spanish artisans repurpose macroalgae and seashells to weave bio-based baskets

Paula Camiña Eiras launches Co-Obradoiro Galego initiative

Co-Obradoiro Galego by Paula Camiña Eiras intertwines a dense forest, a thriving fishing community, and the skilful hands of local basket weavers in Spain to revive Galician heritage. The initiative adopts a grounded approach to design, initiating its journey by mapping out the pressing ecological challenges in Galicia, while linking issues of local deforestation and the adverse effects caused by biomass on the local economy through design. The result repurposes macroalgae and seashells to extract natural-based chemical derivatives. The result is a flexible bio-based yarn compatible with Galician basket weaving techniques.

all images by Rodri Porcelli 

repurposing harmful organic matter through design

In the northwest corner of Spain, Galicia is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean — the historical supply of seafood for Spanish communities. Yet, this abundance brings challenges, notably the surplus of seashell food waste and the overgrowth of algae in the Galician estuary, impacting 15 to 20% of shellfish and causing significant economic strains on local families. Simultaneously, the region’s forests grapple with climate change and overexploitation, leading to the adoption of fast-growing exotic species during reforestation, further depleting the traditional material source for local basket weavers — the endemic species.

In response, Co-Obradoiro Galego is a bio-design initiative that confronts these challenges through design. Addressing the adverse effects of biomass in the fishing community, designer Paula Camiña Eiras proposes repurposing macroalgae and seashells into a bio-based yarn. The initiative, adopting an approach rooted in locality, seeks to introduce innovative measures to mitigate the negative impact of organic matter on the local ecosystem, while also paying homage to the rich stories and traditions ingrained in Galician culture.

Co-Obradoiro Galego by Paula Camiña Eiras seeks to revive Galician heritage

the baskets are handwoven by local artisans

the project repurposes macroalgae and seashells to extract chemical derivatives, creating a bio-based yarn

project info:

name: Co-Obradoiro Galego
designer: Paula Camiña Eiras
photographer: Rodri Porcelli

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom