Bio-ceramics: Shells as Biomaterials

Using by-products such as eggshells, oyster shells, seashells and mussel shells, participants will learn what biomaterials and biomaking are, discover real-world applications, and see examples ranging from furniture and building facades to artificial coral reefs supporting marine biodiversity.

In this hands-on session, participants will mix and form their own bio-ceramic material, pressing it into pre-prepared moulds to create small objects like coasters. By the end of the workshop, attendees will gain practical skills, a new perspective on waste, and an understanding of how everyday materials can be reimagined as regenerative, soil-returning objects.

In this session, participants will:

• Experiment with biomaterials: explore how biology and material science can inspire creative design.
• Transform shells into biocomposites: repurpose humble kitchen byproducts into strong, beautiful materials.
• Play with colour & texture: use natural dyes and surface finishes to personalise creations.
• Make and shape: fabricate moulds to cast biocomposites into unique objects like coasters.

We’ll balance theory with hands-on making - understanding the role of waste in material innovation while experimenting with tactile processes and creative design outcomes.

By the end, participants will take home:

• A one-of-a-kind object they made themselves
• Practical skills in biomaterial making
• Fresh ideas for circular design and waste-to-resource thinking

This workshop will take place in person at Central Saint Martins,and is open to all staff and students enrolled at University of the Arts London.

It is organised as part of Fault Lines, the UAL Earth Week programme for 2026, organised for staff and students by the UAL Climate Emergency Network.