Sat 2 Aug 2025
«La Carte Locale» Einmalige KAMUNA Pop-up-Weinbar
Opening «La Carte Locale», a one-night-only wine bar hosted by the Living Library. Join for a glass of wine and an evening of mapping memories, personal stories, and knowledge of the local region around Karlsruhe.
August 2nd from 6pm until 10pm during the annual Karlsruher Museumsnacht KAMUNA.
Lorenzstraße 15 (HfG Karlsruhe)
Tram stop Arbeitsagentur / Lessingstraße
Past
Mon 2 Jun 2025 and Tue 3 Jun 2025
Material Alchemy: Crafting your samples with Prof. Filipa César and Atelier Schaft
© Atelier Schaft
Invasive, weedy, non-native, alien, exotic are all loaded names for plants that have somehow been introduced to a land in recent history. In this two-day workshop we will look at artistic positions that have been exploring the complexity of plants with a migratory background, tracing their paths that often challenging concepts and politics of territory, origin, belonging and history, and how they can also become tools of disobedience to notions of land ownership and private property. We will look at Cortaderia selloana, Fallopia japonica, Heracleum Mantegazzianum (Giant hogweed), Ricinus communis, Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) and the seeds in the balast of colonial trade cargo ships and their germinations.
Prof. Filipa César is an artist, filmmaker, educator and community organizer. She is interested in the fluid borders between cinema and its reception, the politics and poetics of the moving image and archival practices. Since 2011, César has been collectively researching the militant cinema practice of the African Liberation Movement in Guinea Bissau, through the production of workshops, archives, films, performances, publications and community gatherings.
Atelier Schaft is a design studio based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands focusing on projects that combine design, nature, and handcrafted bio-materials. Known for its innovative use of invasive plants such as the Giant hogweed, the studio crafts unique objects, facilitates material workshops, and embraces collective creation.
Day 1 (Mon 2 Jun, 10:00 ~ 17:00)
After an introductory journey, we will engage in a field trip through Karlsruhe, looking for these naughty species, their talent to spread and how they are framed and fought in our surrounding forests.
Colloquium (Tue 3 Jun, 09:00 ~ 10:00)
The colloquium is a public discussion format organized by the guests of the LL program and students to promote interdisciplinary exchange at the HfG Karlsruhe. Together we will highlight findings from our regional excursions and explore the fields of bioart/-design, new materialism, posthumanism and more-than-human narratives. Visitors are welcome both in person and online.
Day 2 (Tue 3 Jun, 10:00 ~ 17:00)
At the heart of the bio-material workshops is the process of crafting your own personalised materials. Like a cook in the kitchen, you'll be mixing, grinding, stirring, pressing, and drying raw ingredients to create your own solid material samples.
These attempts don’t need to be perfect or directly suitable for industrial use, but they offer a hands-on, playful way to understand how composite materials are made.
Mon 2 Jun 2025 and Tue 3 Jun 2025
Tradition and transition: Hempcrete and Rope with Freia Achenbach and Hannah Segerkrantz
© Kaisa Nele Hendla
This last field trip, colloquium, and workshop focus on hemp as a versatile, ecologically relevant material with great potential for sustainable building and design. Together we will explore two central areas: building with hempcrete and craft techniques with hemp ropes and plant fibres.
Freia Achenbach is an artist and designer creating objects and spaces that foster emotionally resonant and ecologically grounded relationships between people and their environment. Her practice is guided by a continuous process of researching, sensing, and experimenting with materials, crafts, and technologies - combining analytical thinking with intuitive making. This approach translates into outcomes across a variety of scales, ranging from material research, bespoke objects to public installations.
The notion of agency is always central in the work of Hannah Segerkrantz, and goes in parallel with the re-definition of what we address as our ‘surroundings’. With an interest for the intersection between architecture and radical ecologies, her approach to research is environmental, sensitive and contextual. Whether exploring the cultural background and gestures of architectural materials, or studying the relations between objects, people and local traditions, she offers tools and means for bridging our connection with the environments we inhabit.
