Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash
About
The democratization of design technologies is revolutionizing how
we create, produce, and share solutions across the globe.
Distributed Design emerges from this transformation as a powerful
framework that connects people, technologies, and production in an
ecosystemic way. However, true democratization of design requires
us to fundamentally rethink our relationship with materials –
particularly how we source them and what we consider valuable.
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Alquiplus by Alexandre Cortinhas, Rúben Pinheiro & Beatriz Rocha
(winner of 2024 Open Call) - photo cc-by 4.0 André Rocha
The world of design is witnessing a profound shift toward
biomaterials and circular thinking, yet we still face the reality
of existing waste streams. Rather than viewing this as a defeat,
we want to come up with ways of turning waste into valuable,
freely available products/designs for community-driven innovation
and appropriation.
Our 2024 "Sun Powered Plastic Recycling Open Call" explored two distinct pathways: designing products for this technology and expanding the capabilities of the machine system itself. For 2025, we're taking a more focused approach that emphasizes the real-world impact of these solutions.
Our 2024 "Sun Powered Plastic Recycling Open Call" explored two distinct pathways: designing products for this technology and expanding the capabilities of the machine system itself. For 2025, we're taking a more focused approach that emphasizes the real-world impact of these solutions.
The Challenge
We invited proposals for sets of 3-5 products that demonstrated
the potential impact of Sun Factory technology in specific
contexts (community, non-profit, or educational settings).
These product collections were required to:
• Clearly illustrate the opportunities and value created within their intended context
• Extend beyond Sun Factory's inherent alignment with Distributed Design values
• Demonstrate creative approaches to contextual implementation
• Address real community needs and challenges
• Clearly illustrate the opportunities and value created within their intended context
• Extend beyond Sun Factory's inherent alignment with Distributed Design values
• Demonstrate creative approaches to contextual implementation
• Address real community needs and challenges
Sun Factory Workshop - cc-by 4.0 André Rocha
Frosti Gíslason
Fablab Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
Industrial engineer and founder of
Fab Lab Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland's first Fab Lab (2008). Through technology-driven
community development, Frosti has expanded access to digital
fabrication for students, entrepreneurs, and artists, focusing
on sustainable solutions for fishing communities. He chairs
the Nordic Fab Lab Network and is active in the international
Fab Lab community.
Massimo Bianchini
Polifactory, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
PhD in Design, Associate Professor at the Department of
Design, teaches Integrated Product Design at the School of
Design of the Politecnico di Milano. He is a Lab manager at
Polifactory, the university makerspace that explores the
relationship between design and changing production models.
His research focuses on the intersection of design, open and
distributed production, user-driven and circular innovation.
Marco Bernardo
Sun Factory, Antenna Foundation, Switzerland
As the lead developer of Sun Factory at Antenna Foundation,
Marco brings expertise in low-tech, sustainable solutions for
global challenges. His work focuses on developing and
implementing solar-powered technologies that can be locally
produced and maintained, emphasizing knowledge sharing and
community empowerment.
André Rocha
Fablab Benfica, Politécnico de Lisboa
Co-founder and Director of
Fablab Benfica, Professor and researcher at Politécnico de Lisboa, André's
work focuses on the intersection of digital fabrication,
education, and sustainability. His research and practice
explore how distributed design can address local challenges
while building global connections through open knowledge
sharing and collaborative development.
Distributed Solutions for Local Challenges
The Sun Factory Open Call 2025 demonstrates how distributed
design can create sustainable solutions for specific community
challenges. Seven projects were selected for their innovative
approach to local needs and their commitment to open,
collaborative development.
Each project provides comprehensive documentation, enabling
communities worldwide to adapt and implement these solutions.
From fishing communities to nursing homes, from schools to
coffee shops, these projects showcase the versatility of Sun
Factory technology in addressing diverse community needs.
These proposals are starting points for continuous evolution through community collaboration. We invite everyone to explore their documentation and contribute to their development.
→
These proposals are starting points for continuous evolution through community collaboration. We invite everyone to explore their documentation and contribute to their development.
