Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design
Material Research Hub
Dwindling resources, changing needs, and sustainability concerns demand that we research and develop new materials. We follow a material-driven design approach to understand and redefine the dynamic between humanity and the materials that surround us to shape the future.
Shortcomings of existing materials, the need to meet the demands of evolving technologies and industries, sustainability, and changing functionality require us to create new materials. At the Material Hub, our goal is to combine traditional craftsmanship, emerging technologies, and expertise in material science.
As our work is rooted in circular design strategies, we approach materials holistically, acknowledging their dual, technical and experimental nature. Understanding tangible technologies, dynamic surfaces, biomaterials, electronic textiles, circular materials and their applications allow us to create solutions for today’s challenges.
SALT, a Michelin star restaurant based in Budapest, has asked us to create a mycelium composite platter to be used as a dessert serving plate. The realisation of a unique design, developed in consultation with the client, proved to be a challenging yet rewarding project where we could contribute to the future of a more circular gastronomy.
Biohaus project is raising awareness to the inescapable importance of biodesign and biomanufacturing on Earth from the innovation-generating perspective of Mars. In this half year we have created an inflatable bioreactor for algae cultivation.
The goal of the Small-scale Development Program is to create new purpose for deadstock materials and find innovative ways for their use. Participants of the development program go through the phases of research and potentially industrialization of their innovation.
The Conscious Textile Group is currently conducting a one-year long design-led research project on textile recycling. The aim of the project is to create high quality textile materials from reclaimed fibres that can be re-integrated into the textile industry, creating a closed-loop recycling system.
Mapping what possibilities are available to help reduce plastic pollution using mycelium.
The research and development of new augmented materials, specifically soft interfaces, to produce an intuitive, non-intrusive platform between digital environments and the physical world.
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Research Hubs
Over the past decades, the surge in data generation for, about and by individuals has made data narratives increasingly complex, and often challenging for non-experts to understand. Our research aims to demystify these data narratives, enabling people to understand, interpret, and use data more effectively. By doing so, we promote clearer, more inclusive, and transparent human-data interactions in daily life.
Amid the rapid development of human/computer interaction, we at the Immersion & Interaction Hub explore the speculative scenarios of immersive environments that allow us to have a fulfilling relationship to our natural environment and our own selves.
Climate change, social inequalities, urban mobility, and other pressing issues compel us to think together about ways design can support positive changes. Our hub’s participatory, practice-based design research contributes to creating a more sustainable economy and a resilient society for everyone.