9am - 10am, Living Library (ground floor). Watch the livestream at https://bbb.hfg-karlsruhe.de/b/jaa-7wj-rca-b9r
Day 1 (Mon 2 Jun, 10:00 ~ 17:00)
More information about the field trip following soon.
Colloquium (Tue 1 Jul, 09:00 ~ 10:00)
The colloquium is a public discussion format organized by the guests of the LL program and students to promote interdisciplinary exchange at the HfG Karlsruhe. Together we will highlight findings from our regional excursions and explore the fields of bioart/-design, new materialism, posthumanism and more-than-human narratives. Visitors are welcome both in person and online.
Day 2 (Tue 3 Jun, 10:00 ~ 17:00)
This workshop focuses on hemp as a versatile, ecologically relevant material with great potential for sustainable building and design. Together we will explore two central areas: building with hempcrete and craft techniques with hemp ropes and plant fibres.
We will begin with a brief introduction to the material history and application of Hempcrete - a mixture of hemp hurds, lime and water, which is becoming increasingly important as a diffusion-open, CO₂-binding building material both in the architectural context and in experimental design. In a joint demonstration, the participants learn about the production steps: from weighing and mixing to pouring into prepared moulds. Each group then works independently with the material.
In the second part, the focus will lay on processing hemp ropes and plant fibres into textile or building structures. After a short input on various techniques such as knotting, braiding and weaving, the participants will try out these methods independently (in small groups). The aim is to develop their own experimental joining technique and/or surface structure - whether as a functional joining element or as a free textile object. In addition to hemp ropes in various thicknesses, other materials such as hemp stalks, grasses or knotweed are also available and can be integrated into the work.
Mon 5 May 2025 and Tue 6 May 2025
Growth to Joinery: Rethinking wood as living material with Simon Gehring & Stefan Kudermann
© Simon Gehring
This workshop explores sustainable wood connections from multiple perspectives: not only as structural techniques, but also as a creative and material-driven practice. Embedded in an experimental and collaborative approach, we will investigate the inherent logic of wood as a living material, examine traditional and digital joinery methods, and challenge conventional construction principles.
Over two days, we will engage in hands-on exploration—testing friction-based joints, analyzing the microscopic structure of wood fibers, and questioning how material origins shape design decisions. Through making, reflecting, and working with the intrinsic properties of wood, we invite participants to rethink construction as a dialogue between material, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
This workshop is an invitation to slow down, observe material behavior, and embrace a more symbiotic relationship with wood—moving beyond extraction toward a future of intelligent, waste-free design.
Simon Gehring is an Industrial Designer, Researcher and Digital Artist, and Computational Designer. His work is characterised by the use of digital and generative tools and the exploration of innovative manufacturing processes and materials.
Stefan Kudermann is the Managing Director of Zentrum Holzbau Schwarzwald GmbH (ZHS). At the Black Forest company Holzbau Bruno Kaiser, he worked as a field sales representative, project developer, and marketing manager. He is also a member of the LEADER decision-making body and a member of the Freiburg Architecture Forum.
Day 1 (Mon 5 May, 08:00 ~ 17:30)
The field trip will take us to Bühl, a town on the edge of the Black Forest in the far south of our local region. We will visit a forest, a veneer factory, a carpentry shop, and a timber constructor. Please note that transport will take place with private cars, please contact Julia Ihls or Simon Gehring for any questions.
Colloquium (Tue 6 May, 09:00 ~ 10:00)
The colloquium is a public discussion format organized by the guests of the LL program and students to promote interdisciplinary exchange at the HfG Karlsruhe. Together we will highlight findings from our regional excursions and explore the fields of bioart/-design, new materialism, posthumanism and more-than-human narratives. Visitors are welcome both in person and online.
