The Alwadiya: The Living Pots collection, developed by TECHNOCrafts in collaboration with LAMÁQUINA and Micaela Clubourg, presents an innovative approach to material sustainability, merging biodegradable biomaterials with digital fabrication. Exhibited at Raw to Revival during the AlUla Arts Festival, these vessels draw inspiration from the region’s rich heritage and natural environment, offering a compelling exploration of how materials can be designed to interact with ecological cycles rather than disrupt them.
A Fusion of Craft and Technology
By bridging traditional craftsmanship with advanced 3D printing techniques, The Living Pots introduce a novel approach to sustainability. Unlike conventional ceramic or synthetic planters, these pieces are made from a natural cellulose-based material infused with PURE.TECH, a carbon-absorbing compound that reduces atmospheric CO₂ levels. Wrapped in linen and biodegradable skins naturally dyed with local fruits and herbs, the vessels integrate organic colour palettes and local material knowledge into their design, reinforcing a deep connection to AlUla’s cultural and environmental legacy.
Material Experimentation Rooted in Sustainability
The Alwadiya collection is part of Madrasat Addeera Editions, an initiative that pairs local and international designers to experiment with sustainable material applications. Rather than simply replicating heritage aesthetics, this project reinterprets craft through an ecological lens, encouraging a shift from static, long-lasting objects to materials designed to decompose and reintegrate into natural cycles. The layered, skin-like surfaces of the vessels evoke the erosion patterns of AlUla’s landscapes, mirroring the transformation of sedimentary rock formations over time.
The Role of Biodegradable and Carbon-Absorbing Materials in Design
For architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and product designers, The Living Pots serve as an important exploration of how material choices impact sustainability. The use of biodegradable materials, natural dyes, and carbon-absorbing compounds suggests new ways in which materials can not only exist in harmony with the environment but actively contribute to its regeneration.
A New Perspective on Preservation and Ephemerality
Historically, craftsmanship has been associated with durability, but The Living Pots challenge this idea by introducing impermanence as a sustainable strategy. Rather than creating objects that persist indefinitely, the project envisions materials that actively participate in natural cycles of decay and renewal. Much like decomposing leaves or eroding rock formations, these vessels will eventually disappear, leaving no environmental trace. This perspective aligns with emerging conversations in sustainable design, where materials are chosen not only for their aesthetic or functional properties but also for their ability to reintegrate into ecological systems.
Exhibition & Availability
The Alwadiya collection is currently on display at Raw to Revival, part of the AlUla Arts Festival, at Design Space AlUla in Saudi Arabia. Running until 19 April 2025, the exhibition explores the intersection of heritage, technology, and sustainability, showcasing works that respond to AlUla’s environmental conditions through a blend of digital fabrication and traditional techniques.
Source: LAMÁQUINA, Designboom
Photos: LAMÁQUINA