Julia Lohmann’s Kelp Sculptures Challenge Human-Centered Design Paradigms
The Kelp Council installation at London's Design Museum explores material origins and ecological responsibility.
1Kelp Council Exhibition Debut
At London’s Design Museum, German designer Julia Lohmann presents five towering kelp sculptures for the 2025 exhibition More than Human. The installation, titled Kelp Council, features translucent skins stretched over ribbed frameworks. It invites visitors to contemplate a gathering of marine organisms discussing their environment, challenging traditional human-centric perspectives on design.
2Evolution of Material Philosophy
Lohmann’s interest in material origins dates back to her 2004 Waltraud Cow-Bench, which used leather to mimic the form of a reclining cow. This early work highlighted the hidden relationship between production and animal sources. She later transitioned to marine algae, seeking to honor the living systems behind her chosen materials.
3Department of Seaweed Research
In 2013, during a residency at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Lohmann founded the Department of Seaweed. This collaborative initiative brought together scientists and specialists to explore the properties of kelp. The research focused on developing techniques that allow the material's natural characteristics to dictate the final geometry of her sculptural forms.
4Self-Shaping Material Mechanics
Her 2020 work, Kombu Ahtola, demonstrates a unique process where seaweed is stretched between rattan ribs. As the kelp dries, it naturally contracts, pulling the frame into a curved shape. This method introduces a degree of unpredictability, as the material itself determines the final structure rather than being forced into a rigid design.
5Scaling Up Architectural Experiments
The Hidaka Ohmu pavilion, also from 2020, scales these experiments to a six-meter architectural structure. Covered in translucent seaweed panels, the pavilion filters light into its interior, allowing visitors to experience the texture of marine algae. This project bridges the gap between small-scale sculptural research and immersive, human-scale spatial design environments.
6Ecological Impact of Demand
As designers increasingly adopt seaweed as an alternative to conventional materials, Lohmann raises critical questions regarding industrial demand. Kelp forests are vital ecosystems supporting diverse marine life. She warns that expanding harvesting must be balanced with the preservation of these habitats, ensuring that sustainable design does not inadvertently harm the natural world.
7Posthuman Utopias Design Context
This project is featured in designboom’s POSTHUMAN UTOPIAS chapter, which investigates a world where humans are no longer the sole measure of value. The series explores interspecies architecture and regenerative landscapes. Lohmann’s work serves as a physical manifestation of these concepts, connecting her early animal-based studies with current marine-focused ecological research.
8Future of Sustainable Materiality
Lohmann’s work suggests that the future of sustainable design depends on how we obtain materials as much as what we create. By centering the needs of other species, she advocates for a more ethical relationship with natural resources. Her sculptures remain a poignant reminder that design can work in harmony with nature.