Critical Practice Studio provided us a unique learning experience through an exploration process unlike we had experienced in our collegiate careers. It was a studio of nine students led by a team fellowship mentor. The emphasis behind the course was an observation of biological organisms, their habitation, and most importantly their impact on our environment. We were instructed to create a hybrid creature using a combination of an existing animal and an existing plant.

 

The EVC frog is the combination of mobile moss found in rivers, and a frog-like amphibian. Its food source was both photosynthesis and bacterial pathogens found in our natural water sources. Prior to the design process we pondered what the most impactful geological issues to date. Our group selected the diminishing availability of clean water.

 

The EVC frog, in theory, floats on rural and urban bodies of water, and uses its moss filtration system to neutralize harmful pathogens. I believe the purpose of this very conceptual project was to reach a better understanding of the life cycle and nature. The major portion of the studio felt more like a biology course rather than one of design. Not   until the later portion of the class did we created the ideal habitat for the creature, a habitat in which it can thrive, according to our design specifications.

 

Not only did we create a client, we created its needs and lastly, its ideal environment. By doing such we quickly discovered that all species found in nature have a specific place, which contributes to a beautifully balanced world. As designers we must understand that our creations will have an impact on the environment, and nature has already solved its complex cycle. If we can start to design such as nature designs, the world can be a better place.