→
Winner: Fishing Solutions
By Rita Conceição, Rafaela Castro, Juan Felizardo, and Rafael
Gonçalves
The "Fishing Solutions" proposal stands out as the winner
through its exceptional integration of environmental
sustainability, local economic development, and cultural
preservation. The project transforms marine plastic waste into
tools that serve both artisanal fishing needs and everyday
domestic use - from sewing to storage - expanding their impact
potential.
Documentation →
Documentation →
EFREE
By Nádia Santos, Ana Rodrigues, and Susana Reis
This project focuses on nursing homes, developing ergonomic
and accessible products to promote autonomy and well-being. It
stands out for creating essential tools like ECane, EBag, and
EButton, combining functionality with sustainability.
Documentation →
Documentation →
EcoPatas
By Eliana Lima, Maria Monteiro, Rita Salvador, and Daniela
Parreiras
An innovative solution for kennels and animal protection
associations. The project converts plastic waste into
essential products for animal care, including brushes,
holders, and functional toys.
Documentation →
Documentation →
Camp and Go
By Ana Pinheiro, Juliana Amaro, Filipa Borges, and Jessica
Leonardo
This project develops essential camping equipment from plastic
waste collected in recreational areas. It integrates
innovative solutions like rope fasteners, stakes, and portable
containers, contributing to more sustainable outdoor
activities.
Documentation →
Documentation →
School Tools
By Henrique Lino, João Pedro Silva and Rodrigo Torrão
This project develops inclusive tools for educational
contexts, including an ergonomic color palette, material
adapter, and inclusive ruler. The proposal stands out for its
approach to accessibility and sustainability in the school
environment.
Documentation →
Documentation →
4Bean
By Beatriz Jerónimo, Diana Domingos, Mafalda Ribeiro, and Rita
Roncon
A creative solution for coffee shops transforming waste into
practical utensils. The project includes innovations like
Pocket Tray, ClipIt, Docker, and MushPod, promoting
sustainability in coffee culture contexts.
Documentation →
Documentation →
Beach Essentials
By Claudia Silva, Iris Guedes, and Sara Ferreira
A proposal developing practical products to enhance the beach
experience while promoting sustainability. The project
includes a bottle opener, comb, and earphone holder, all
designed with consideration for the marine environment.
Documentation →
Documentation →
These projects were selected for their ability to integrate
Sun Factory technology in specific contexts, creating
solutions that address real community needs.
All demonstrate a strong commitment to Distributed Design
principles and show significant potential for positive impact
in their areas of application.
←
Fablab Benfica
Fablab Benfica is a digital fabrication laboratory at ESELx-IPL
focused on education. We explore the intersection of technology,
design, and sustainability through hands-on learning and community
engagement. Our lab serves as a hub for educators, designers, and
makers, fostering projects that combine digital fabrication with
environmental awareness. Learn more at
fablabbenfica.pt.
cc-by 4.0 André Rocha
credits: Distributed Design Platform
Distributed Design
The Distributed Design Platform promotes and supports creators,
makers, and designers who embrace open, sustainable, and
collaborative practices. By connecting a network of cultural
institutions, fab labs, and creative hubs across Europe, we
champion a new model of design and production that is local,
sustainable, and accessible. With 18 members in 15 countries, our
platform facilitates knowledge sharing, collaborative projects,
and the distribution of designs that can be locally produced
anywhere in the world. Learn more at
distributeddesign.eu.
Sun Factory
Sun Factory, an Antenna Foundation initiative, empowers
communities with solar-powered low-tech solutions for essential
needs. From solar dryers to water pumps, it supports local
ecosystems and job creation. The project's open-source approach to
plastic recycling technology exemplifies sustainable,
community-driven innovation. Discover more on the
Sun Factory hub.
Antenna Foundation
Antenna Foundation develops innovative, low-tech solutions to
address essential needs like education, food, health, water, and
digital access. Working closely with local communities, it focuses
on open science, low-tech, and commons-based approaches. Learn
more at
antenna.ch.
Sun Factory Workshop - cc-by 4.0 André Rocha
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