Paula Camiña Eiras
Reviving Galician Craft: Biodesign Meets Heritage
Co-Obradoiro Galego by Paula Camiña Eiras | Photography Rodri Porcelli
In the verdant landscapes of northwest Spain, where the wild Atlantic brushes against Galicia's rugged coastlines, Spanish designer and researcher Paula Camiña Eiras embarked on her inspiring journey. As an innovative designer and dedicated researcher, her profound passion for biodesign and commitment to utilizing local resources guided her explorations. She delved into the complex world of material science, skillfully merging environmental sustainability with the preservation of cultural heritage. This significant endeavor was part of her advanced studies at Saint Martin's School in London.
Galicia's history is deeply intertwined with the Atlantic Ocean, a crucial source of sustenance and employment for its residents. This relationship, while sustaining, presents ecological challenges. The region contends with the accumulation of over 600 tonnes of shellfish waste annually, a byproduct of increased seafood demand and modern fishing practices. This issue impacts the region's social and economic aspects and affects local traditional crafts, particularly the ancient art of basket weaving.
The art of basket weaving in Galicia, rich in history and emotion, now faces a pivotal moment. The introduction of non-native trees has led to a shortage of suitable materials, threatening this time-honored craft. Amidst the global pandemic, Paula seized the opportunity to reconnect with her roots. She immersed herself in Galicia's cultural and ecological landscape, focusing on marine pollution and its broader implications, aiming to apply biodesign principles to address the pressing environmental and cultural issues of her homeland.
Co-Obradoiro Galego by Paula Camiña Eiras | Photography Sabela Andrés
Paula Camiña Eiras's Co-Obradoiro Galego is a testament to the seamless integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary innovation. Under her guidance, the project aims to revitalise the art of Galician basketry, charting a path towards a future where design and environmental consciousness are intertwined. Paula's approach transcends mere craft preservation; it enriches Galicia's cultural fabric, ensuring a coexistence of sustainability and cultural richness. Her efforts are crafting a new narrative for Galicia, where tradition and progress exist in perfect harmony.
The Co-Obradoiro Galego project, born from Paula's collaboration with local basket makers Rubén Berto, Enrique Táboas, and Carlos González, introduces a groundbreaking approach to environmental challenges. Central to this initiative is the use of chitosan-based biomaterial, crafted from seafood exoskeletons - once considered waste. This inventive use of materials not only elevates the craft of basket weaving but also embodies a profound respect for ecological balance, demonstrating how innovation can be rooted in tradition.
The project's vision extends to fostering a symbiotic relationship between the basketry and seafood industries. By repurposing seafood shells, Co-Obradoiro Galego tackles the ecological concern of shell waste disposal, illustrating how thoughtful design can mitigate environmental impacts.
Co-Obradoiro Galego by Paula Camiña Eiras | Photography Sabela Andrés
Co-Obradoiro Galego stands as a pioneering example of a bio-circular waste economy, highlighting the role of biodesign in safeguarding local craftsmanship and traditions, while judiciously utilising local resources.
Paula Camiña Eiras remains optimistic about the future role of biodesign in traditional crafts. Co-Obradoiro Galego exemplifies how collaborative and innovative approaches can rejuvenate and redefine heritage practices, making them relevant and sustainable in the modern era.
Through the Co-Obradoiro Galego project, Paula Camiña Eiras and collaborators are crafting a legacy that marries the wisdom of the past with the innovations of the future, ensuring that Galicia's rich cultural tapestry continues to thrive for future generations.
Co-Obradoiro Galego by Paula Camiña Eiras | Photography Rodri Porcelli
Paula Camiña Eiras' project is featured in the 'Revolutions' exhibition, showcasing 16 projects from five cohorts of Masters in Biodesign at Central Saint Martins. Since 2019, the MA Biodesign programme has evolved, integrating biological systems, data, and interconnectedness into design processes to revalue, remediate, regenerate, and revolutionise.
The displayed work merges biological systems, their interconnectedness, adaptation, and circularity in diverse ways, seeking solutions to complex environmental and social challenges. Biodesign, an emerging field, is rapidly evolving, with each designer's creative process building upon the scientific knowledge and creative work of their predecessors.
Co-Obradoiro Galego by Paula Camiña Eiras | Photography Sabela Andrés