Joris Laarman's 'Symbio' at Friedman Benda merges design with ecology

Dutch designer Joris Laarman presents two experimental bodies of work at Friedman Benda in New York until 24 July 2026. The 'Symbio' benches are 3D-printed in recycled, carbon-capturing concrete with bio-active substrates that support moss and lichen growth, creating insect habitats and attracting birds. The 'Ply Loop' furniture series uses a biodegradable resin from Plantics, made from sugar beet waste, replacing toxic glues in engineered wood. Laarman's studio is located in a former munitions factory in Zaandam, Amsterdam. The 'Symbio' benches reference German eco-philosopher Glenn Albrecht's concept of the Symbiocene, a post-Anthropocene era of human-nature reciprocity. Laarman emphasizes aesthetics as crucial for consumer adoption of regenerative materials. The benches feature reaction-diffusion patterns first studied by Alan Turing, found in nature on fish, zebras, and plants. The 'Ply Loop' series involves laser-cut plywood strips assembled by hand with a thermoset resin that can be separated and reused. Both series resulted from years of research with scientists and material companies. A projection at the gallery shows how Symbio could be applied to building façades, a direction Laarman is exploring with carbon-capturing concrete firms Paebbl and Carstorcon. Laarman sees the gallery as a platform for research and experimentation, with these works as proofs of concept for larger future pieces.