Brooklyn-based designer Jessica Thies has invented a groundbreaking shoe that incorporates living algae into its structure. This innovative footwear concept is designed to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Thies’ research into engineered living materials led to the development of these shoes, which are made from hemp fabric and printed with bio-based ink containing micro-algae cells.
The inclusion of living algae transforms the shoes into active objects that function like living organisms, capable of photosynthesising to absorb carbon dioxide and potentially self-cleaning. The shoes are supported by a hydroponic system that provides nutrients and oxygen-producing cyanobacteria, ensuring that the algae can survive for up to four weeks without additional nutrients. The soles are currently made from polyurethane foam, but Thies hopes to use bio-based, biodegradable materials in the future.
Designed as part of her master’s thesis at Parsons School of Design, the speculative project aims to address ethical concerns about engineered living materials and overconsumption.
All images courtesy of JESSICA THIES
