Dinner! Time to tuck into a delicious side-dish of artichokes while sitting comfortably on a chair… made of artichokes?
University of Edinbugh grad Spyros Kizis engineered a new material made from artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus) — a naturally occurring, resilient crop in his native Greece — mixed together with a bio-resin composed mostly of waste oil from cooking. Together, they form a thick, spreadable eco-plastic that’s durable when dried and one-hundred-per cent biodegradable.
The familiar shell form is a staple of modern design, and the contrast of a smooth but organically flecked surface is a pretty nice touch. Although it’s just a prototype for now, Kizis believes that locally minded steps like these could help kickstart the country’s droopy economy, by shifting energies towards local resources and production.
Check out the vid for a quick look at how Kizis made the whole thing happen, start to finish. [The Method Case]