Day 2 (Tue 6 May, 10:00 ~ 17:00)
The workshop explores sustainable wood connections from multiple perspectives: not only as structural techniques, but also as a creative and material-driven practice. Embedded in an experimental and collaborative approach, we will investigate the inherent logic of wood as a living material, examine traditional and digital joinery methods, and challenge conventional construction principles.
Mon 3 Feb 2025 and Tue 4 Feb 2025
On remediation and interfacing: Mycelium with Nina Flaitz and Liene Kazaka
© Liene Kazaka
This workshop explores mycelium as both a natural living network and a material collaborator. We will investigate local fungi and their underground networks—examining their role as organic connectors for communication and for creating new materials.
Nina Flaitz is a graphic designer and material researcher based between Stuttgart and Lausanne. She earned her diploma in Visual Communication from the Stuttgart State Academy of Fine Arts in 2022. Nina Flaitz is the founder of Mycelium Resources, a research platform dedicated to exploring the potential of mycelium-based materials and their practical applications. The platform aims to promote innovation and facilitate collaboration among experts in mycelium research and development.
Liene Kazaka is a designer and researcher exploring material-based storytelling through sustainability across disciplines. She focuses on living systems to develop fabrication methods that reflect human-nature relationships. After working as a woven textile designer for the luxury market in Scotland, she pursued an MA in Material Futures at Central Saint Martins to investigate alternative materials and approaches. Her practice now centres on interdisciplinary experimental research, particularly involving fungi.
Day 1 (Mon 3 Feb, 10:00 ~ 16:00)
On our field trip, we visit a mushroom herbarium and go on a mushroom excursion in Rappenwört together with the makers.
Colloquium (Mon 3 Feb, 19:00 ~ 21:00)
The colloquium is an open discussion format hosted by the participating makers and students aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the HfG Karlsruhe. Together, we explore the realms of bio art and design, new materialism, post-humanism, more-than-human narratives, sustainability, and life cycles. Visitors are welcome to join both in-person and online.
Day 2 (Tue 4 Feb, 10:00 ~ 16:00)
Through hands-on exploration, we’ll learn how mycelium functions as a natural adhesive, binding organic matter, and reflect on its practical and creative applications. In material experimentation we will visualize mycelial networks though frameworks, exploring their interactions with other materials.
Mon 13 Jan 2025 and Tue 14 Jan 2025
On metabolisms and circulation: food waste with Verena Brom and Loana Flores
© Pablo Mehanna
During the field trip and workshop on food waste, in collaboration with guest lecturers Verena Brom and Loana Flores, we will be investigating local food waste streams and exploring their potential for creating new materials and plant-based pigments,printing and dying solutions.
Day 1 (Mon 13 Jan, 09:00 ~ 16:00)
During the field trip, we will visit a local vinegar producer and food distributor in Karlsruhe.
Colloquium (Mon 13 Jan, 19:00 ~ 21:00)
The colloquium is an open discussion format hosted by the participating makers and students aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the HfG Karlsruhe. Together, we explore the realms of bio art and design, new materialism, post-humanism, more-than-human narratives, sustainability, and life cycles. Visitors are welcome to join both in-person and online.
Day 2 (Tue 14 Jan, 09:00 ~ 16:00)
Verena and Loana will guide participants through the art of extracting pigments from food waste and plant matter. Students will discover how to create their own dyes & plant-based printing pastes, suitable for silk screen printing on paper, textiles, or bioplastics.
Mon 2 Dec 2024 and Tue 3 Dec 2024
Weaving Bioregional Wool Networks with Nina Havermans and Carolin Schelkle
© Carolin Schelkle
A field trip and workshop dedicated to understanding local wool production and eco-centric material exploration led by guests Nina Havermans and Carolin Schelkle.
Nina Havermans is a designer who graduated from Design Academy Eindhoven in 2012. She specialised in biomaterials for sustainable design, art and architectural applications.
Carolin Schelkle is a Designer and Material Researcher from Lake Constance, Germany, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Product- and Communication Design from the Free University of Bolzano, Italy and a Master of Product Design from écal (Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne), Switzerland.
