Agar Garden | Yi Hsuan Sung

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Agar Garden
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As a former fashion designer, I used to love the endless choices of materials that modern technology has brought to us. However, witnessing the process of mass production and the rush of fast fashion, I became aware of our urgent need to design in more environmentally friendly ways.
Agar, an ingredient commonly found in Asian cuisine, especially desserts, is a high-strength gel mainly extracted from two types of red seaweed. I first encountered it on the northeast coast of my homeland, Taiwan. Every year from late spring to early summer, residents swim around the bay and gather the red seaweed by hand and turn it into iced jelly as a cooling summer dessert—a gift from nature.
I examined the dehydrating process of agar and explored ways of utilizing it for flower making. The key to making agar flowers is the maker’s sensitivity to nature’s forces of air and water. Every single petal is uniquely bio-sculpted during this dehydration process, even though they are cast from the exact same mold.
Among all of its potential applications, I’ve found agar flowers particularly suited for designing lamps. The translucent flowers gently illuminate any space in which they’re placed. In this way, decorative beauty comes both in the form of the flowers themselves as well as through how they disperse light.
The collection has been showcased at various venues in New York, including the SOHO Design District, Mana Contemporary, and abc carpet & home. It has also been featured in publications such as the American Craft Council Magazine, among others.
My ultimate wish is for us to rethink how we make the artificial plants and faux flowers used in fashion accessories and frequently found in public spaces. My hope is that eventually we will reconsider the overuse of petroleum in favor of this type of flower-making system inspired by a natural material, agar.
How does your work address the 3 P’s (for Planet, for People, for Profit) for Sustainability?

For Planet: Using agar from red seaweed embraces an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to synthetic materials. This choice not only minimizes environmental waste but also highlights a cyclical, regenerative approach to design.
For People: My innovative designs emphasize reconnecting with nature, inspiring communities to engage with eco-friendly practices and rethink their consumption habits. It promotes a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and the natural world.
For Profit: As the demand for sustainable products grows, my eco-conscious approach positions my work as both artistically valuable and marketable, appealing to consumers seeking ethical alternatives.
Keywords

#Material #Flower #Biodegradable
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https://www.instagram.com/yihsuan_sung/
Special Prize Question 1: "Empowering nature to create a new loop”: How does your work strengthen or support nature’s ability to capture and convert waste into valuable resources? How does your work advance industry practices by introducing nature-positive alternatives?

My work strengthens nature’s ability to transform waste into valuable resources by using agar—a natural, biodegradable material derived from seaweed. Rather than relying on synthetic, polluting materials, I employ a resource that naturally decomposes and reintegrates into the environment without harmful waste. This creates a "new loop" where the material’s lifecycle is fully aligned with nature’s regenerative processes.
By integrating agar into textiles and lamps, I demonstrate a nature-positive alternative that advances industry practices. My work shows that functional and aesthetic products can be crafted sustainably, pushing industries to adopt more eco-friendly solutions. This approach not only reduces waste but also inspires innovation in material sourcing and production. My creations represent a shift toward a circular economy, where the materials we use return to the earth, supporting ongoing cycles of growth.
Through this, I contribute to broader sustainability efforts by offering a tangible example of how art, design, and nature can work together harmoniously to foster a greener future.
Special Prize Question 2: “Regenerating ecosystems”: In what inspiring ways does your work contribute to the restoration and stabilization of natural ecosystems?

My work contributes to the regeneration of ecosystems by diversifying material choices and offering nature-positive alternatives to conventional, harmful materials. By using agar, a biodegradable and renewable resource, I provide an eco-friendly option that promotes sustainability. This approach challenges industries to move away from synthetic, non-degradable, non-renewable materials and embrace more regenerative practices. By expanding the range of materials available for artistic and functional use, my work inspires others to rethink the resources they rely on, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable production and consumption systems that benefit the planet.
Special Prize Question 3: “Education and storytelling”: How does your work make complex bioeconomy concepts accessible and engaging?

My work makes complex bioeconomy concepts accessible and engaging by blending art and education. Through the use of agar, I create visually striking pieces that spark curiosity and dialogue about sustainability and biodegradable materials. Each piece serves as a tangible example of how nature can inspire innovative solutions to environmental challenges. By sharing the stories behind my materials and processes, I invite audiences to explore the interconnectedness of ecology, art, and design, fostering a deeper understanding of the bioeconomy in an inviting and relatable manner.