A Presentation and Exhibition of Biomaterial Research Rooted in Nigerian Ecology by Akir Hall
London-based biodesigner and material researcher Akir Hall spent eight weeks in residence at the G.A.S. Farm House in Ikiṣẹ as a recipient of the G.A.S. Fellowship Award 2026. During the residency, he developed a biomaterials library using agricultural by-products and food waste from the farm and surrounding communities, exploring how materials often regarded as waste can become valuable resources for functional design while reducing environmental impact.
As his residency concluded, Akir hosted Field Notes 001 on 25th June at G.A.S. Lagos, reflecting on his research into regenerative design, biomaterials, and the relationship between traditional craft practices and sustainable material innovation. Through a presentation, he traced the evolution of his practice, explaining how he cultivates materials using bacteria and fungi before transforming them into textiles and lighting through craft-based techniques. Rather than viewing biotechnology and heritage craftsmanship as separate disciplines, he demonstrated how they can work together to create more sustainable models of production. He argued that ancestral knowledge, particularly traditional dyeing, weaving, and making practices, should be understood as technologies that continue to offer solutions to contemporary ecological challenges.
Reflecting on his time in Nigeria, Akir shared how working within an agricultural environment deepened his understanding of locally available natural resources and expanded his research beyond the laboratory. He experimented with farm waste and natural dyes, including indigo and kola nut, examining how these materials could inform his ongoing work with bacterial cellulose. A key outcome of the residency was the continued development of his biomaterials library, a collection of experimental samples that serves as both a research archive and a foundation for future design projects. He also presented lighting and homeware prototypes that demonstrated how biodegradable, non-toxic materials can be incorporated into everyday life.
Following the presentation, attendees engaged with material samples and prototypes during an interactive demonstration before taking part in a lively Q&A. Discussions explored the durability of biomaterials, the future of regenerative design, accessibility within sustainable manufacturing, and opportunities for expanding biomaterial research across West Africa.
Event Details
Date: 25th June, 2026
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: 9b, Hakeem Dickson Drive, off T.F. Kuboye Road, Oniru, Lagos
About the Facilitator
Akir Hall
Akir Hall is a London-based biodesigner and material researcher working at the intersection of biofabrication and craft. He works with living systems, blending artisanal techniques with biotechnology to drive material innovation and develop regenerative products grown with bacteria and mycelium and regional agricultural waste. He exhibits internationally and shares his research through lectures and workshops at Lifefabs Institute. Through his podcast grow.objects he spotlights biodesigners and shares their stories of working with rather than against nature to drive a collective shift toward more responsible and regenerative material cultures.
Image of Akir Hall. Photo: ShotByWillz.