Biotech
Shihan Zhang
Symbiosis Carbon Future proposes an alternative future where human beings embrace new symbiotic lifestyles with algae and take responsibility for reversing global warming.
Citizens cultivate genetically altered algae using body heat (the desired temperature for algae to thrive) to capture CO2 from the air through photosynthesis, and they adopt new daily rituals based on algae’s habits.
Low-income workers take on side jobs as urban algae farmers, cultivating algae by wearing Skin Farming Jackets for extra income. In contrast, some citizens live this symbiosis lifestyle as a personal statement about carbon consciousness, and they harvest the organisms as their main daily nutrition.
Symbiosis carbon future inspires us to think beyond our current relationship with nature and critique the irresponsible mentality held today.
Key Team Members
About the organization
Shihan Zhang is an interdisciplinary designer whose passion lies in challenging cultural stereotypes and social preconceptions through building experiences of future-present intersections. Her works are expanding technologies’ possibilities and extrapolating world conditions to address Anthropocene challenges. Through a systematic and cultural lens, her works inspire conversation and empower her audience to reflect. She graduated from MFA Design at California College of the Arts, and currently an incubator member in Gray Area Foundation for the Arts, and curator for PRIMER Exhibitions.