Emerging Materialities is an experimental course focused on the exploration of underused natural materials —wood, resin, tree of heaven (ailanthus), and mycelium— and their transformative potential. By integrating material science, craft knowledge, regenerative design, and artistic research, the course promotes sustainability-oriented solutions grounded in an understanding of the active role matter plays within ecological networks.
→ From October 8, 2025 to January 21, 2026
→ Eina Bosc
→ Register for the full program (4 modules)
→ Register for 1 material (1 module)
If you are part of the EINA community, enjoy a 15% discount by entering the code MATERIALIDADES2025 at the time of registration.
→ Download the information ↧ (Spanish version)
The course is aimed at anyone interested in exploring the materials of the future from a critical, creative, and situated perspective. It is especially relevant for:
- Designers, artists, architects, and makers seeking to rethink their relationship with materials and open up new paths for experimentation.
- Students and professionals in art, design, architecture, sustainability, or material science who want to integrate an ecological, ethical, and transdisciplinary approach into their practice.
- Researchers and educators interested in experimental learning methodologies, postnatural thinking, or community-based participation.
- People committed to the ecosocial transition, eager to explore more responsible and collaborative ways of producing, inhabiting, and transforming the environment.
The course combines research, hands-on labs, prototyping, and spaces for collective reflection. The program is structured into thematic modules that address two main axes: the regenerative and transformative potential of waste materials, and the creation of hybrid assemblages through the integration of living organisms with inert structures. Each module includes:
- Introductory sessions in the Collserola Natural Park that combine technical knowledge of materials with critical tools to guide exploration.
- Experimental workshops where materials are manipulated and transformed in collaboration with invited specialists.
- Spaces for dialogue and collective exchange, where processes, learnings, and questions are shared.
Dead wood
Wednesdays, October 8 and 15 · 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Jordi Vayreda (CREAF) and Cris Noguer
Resin
Wednesdays, November 12 and 19 · 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Maria Dolors Grau Vilalta (UPC), Forest Baix, and Lara Campos
Mycelium
Wednesdays, December 10 and 17 · 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
TBC and Ona Orozco + Jessica Dias.
Tree of heaven
Wednesdays, January 14 and 21 · 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cesc Balanzó and Julia Steketee
Lara Campos, material researcher, designer, and multidisciplinary artist.
Ona Orozco, Product designer and independent researcher specialized in new materialities.
Jessica Dias, biodesigner and researcher, co-founder of @bio.babes and @s\_\_biotica.
Forest Baix, cooperative focused on resin extraction, sustainable forestry, and local wood transformation.
Cris Noguer, independent designer and researcher focused on innovation and transformation for ecologically sustainable futures.
Julia Steketee, designer, artist, and craftswoman researching local, bio-based, and waste-derived materials.
Full programme with 4 materials: €625
Programme with 1 material: €168
15% discount for the Eina community
Discounts
*You’ll get a 15% discount on upcoming courses as a benefit of being part of the Eina community.
*If you bring another person, both of you will receive a 10% discount on the course. Contact eina.obra@eina.cat
to get your personalized code.
Scholarships
Eina Obra has a talent program and offers a 100% scholarship covering the course fee for each program.
To apply, send us an email at eina.obra@eina.cat. You’ll need to include your portfolio/CV and a motivation letter.
Wednesdays, October 8 and 15 · 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Session 1 · Functional uses with minimal transformation
Exploration of direct applications and simple structures using dead wood, with a focus on sustainability and low environmental impact.
With Jordi Vayreda and Cris Noguer.
Session 2 · Biocomposites with sawdust, fibers and natural binders
Creation of moldable and durable materials from wood waste, plant fibers, and natural adhesives.
With Cris Noguer.
Wednesdays, November 12 and 19 · 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Session 1 · Biocomposites
Production of reusable sheets made from pine resin, waxes, and oils as biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics.
With Maria Dolors Grau Vilalta (UPC), Forest Baix, and Lara Campos.
Session 2 · Pressed sheets
Development of hard, compostable materials suitable for creative applications, using natural resin and sawdust.
With Lara Campos.
Wednesdays, December 10 and 17 · 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Session 1 · Structural mycelium
Exploring mycelium as a living construction material, attending to its growth cycles, care needs, and potential for solid, self-forming structures.
With TBC and Ona Orozco + Jessica Dias.
Session 2 · Soft or hybrid mycelium
Working with softer textures and combinations of mycelium with other materials for flexible and experimental applications.
With Ona Orozco + Jessica Dias.
Wednesdays, January 14 and 21 · 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Session 1 · Fiber extraction for threads, ropes or reinforcements
Exploration of tree of heaven as a textile resource, extracting its fibers and testing their applications in structural reinforcement and weaving.
With Cesc Balanzó and Julia Steketee.
Session 2 · Pressed sheets
Creation of moldable, compostable surfaces using harvested plant material and experimenting with manual pressing techniques.
With Julia Steketee.