of organisations are leading these initiatives, what technologies do they have, what level of development and market insertion are they achieving? this article aims to explore the current landscape of biobased materials in Chile. We specifically analysed initiatives that utilise by-products from aquaculture, poultry, fruit and vegetable processing, and forestry industries. these industries generate significant by-products during production. The results of this study indicate a diverse background comprising organisations of various types and complexities. these organisations are linked to universities, research and development units in the productive sector, and private manufacturers. each unit has access to infrastructure and equipment to perform from material explorations to design innovative products, adding value to the selected by-products.
Mapeo abierto de iniciativas de biomateriales en América Latina. Un enfoque sistémico / Open Mapping of Biomateria Initiatives in Latin America. A Systemic Approach
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Califa, Jimena
This study presents a comprehensive mapping of biomaterial initiatives across Latin America, conducted by the independent research collective sistemas materiales. The mapping process, which has thus far cataloged approximately 250 entries from 11 countries, aims to provide an analytical framework to document, contextualise, and enhance the visibility of biomaterial development in the region. Given the increasing relevance of sustainable materials in contemporary design, environmental science, and industrial applications, this research seeks to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and policy development. this paper discusses the rationale for the mapping initiative, the methodological approach, preliminary findings, and future directions for the project, offering critical insights into the dynamic interplay between biomaterial innovation and socio-environmental conditions in Latin America.
Christina Cogdell. Biodiseño: Innovación, interdisciplina y economía circular para un futuro sostenible / Biodesign: Innovation, interdiscipline and circular economy for a sustainable future
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Espinoza, Germán
I had the pleasure of meeting Christina through the partnership between the school of design at Universidad del Desarrollo (Diseño UDD) and the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). in october 2022, we were honoured to host her, during which she delivered lectures and engaged in activities that captivated the undergraduate and graduate community. we also delved into the accomplishments and advancements in the biodesign challenge, an international competition in which UDD Design actively participates. throughout these interactions, we shared and exchanged experiences, leading to insight ful discussions on crucial topics related to biodesign and sustainability.
Carmelo di Bartolo. Biónica y diseño avanzado / Carmelo di Bartolo. Bionics and advanced design
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Alarcón Castro, Jimena
“Bionics applied to design involves studying natural structures through analogue models. this approach has allowed us to experience cross-fertilisation moments, creating a new way of approaching projects and developing a common language that cuts across disciplines. This has resulted in a credible and sustainable approach to the project, akin to a real ‘school’ of thought.”- Carmelo di Bartolo
Manuel Quirós. Biomímesis la revolución del diseño inspirado en la naturaleza / Manuel Quirós. Biomimicry, the revolution of design inspired by nature
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Ruíz San Martín, Alejandra
Quirós is at the forefront of applying biomimetic principles, especially in critical regions such as the Amazon. Through planeta biomimético España, quirós works directly with indigenous communities in the heart of the Colombian Amazon, demonstrating how collaboration between science and local traditions can generate innovative and sustainable solutions. In this interview, he refers to the bio-age and advocates the adoption of regenerative economic models to improve the health and resilience of ecosystems and communities.
Mariana Amatullo. Desde el diseño a la innovación social / Mariana Amatullo. From Design to Social Innovation
(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Diseño, 2025) Sáenz, María Jesús

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