June 25th 2024 - June 26th 2024
10:00am - 16:00pm
STEAMhouse
This short course combines biomaterial development with additive manufacturing processes to introduce participants to the basics of 3D printing with biomaterials.
Over 2 days in this immersive, practise-based workshop you will explore the fundamental principles of 3D printing with natural, organic, and waste materials. Through a supportive process, of creative testing and play, individuals will have the chance to learn and experiment with key 3D printing (additive manufacturing) processes and identify possible applications for this research within their own practice.
You will:
This course is designed for individuals who already have some experience with biomaterials. If you are unsure if this is you, feel free to contact us to talk things through.
Kaitlin Ferguson
Kaitlin Ferguson is an interdisciplinary artist, whose practice involves process led investigations into the changing state of the planet. Through research-based lines of enquiry, she seeks out ways to explore planetary shaping processes and the wider effects of climate change. Through exploration across a wide range of materials, alongside participatory projects with communities, she reveals new readings of the environment that seek to deconstruct and heal the deeply embedded divides between nature and culture which surround us.
Sarah King
Sarah King is an interdisciplinary design researcher and Sustainable Materials lead at STEAMhouse. Her primary role is to support members across the various routes in areas such as sustainable materials development, circular strategies, and regenerative product prototyping. She also runs the Materials Club and supports specific members in research projects related to advanced materials development.
Sarah is particularly interested in the use of design as a tool to embed sustainability and equality within societies and cultures. In her own practice, she focuses on the use of natural systems and abundant materials, utilising their unique properties to develop products that can actively aid health and wellbeing, with a view to replenishing local ecosystems at their end of life, striving to co-create a closed loop system with nature.
Places are limited and we expect the course to be oversubscribed. Therefore, we are looking for participants who have a clear sense of how they might apply the knowledge they will gain.
STEAMhouse Forward is fully-funded by the UK government through the UKSPF (UK Shared Prosperity Fund) supporting Birmingham & Solihull businesses to innovate, collaborate and grow. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local initiatives by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus. Application forms are now open to all Birmingham and Solihull businesses to innovation, collaborate and grow via this link
Birmingham City University’s (BCU) STEAMhouse also proudly offers funded memberships to local digital SMEs through the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme called Digital Direction. This collaboration aims to fuel growth and innovation within the region for digital industry by providing exclusive access to resources, events, and mentoring opportunities.
Successful applicants gain entry to STEAMhouse’s Digital Labs, equipped with cutting-edge technology and business and industry mentors to facilitate hands-on experimentation and skill development. Supported by Barclays Eagle Labs, the Digital Direction initiative fosters a collaborative environment, driving digital innovation and creating valuable opportunities for local entrepreneurs and graduates. Find out about applying for Digital Direction via this link