Chloe Harper

Biography

Hello there! I'm Chloe, an earth-centric Australian designer currently studying and creating in Aotearoa, New Zealand—the land of the long white cloud. I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember, scribbling inventions in my sketchbook since age 6. Beyond my design work, I am drawn to the mountains, the sea, and all adventures in between. These experiences continually fuel my creative practice, deepening my understanding of the world around me.

My design practice is deeply rooted in biodesign, specifically through biomaterials exploration. This practice draws inspiration from the elegance and efficiency of nature, to provide solutions to modern, manmade problems. This practice honours God as the greatest designer of all, and my work is a humble reflection of this.

At the heart of my practice is sustainability, where my work in biomaterials facilitates the transformation of household & agricultural waste into innovative materials and products. Through this process, my practice holds space for metamorphosis - giving new life to what was once discarded. With a highly experimental, speculative and meditative design approach, I enjoy pushing the boundaries of innovation, operating in a perpetual daydream space where anything is possible. This lends itself to design that is playful, honest and open.

My intention as a designer is to evoke emotion and engage audiences on a deeper level, creating meaningful, tangible user-object interactions. I strive to encourage a symbiosis between humans and nature, fostering a reconnection to the self, to others, and to the land upon which we stand.

Project Description

Mycoform is a sustainable design project exploring the potential of mycelium, the root-like structure of mushrooms, to create an ergonomic, sculptural meditation seat. Inspired by the intersection of wellness and sustainability, Mycoform aims to reconnect humans to well-designed objects, themselves, and nature. This project arose from my passion for biodesign and the belief that design can foster a deeper connection with nature, encouraging mindful living. By utilising mycelium, a regenerative resource abundant in nature, Mycoform envisions a future where furniture is grown, not manufactured.

Traditional furniture production contributes to deforestation, plastic waste, and energy-intensive processes, resulting in significant environmental impacts. Mycoform addresses these issues by offering a regenerative, sustainable alternative that aligns with circular design principles. At the end of its lifecycle, the mycelium seat biodegrades naturally, returning nutrients to the soil.

Embracing mycelium as a living material for a living world, Mycoform embodies intentional design, where the chair is ergonomically crafted to nourish the body, promoting good posture for extended seating. By integrating biodesign, this project champions a regenerative future, encouraging consumers to embrace materials that support their well-being and the health of our planet.

Designed for a high-end market of eco-conscious consumers, design enthusiasts, and individuals who prioritise wellness, Mycoform exemplifies the potential of biomaterials in modern furniture. This project sets a new paradigm for sustainable design, where wellness, innovation, and environmental responsibility converge to promote responsible consumption and production, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.

Mycoform