All over the world, research is currently being conducted into how we can replace common building materials such as concrete, as well as textiles, food and fuel, with less energy-intensive, CO2-neutral alternatives that offer comparable performance. Preferably based on natural, locally sourced materials such as plants, wool, algae and salts that do not have a devastating impact on nature. The growing threat of a climate crisis, depletion of resources and declining biodiversity are indeed forcing us to take action. The question is whether we can continue as we are or whether we need to think radically differently about the relationship between humans and nature. In an interview, Belgian product developer Jan Boelen sheds light on this question. He is the artistic director of the design and research laboratory Atelier Luma in Arles (France), which focuses on the regionally oriented production of materials and objects as a response to the ecological, social and economic challenges we face today.

Recently, a great deal of research has been conducted into low carbon concrete, including experiments with hydraulic binders that require less energy to produce than cement, as well as binders based on algae. It would indeed be revolutionary if this production could be scaled up, because algae are inexhaustible, renewable and ubiquitous. However, such research generally focuses on using technology to tackle ecological and economic problems, so that everything in the construction industry can continue as usual.