Olivier (Ollie) Cotsaftis is a post-disciplinary researcher-practitioner exploring pathways towards regenerative and more-than-human urban futures

At RMIT University School of Design, his work focuses on unlocking practical and scalable potentials for sustainable urban development, specifically in the areas of biomaterials and climate adaptation of the public place. Before joining RMIT, Ollie spent 10 years in Industry, engaging with start-ups, not-for-profits, governments and blue-chip companies. He was a design lead at Fjord Design and Innovation and the founder of future ensemble studio. Ollie is also an editorial board member for Research Directions: Biotechnology Design (Cambridge Press, UK).

2023 Designing Conditions for Coexistence (Design Studies, EU)

2022 Dr Olivier Cotsaftis on the Benefits of Biophilia (Canvas 8, UK)

2021 The Politics of Biodesign (Biodesigned, USA)

2020 Winner International Biodesign Challenge Outstanding Instructor Award (NYC, USA)

2018 Finalist NGV Victorian Design Challenge (Melbourne, AUS)

Olivier (Ollie) Cotsaftis is a post-disciplinary researcher-practitioner exploring pathways towards regenerative and more-than-human urban futures. At RMIT University School of Design, his work focuses on unlocking practical and scalable potentials for sustainable urban development, specifically in the areas of biomaterials and climate adaptation of the public place.

2023 Designing Conditions for Coexistence (Design Studies, EU)

2022 Dr Olivier Cotsaftis on the Benefits of Biophilia (Canvas 8, UK)

2021 The Politics of Biodesign (Biodesigned, USA)

2020 Winner International Biodesign Challenge Outstanding Instructor Award (NYC, USA)

2018 Finalist NGV Victorian Design Challenge (Melbourne, AUS)

Biomaterials & the Bioeconomy

After years of trials and tribulations, biomaterials recently catapulted into the mainstream to form the building blocks of a new bioeconomy — with for example, Adidas and Stella McCartney incorporating mycelium leather into fashion pieces and BMW debuting a concept car with natural latex tyres.

With growing investments, manufacturers are able to increase their production while lowering their costs, making the range of biomaterials on offer more affordable and diverse. This means thinking beyond timber, cotton and traditional organic materials to include everything from hempcrete and seaweed textiles to compostable bioplastics and waste-based bio-objects.

Regenerative & More-than-human Urban Futures

We currently find ourselves living in an era of profound transformation, necessitating rapid adjustments to adapt to the world we have negatively shaped through our collective actions. In this context, it is critical to guide the development of relevant and harmonious futures for all, humans and nonhumans included.

It must be said here that adopting regenerative and more-than-human approaches to design does not aim for idealistic ideologies detached from today’s realities. On the contrary, these approaches have the potential to advance climatic and environmental sustainability, but are also expected to improve human health outcomes, boost the productivity of agriculture and industrial processes, and future-proof our cities where more than half of the world’s population is currently living.

In essence, and alongside the deepening critique of anthropocentric design practices and the notion of sustainability itself, Ollie’s practice enquires about the materiality, politics and economics of sustainability in the 21st century — socio-ecological innovations in urban alternatives.

In essence, and alongside the deepening critique of anthropocentric design practices and the notion of sustainability itself, Ollie’s practice enquires about the materiality, politics and economics of sustainability in the 21st century — socio-ecological innovations in urban alternatives.