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by Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg (Author), Jane Calvert (Author), Pablo Schyfter (Author)
As synthetic biology transforms living matter into a medium for making, what is the role of design and its associated values?
Synthetic biology manipulates the stuff of life. For synthetic biologists, living matter is programmable material. In search of carbon-neutral fuels, sustainable manufacturing techniques, and innovative drugs, these researchers aim to redesign existing organisms and even construct completely novel biological entities. Some synthetic biologists see themselves as designers, inventing new products and applications. But if biology is viewed as a malleable, engineerable, designable medium, what is the role of design and how will its values apply?
In this book, synthetic biologists, artists, designers, and social scientists investigate synthetic biology and design. After chapters that introduce the science and set the terms of the discussion, the book follows six boundary-crossing collaborations between artists and designers and synthetic biologists from around the world, helping us understand what it might mean to 'design nature.' These collaborations have resulted in biological computers that calculate form; speculative packaging that builds its own contents; algae that feeds on circuit boards; and a sampling of human cheeses. They raise intriguing questions about the scientific process, the delegation of creativity, our relationship to designed matter, and, the importance of critical engagement. Should these projects be considered art, design, synthetic biology, or something else altogether?
Synthetic biology is driven by its potential; some of these projects are fictions, beyond the current capabilities of the technology. Yet even as fictions, they help illuminate, question, and even shape the future of the field.
Author Biography
Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg is a London-based artist, designer, and writer.
Jane Calvert is a social scientist based in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Pablo Schyfter is a social scientist based in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Alistair Elfick is Codirector of the SynthSys Centre at the University of Edinburgh. Drew Endy is a bioengineer at Stanford University and President of the BioBricks Foundation. Alistair Elfick is Codirector of the SynthSys Centre at the University of Edinburgh. Drew Endy is a bioengineer at Stanford University and President of the BioBricks Foundation. Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg is a London-based artist, designer, and writer. Drew Endy is a bioengineer at Stanford University and President of the BioBricks Foundation. Pablo Schyfter is a social scientist based in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg is a London-based artist, designer, and writer. Pablo Schyfter is a social scientist based in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Alistair Elfick is Codirector of the SynthSys Centre at the University of Edinburgh. Jane Calvert is a social scientist based in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Pablo Schyfter is a social scientist based in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Jane Calvert is a social scientist based in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg is a London-based artist, designer, and writer.
