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