Designers in Residence Workshop at the Design Museum
Making Visible Urban Microbiomes
Join Designer in Residence Ioana Man for an insight into the microbial lifeforms found in community growing spaces, and discover the ways in which microorganisms impact life in the city.
Please note that this event will be rescheduled.
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What to expect
Decisions made about the design of our cities often have invisible consequences on the life of citizens and on the natural environment. Environmental DNA analysis shows that we are always surrounded by communities of microorganisms that influence our health and wellbeing.
In collaboration with Grow2Know and Dr Darren Chooneea, Ioana Man will host a live experiment using new metagenomic technologies to uncover the microorganisms that live in a garden in North Kensington. Participants will learn what this information means for our daily lives, and build on it to co-develop visions and demands for future architecture and urban planning in our cities.
This event will take place in Maxilla Green, Kensington, and is suitable for young people, families and adults.
The workshop can be accessed on a drop-in basis. Advance booking is required.
Air Garden Data
Russell Rd Labeled Data
Sampling process
Sample
Buy online
Booking information
Adult: £5
Members: £5
Limited capacity.
Please note that this event will be rescheduled.
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Facilitators
Dr Darren Chooneea
Dr Darren Chooneea completed a PhD in infectious diseases and microbiology at Public Health England and worked on diagnostics for Tuberculosis at Imperial College London. Currently based at the NHM within the Molecular Laboratories, he enjoys method development and pushing the limits of technology in order to get a better understanding of the environment we live in.
Ioana Man
Ioana is a designer and researcher working between architecture, strategic design and critical practice. Since graduating from the Architectural Association, she has been developing tools, experiences and multimedia narratives that highlight the importance of microbial biodiversity in the built environment and the necessity of distributing its benefits fairly.
Tayshan Hayden-Smith
Tayshan found therapy through horticulture as he revitalised spaces in his community, given the nickname the Grenfell Guerilla Gardener after the Grenfell Tower fire. His experiences prompted Tayshan to explore how we could change the perception of horticulture - using it as a tool to benefit communities rather than just a past-time. He has since set up non-profit Grow2Know to engage a younger audience through horticulture.
Showcase
Designers in Residence 2020
The Designers in Residence programme at the Design Museum is a core part of the museum's activity, supporting emerging designers, from any discipline, with time and space away from their regular environment to reflect, research and consider new ways of developing their practice.
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Background image by Ioana Man.