SBYD.SPACE explores new climate-neutral and resource-light ways of living and production. It transfers knowledge from sustainability research into society and the economy through design. The capability of design in making theories and abstract concepts tangible – and transferring them into everyday life – is used to explore, discuss, and test these theories and ideas in practice.
SBYD.SPACE engages with diverse audiences and collaborators through a range of formats, including workshops, international symposia, exhibitions, an artist / designer in residence program and support for entrepreneurial endeavours. It is located at Folkwang University of the Arts’ North Campus at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein, a former coal mine in Germany’s Ruhr region – a location that could not be more symbolic for the transformation of industries, ways of life, and entire regions.
On our foraging walk, we will explore edible wild plants, learn to identify their characteristics, and later experiment with their culinary possibilities.
The workshop offers an introduction to dyeing with plants. We will dye textiles using plant-based materials and visualise different plant components through chromatography.
From 15 September 2025 to 15 December 2025, SBYD.SPACE is offering two “Artist / Designer in Residence” scholarships on the themes of “Textile” and “Tech” for Indian artists or designers. The programme is supported by the Goethe-Institut Max Mueller Bhavan Bangalore and Museum Folkwang in Essen.
Information about the residency programme and the application process can be found in this PDF.