“SO-Colored”, a joint project developed by Algal Bio and we+, to be unveiled at DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2024

TOKYO (November 25, 2024) - Algal Bio, which develops new products and

solutions derived from algae with a commitment to “Cultivating Algae's Potential for a Better Future”, will exhibit “SO-Colored”, an artwork generated through a collaboration with design studio we+, at DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2024, a design event showcasing new currents (TIDEs), which will be held at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall from November 27 to December 1, 2024. 

Photo by Masayuki Hayashi

About SO-Colored

Microalgae, found everywhere from water and rocky surfaces to roadsides and even inside homes, first emerged around 2.7 billion years ago. These microscopic organisms have played a vital role in shaping the Earth's environment by producing oxygen and fostering biodiversity. Recent research has revealed their vast potential in applications such as CO2 absorption, alternative energy sources to petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods.

SO-Colored is a research project that explores the unique colors of microalgae. While they are commonly associated with green, algae display a rich diversity of greens and, depending on their species and growth conditions, can also 

produce vibrant reds, yellows, and blues. These natural hues are vivid and 

profound, unlike any other in the natural world.

For this project, powdered microalgae are blended with naturally derived resins to develop an original material, which is then used to craft furniture. 

This innovative approach seeks to uncover new possibilities for natural, 

sustainable colors.

SO-Colored is a collaborative development project by we+ and Algal Bio, utilizing algae powder developed by Algal Bio as a key coloring material.

OVERVIEW OF DESIGNTIDE TOKYO

VENUE:     Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall

                 2-2-1, Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

PERIOD:     November 27th (Wed) - December 1st (Sun)

TIME:         November 27th (Wed) - 30th (Sat) 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

                  December 1st（Sun）11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

TICKETS:    1 DAY PASS: ¥2,000　（STUDENT ADMISSION: ¥1,000）

                 5 DAY PASS: ¥3,000 （STUDENT ADMISSION: ¥2,000）

                 ＊Student ID required for discounts. 

                 ＊Free for students up to junior high school

ORGANIZE: DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2024 COMMITTEE

HP: https://designtide.tokyo/en

About we+

we+ is a contemporary design studio founded in 2013 by Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando, that gives form to new perspectives and values using methods based on research and experimentation.

The studio explores the possibilities of alternative design that establishes a close coexistence with the natural and social environment around us, and incorporates a diversity of values that are often forgotten in today's society, where convenience and rationality are sought. Members with diverse backgrounds and skills: designers, engineers, researchers and writers, come together to present self-initiated projects that have emerged from their daily research, both in Japan and abroad. With the knowledge gained from these projects, we participate in a wide range of corporate and organizational projects, including R&D, installations as commissioned works, branding, product development, spatial design and graphic design.

FRAME Awards 2024 / Designer of the year, Dezeen Awards 2022 / Emerging Design Studio of the Year (Public Vote), Wallpaper* Design Awards 2022 / Best Elements of Surprise, EDIDA 2019 / Young Designer of the Year Nomine, KUKAN DESIGN AWARD (many times including Gold Award).

Our work is included in the permanent collection of Vitra Design Museum in Germany.

https://weplus.jp

About Algal Bio

Algal Bio is an R&D-oriented venture company with the mission of "contributing to the future of people and the planet through algae research and development." We are dedicated to unleashing the potential of algae.

We are building the most advanced algae bio-foundry platform in the world. Our platform is based on the results of more than 20 years of algae research at the University of Tokyo. This platform is the definitive solution for all your algae needs. It consists of a proprietary algae library that accumulates culture data on 1,260 strains of 100 species, as well as breeding and selection technologies for each algae, know-how for optimizing culture conditions, and a pilot plant for scale-up studies. Our library will provide you with the best possible microalgae for your needs in the shortest possible time. From the search for the most suitable microalgae for a specific need to its commercialization, we can help you realize your goals quickly and effectively.

By leveraging our algae bio-foundry platform, we collaborate with a diverse range of companies to bring new algae-derived products and solutions to market. These innovations address critical global challenges, including human health, sustainable food supply, and climate change. 

For more info:  https://algalbio.co.jp/en/