Natsai Audrey Chieza: A Biophilic Design Visionary
Note: This article is based on the original article "A Bold Step Towards Biophilic Living" from What Design Can Do. You can read the original article here.
This is Living Campaign, featuring the NPOL Original Exploring Jacket. Photo: Toby Coulson.
The fresh, earthy smell that fills the air after rain is a simple joy that never fails to evoke nostalgia. This unique aroma, released by Streptomyces Coelicolor—a soil-dwelling bacterium that paints the earth with a vivid blue pigment—sparked the imagination of Natsai Audrey Chieza. For her, it was not merely the smell of rain but the scent of untapped potential.
Inspired by this natural phenomenon, Natsai, a pioneer in the design realm, recognized the potential of color and nature’s ability to revolutionize fashion and textiles. This insight marked the beginning of her journey into biophilic design, a philosophy that champions life and living systems as a blueprint for shaping the spaces in which we live, work, and play. Under her leadership, Faber Futures emerged as a beacon of innovation, dedicated to integrating natural materials and processes into modern life.
Mbeu microbial dye R&D at the Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, 2022.
Biophilic design transcends aesthetic considerations. It is a transformative approach to creating environments that foster positive and sustained interactions between people and the natural world. This philosophy recognises humans as deeply social beings, whose security and productivity depend on positive interactions. By facilitating connections between individuals and their environment and enhancing a sense of belonging within communities, biophilic design not only reshapes spaces but also fortifies the community fabric.
The principles of biophilic design are evident in Natsai's latest project. In partnership with Christina Agapakis of Ginkgo Bioworks, she launched Normal Phenomena of Life (NPOL), a bold initiative at the nexus of biology and design. Their collaboration has produced innovative products from algae-derived inks to bacteria-grown fabrics and furniture sculpted from organic waste, each embodying a call to action for a future where biology and technology merge seamlessly.
Mbeu microbial dye R&D at the Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, 2022.
"The ethos of NPOL is clear: biology is integral to every product, standing at the core of innovation," the team consistently emphasizes. Their aim is to revolutionize creation, from the molecular level up, developing supply chains and economies that mirror nature's sustainable processes. Their debut collection, which includes microbial-dyed garments and limited-edition artist prints, brings this philosophy to life, with each piece reflecting the randomness and beauty of nature while consuming less water and producing no harmful toxins.
Today, July 5th, Natsai is set to impart her knowledge and experiences at the 12th edition of WDCD Live in Amsterdam. Her reflections on past collaborations with major entities like Adidas and the World Economic Forum, coupled with her advocacy for blending design, culture, and biotechnology into policy, aim to inspire a new generation of designers and thinkers.
This is Living Campaign, featuring the NPOL Original Exploring Jacket. Photo: Toby Coulson.
Info:
Natsai Audrey Chieza
Speaker at What Design Can Do
Photography: All images courtesy of Natsai Audrey Chieza and NPOL.
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