Central Saint Martins x The Mills Fabrica Innovation Award 2024: Christopher Bellamy

@bio.crafted

Inspired by the symbiotic relationships of coral and in collaboration with Polynesian artisans, Chris has developed a contemporary living material encapsulating bioluminescent micro-algae. A series of artefacts that combine traditional knowledges with the living material were co-created with the artisans who have a deep understanding of the reefs around their islands - a drum, a swimsuit, and a necklace.

“This ethereal material emits light in response to touch. The microorganisms are encapsulated in a way which allows them to live, sequester carbon and emit light for more than 6 months; needing only sunlight in return."

How did this opportunity allow your idea and project to develop?
Having access to the advanced equipment, but also the brilliant minds, inside the Francis Crick Institute meant I was much less restricted in what was technically possible for my project. I was no longer limited by the tools I had, but also, I discovered lots of new techniques and processes which I could experiment and explore with, which added new dimensions and possibilities to my project. It was a really interesting experience to be working on both ends of the technological spectrum. On the remote islands of French Polynesia where my project collaborators were based, I had to make use of the materials and microorganisms I could find around me. In contrast, at the Francis Crick Institute, I had every resource I could imagine – but I think both ways of working taught me a lot.

What specialist equipment did you use?
Bioprinters, electronic discharge machines, co-axial extruders, spin coasters, vacuum casters, rheometers, biomedical 3D printers and plasma coaters! That’s a lot of complicated words and some very complicated equipment, but with the help of the team in the Crick, it allowed us to transform this living material and explore what shapes and forms might be possible.

How was your experience of working with the Crick team within a dedicated science/technology setting?
Working with the Crick team, the Centre des Métiers des Arts in French Polynesia, and the Central Saint Martins technical workshops exposed me to three completely different ways of thinking and working. All passionate about innovation but approaching it in very different ways. The team at the Crick were precise needing thorough experimental plans. The workshops and Grow Lab at Central Saint Martins allowed more freeform and open experimentation. And the team at Centre des Métiers des Arts in French Polynesia were driven by curiosity, tradition and intuition.

What are your hopes and plans for your work going forward?
The work has showcased that it is possible to create living materials which work in real world environments – and that has enormous potential when working with other microorganisms. I have also learned a huge amount about the interface between science and traditional knowledge and how compatible they are. While they have very different approaches, they are very motivated to work together. I would love to continue to explore this interface further.