SBYD.SPACE explores 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. Design thus functions as a tool to make the knowledge gained from sustainability research visible and tangible, fostering discourse and aiming at social transformations towards climate neutrality and resource conservation.

SBYD.SPACE pursues an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach that involves different audiences and cooperation partners. Together with the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy (WI), the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (UMSICHT), and other partners, SBYD.SPACE develops prototypes, visualisations, and realisable designs for sustainable products, services, and practices. Formats such as workshops, international symposia, and exhibitions are aimed at a broad public. With an experimental approach to contemporary sustainability research and design methods, ideas and theories related to a more climate-neutral and resource-conserving way of life are translated into design projects by the SBYD team and collaborators, as well as the guests hosted through the SBYD artist / designer in residence programme. In addition, entrepreneurial endeavours are supported through start-up initiatives and cooperations with local businesses. 

SBYD.SPACE is part of the “Innovative University” funding line and is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Joint Science Conference (GWK).

UP NEXT

SBYD.SPACE is participating in the exhibition “FRUCHTBARE STRUKTUREN
Eine Laborausstellung für vernetztes Denken und Handeln”.

More info

The Space for Textiles is offering a workshop on textile techniques, providing foundational knowledge in tufting, weaving, knitting, and felting.

The Space for Biomaterials is hosting a Plant Dyes Workshop as part of the exhibition “ZUKÜNFTE Material und Design von Morgen” at the Grassi Museum in Leipzig.

OPEN CALL

Every year SBYD.SPACE offers several Artist / Designer in Residence scholarships. Follow us on Instagram to make sure you don’t miss the next call for applications!

TEAM

Sustainability by Design

Folkwang Universität der Künste
Campus Zeche Zollverein
Martin-Kremmer-Strasse 21
45327 Essen

Prof. Dr. Johanna Schmeer
Director SBYD, Director Bio Lab

Judith Schanz
Co-Director SBYD, Research Associate

Daniel Wilkens
Co-Director SBYD, Research Associate

Prof. Anke Bernotat
Director Craft Lab

Prof. Stefan Neudecker
Director Tech Lab

Judith Schlupkothen
Project Assistant

Shahriar Assadi
Research Associate

Tom Baffi
Research Associate

Rolf Brändle
Research Associate

Lucas Dieckmann
Research Associate

Steffen Hartwig
Research Associate

Katharina Herbrich
Research Associate

Lena Jean Jäger
Research Associate

Marius Land
Research Associate

Corinne Riepert
Research Associate

Lorena Droste
Research Assistant

Max Popp
Research Assistant

If you’d like to get to know us a little better or simply say ‘hello’, you can get in touch with us via e-mail at sbyd@folkwang-uni.de

SPACE