EXO BI
TYPOLOGY
INTERDISCIPLINARY
CMF
ILLUSTRATIONS
WORK
ACADEMIC WORK
Location
Providence
Year
2024
CREDITS
Prof. Peter Yeadon, Prof. Jessica Brown
Info
Contemporary design continues to prioritize its fascination with flawless, glossy, synthetic materials that conceal traces of imperfection. This preference often overshadows the vitality and unpredictability found in natural materials. Consequently, we lose appreciation for the messy, ambiguous, and sticky qualities that are found in materials sourced from nature’s tumult. In contrast, when we observe nature, it reveals itself as a network of dynamic, interconnected ecosystems, constantly evolving through cycles of growth, regeneration, and decay.
DESCRIPTION
ExoBi embraces this complexity by introducing a personal care system that fosters and supports microbial activity. Rather than depending on heavily processed or sterilized products, ExoBi cultivates a harmonious relationship with living organisms. For instance, organisms like ear mites and skin mites (e.g., Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis), and bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus epidermidis and Lactobacillus crispatus) are harnessed to perform functions such as dissolving earwax, removing dead skin, and tightening the skin.
By embedding these microorganisms into innovative biohybrid materials and activating them with water, ExoBi fosters a deeper connection to nature. Its materials work in tandem with the human microbiome, creating a balanced and health-promoting environment. This approach challenges traditional notions of sterility and cleanliness in personal care, emphasizing that surfaces infused with life — no matter how raw or gritty — hold invaluable potential.
SKIN TIGHTENER
Friends: Staphylococcus epidermidis and Lactobacillus crispatus. How to use: Moisten the pieces to activate the bacteria.
DEAD SKIN EATER
Friends: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. How to use: Moisten the pieces to activate the bacterias. Can be used on feet, armpits, hands.
EAR WAX EATER:
Friends: Ear mites. How to use: Moisten the pieces to activate the mites. The liquid from the material loosens the hardened ear wax and then the mites feed on them.
EXTRAS
The CMF strategy draws from visual cues of decay and microbial life, using oozing textures, mottled surfaces, and organic irregularities to evoke active biological processes. A palette of muted flesh tones, translucent ambers, and damp greens reinforces the sense of living material in transformation. Glossy, semi-wet finishes contrast with porous, degraded textures to suggest both growth and breakdown. Together, these elements create an aesthetic that reframes discomfort into curiosity, highlighting the beauty and function of microbial activity.
