Designer Gisung Han designed a stool made of potato plastic with incorporated flower seeds, which will bloom when the stool biodegrades.

The project, called Blooming Decay Stool, was part of the Innovation Design Engineering course at the Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art. Han experimented with various types of bioplastic embedded with seeds, including plastic made from agar, rice, corn and clay. Potato plastic was eventually chosen for its strength, dryness, availability and ease of processing. Bioplastic made from potato starch sprouted seeds after three weeks.

To prevent mould growth and shrinkage, Han also added reinforcement materials. Various types were tested, like plant fibre, clay, bees wax and lime. Coconut fibres resulted in the least warping and the best strength. Its inherent moisture-absorbing properties helps prevent moulding. By adding loofah fibres, the material became more elastic, making it suitable for use as a cushion.

The stool is made using a flat panel mould technique. The result is a three-legged stool, so it can be used on uneven surfaces, with a petal motif on the seat. Its intended lifespan is short, for instance for use at festivals, where it can be left behind safely.

Photos: Gisung Han