Stained Glass Bioplastics:

Repurposing Invasive Species and Food Waste


Stained Glass Bioplastics:

Repurposing Invasive Species and Food Waste

Kimberly Blacutt, Audrey Reiley, Jessica Wu, Tobi Aina

Carnegie Mellon School of Architecture

Course - Shaping the Built Environment 

Professor - Dana Cupkova


This project investigates repurposing invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed and spirulina algae, into ecologically conscious biomaterials for experimental architecture. These species pose ecological threats, and their removal offers environmental benefits. Initial experiments used spirulina-based bioplastic panels, resembling stained glass, and expanded to incorporate pigments from red cabbage and beet. Future iterations explore casting bioplastics into laser-cut knotweed sheets or transforming the plant into fibrous materials and cork-like bricks. By integrating ecological restoration with design, this research demonstrates aesthetic and functional possibilities, inspiring sustainable practices and fostering community engagement by redefining invasive species as valuable resources rather than waste.

GREEN SPIRULINA BASED BIOPLASTIC

10 g of green spirulina powder

5 g of glycerin

50 g of water

12 g of gelatin

4 g of sugar

KNOTWEED SHEETS

10 grams of knotweed

4 grams corn starch

4 ml vinegar 

4 ml glycerin

40 ml water

3 grams of gelatin

 the future of the built environment & AN interdisciplinary approach

Working with biomaterials, such as food waste or invasive species, can shift perspectives on waste as a resource. Developing recipes and testing applications for biomaterials can expand possibilities for sustainable design and encourage people to repurpose their own food waste or remove invasive species by revealing their potential value in construction materials, and other products.

Biotechnology encourages an interdisciplinary approach. Creating biomaterials involves applying principles of chemistry to define material properties. Shaping biomaterials incorporates methods from architecture and industrial design, alongside inspiration from historical technologies and traditional crafts.

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