Day 1 (Mon 2 Dec, 09:00 ~ 16:00)
On the first day we plan to visit a wool processing factory, specialising in wool felt, to learn about their processes, and hopefully acquire wool offcuts or waste. We also plan a visit to two wool farms nearby—a large-scale operation and a smaller family-run farm—to see firsthand how wool is handled, and to assess the availability of any byproducts or wool-waste.
Colloquium (Mon 2 Dec, 19:00 ~ 21:00)
The colloquium is an open discussion format hosted by the participating makers and students aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the HfG Karlsruhe. Together, we explore the realms of bio art and design, new materialism, post-humanism, more-than-human narratives, sustainability, and life cycles. Visitors are welcome to join both in-person and online.
Day 2 (Tue 3 Dec, 09:00 ~ 16:00)
During the workshop, we'll dive into techniques of dry and wet felting and experiment with biocomposite recipes, guided by Carolin Schelkle and Nina Havermans. Students will have the opportunity to explore these techniques and the combination of them, creating material samples. Expect a hands-on workshop, all about wool and ways of working with it.
Mon 4 Nov 2024 and Tue 5 Nov 2024
Composting as transforming, speculating, and writing with Markus Bier, Vik Bayer, and Michael Reindel
© Compost Collective
Join us for this first two-day Living Library workshop and colloquium hosted by guests Markus Bier, Michael Reindel and Vik Bayer. Together, we explore composting from different angles: not only as a technique for transforming organic matter, but also as an artistic method. Embedded in practices of speculation and writing together, we will make biochar, sharpen our microscopic gaze on organisms that are constantly moving around and within us, and build a compost heap to invite these microorganisms to enhance what we call waste.
Markus Bier likes the transformative power of fire. He is passionate about biomass, soil and the role of microorganisms in all digestion and transformation processes. Since 2012, Markus has been producing and utilising biochar from residual biomass in gardens, crops and food waste. After founding the German office of the international NGO Solidaridad Network in 2017, he is now responsible for coffee as Corporate Partnerships Manager.
Michael Reindel and Vik Bayer are members of Compost Collective (Vienna). Within his sculptural practice Michael Reindel interlaces local and global circumstances of places, in order to correlate them with infrastructural processes, which form our present. Vik Bayer is an artist and filmmaker who mainly works on and with agriculture as a form of care-taking that entails the possibility of radically changing our hegemonic extractivist reality.
Day 1 (Mon 4 Nov, 10:00 ~ 17:00)
On this first workshop day we will work both at the Living Library and in the field. We will start at the HfG in the morning and travel to the Freien Aktiven Schule in Neureut in the afternoon. Next to that, we will install microorganism traps at different places around the academy to study the milieus of different organisms.
Colloquium (Mon 4 Nov, 19:00 ~ 21:00)
The colloquium is an open discussion format hosted by the participating makers and students aimed at fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the HfG Karlsruhe. Together, we explore the realms of bio art and design, new materialism, post-humanism, more-than-human narratives, sustainability, and life cycles. Visitors are welcome to join both in-person and online.
Day 2 (Tue 5 Nov, 10:00 ~ 17:30)
The second workshop day will again be spent both in the academy and in the field. Using the knowledge we gathered on the first day, this second day is an invitation to reflect on temporalities, to practice relationality and to gradually unlearn anthropocentrism through more-than-human collaboration. We continue the workshop with a visit to the Urbane Gärten Karlsruhe in Daxlanden and finish back at the HfG around 17.30.
Tue 1 Jul 2025
Maps Café #3
© Bio Design Lab / Staatliche Hochschule für Gestaltung Karlsruhe
In this mini-workshop for HfG staff and students, we expand the large Living Library map to include your personal stories and local knowledge of Karlsruhe. Come join us for 5 minutes or sit down for a nice free eco-coffee, everything is welcome!
1pm - 2pm, Living Library (ground floor)