Ori Orisun Merhav

In the near future, our interiors may be grown instead of built, with unconventional materials and techniques shaping our surroundings into circular ecosystems that intertwine the natural and industrial environments. ״What if tiny insects would be our architects?״ Asks Designer and Material Researcher, Ori Orisun Merhav.

Aspiring to forge a new bond with the natural world, Ori has spent the past three years exploring forgotten and under-used materials. Her research investigates the world of 'Kerria Lacca’ insects, a unique natural phenomenon where female scales transform tree sugars into a polymer. Her practice, Made by Insects, unveils innovative approaches to this polymer, from blowing it like glass to 3D printing. These novel techniques not only reveal intriguing new aesthetics but also revive the material’s relevance and utility. Ori's journey began in Thailand, where she immersed herself in the fields and engaged with the local community to study the insects in their natural habitat. It was there that she first encountered the concept of 'mutualism': "I was moved by the insects' ability to consume just enough to survive without disrupting the tree's ecosystem," she reflects. "The idea of two species coexisting without harming one another inspired me to further explore bio-inclusivity".

Since then, she has been working at the intersection of design, nature, and technology, collaborating with scientists and engineers to continually push the boundaries of this material. At her Brussels-based studio, these innovations are translated into collectible designs, installations, and artworks. These pieces bridge the gap between laboratory knowledge and everyday life, meticulously crafted to emulate the universe of the insects. They imitate the way insects construct their cocoons while integrating various materials, as if grown or sourced from the future Ori envisions.