A new exhibition at the AlUla Arts Festival showcases biodegradable 3D-printed pots that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. The collection, titled “Alwadiya: The Living Pots,” was created by TECHNOCrafts in collaboration with LAMÁQUINA and Micaela Clubourg, and is currently on display at Design Space AlUla until April 19th, 2025.
The pots are manufactured using a cellulose-based material containing PURE.TECH, a carbon dioxide-absorbing compound. Each piece features linen wrapping and biodegradable skins colored with natural dyes extracted from local fruits and herbs, reflecting the region’s natural resources.
The project is part of the Madrasat Addeera Editions program, housed in a converted historic girls school in AlJadidah’s old town. The program, curated by Samer Yamani, pairs local and international artisans to develop new applications of traditional materials and techniques. The exhibition includes other commissioned works such as room dividers and decorative items that combine digital fabrication with traditional crafting methods.
These 3D-printed vessels are designed to decompose over time, representing a departure from traditional preservation approaches. The pieces are intended to naturally erode and eventually return to the environment, similar to organic matter in nature. This design choice reflects the exhibition’s broader theme of exploring sustainability in contemporary craft production.
The Raw to Revival exhibition presents these works alongside other pieces that showcase AlUla’s craft heritage and natural environment. The exhibition emphasizes resource efficiency and examines the relationship between materials, location, and time, while featuring contributions from both regional and international designers.
Source: designboom.com