The artificial carbon sink

Using products to fight climate change

Master thesis (2021)

Authors

R. Bessai Industrial Design Engineering

Contributors

R. Balkenende Circular Product Design - IDE (mentor)
E.J. Jepma Design Aesthetics - IDE (graduation committee member)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering
Copyright: © 2021 Riel Bessai
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Published Date

19-07-2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Abstract

This project considers the implications of carbon-negative materials in product design. It speculates on a future where decarbonization of different sectors of the economy increases the ubiquity of carbon-negative materials. Under these conditions, certain materials become a source of negative emissions, and their consumption benefits the planet from a climate perspective. Specifically, this project considers bio-polymers as being relevant to the industrial design field. With this future in mind, products must be reconsidered in a new light: besides acting to fulfil primary product functionality, products will also act as a storage mechanism for carbon. How does this change our approach to product design? These design drivers are explored through a research-through-design project that aims to optimize a furniture system-architecture in order to maximize carbon storage over an extended product lifespan.