When Design Meets Sustainability: Environmental Innovation Exhibition by Bezalel Academy Jerusalem

From seaweed turning into new raw materials, fashion made from waste, computer games encouraging a connection to nature, and creative solutions to the climate crisis—the collaboration between the Israel Society of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Jerusalem at the 54th Annual Conference for Science and the Environment illustrates how the design world is becoming a significant player in the struggle for a sustainable future.

Alongside scientific sessions featuring researchers, government officials, industry leaders, and technology representatives, the 54th Annual Conference for Science and the Environment—to be held on July 8–9 at the International Convention Center (Binyanei HaUma) in Jerusalem, led by the Israel Society of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, hosted by the Jerusalem Municipality, and in collaboration with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem—will give a central place this year to the world of creativity and design. As part of a special collaboration with the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Jerusalem, selected works by graduates dealing with sustainability, environmental innovation, and community thinking will be displayed.

The collaboration emphasizes the understanding that dealing with the climate crisis and environmental challenges relies not only on science and technology but also on creativity, design, and conceptual change. While the conference will present research on topics such as artificial intelligence for natural disaster prediction, environmental research from space, food security, public health, and nature conservation, the graduates' exhibition shows how these ideas can take tangible form through material research, product design, gaming, and other design interfaces.

In recent years, Bezalel has been leading the "Bezalel Environment Mark" initiative, which encourages interdisciplinary collaborations around sustainability and community issues, providing a platform for projects with an environmental impact. Within the framework of the annual graduate exhibitions held at the Academy, a special award is given on behalf of the Academy to works that promote values of environmental responsibility, reduction of ecological impacts, material innovation, and strengthening the connection between the community and the environment.

Among the projects to be displayed: "Living Alloy" by Roni Litai—material research based on brown seaweed offering a sustainable alternative to polluting materials; "The Decay Dance" by Maya Newman—a fashion and jewelry collection composed mostly of waste and recycled materials that turns decomposition processes into a new aesthetic; "The Island" by Eden Koller—an animation game inviting the user to think about cyclicity and the connections between action and consequence; and "Lost Garden"—an interactive project by Uri Shani, Ramon Zerem, and Yoni Pushet that encourages a reconnection with nature through the creation of a virtual ecosystem based on biophilic principles.

The exhibition illustrates how the next generation of designers is shaping and creating practical solutions for global challenges—from waste reduction and the use of renewable raw materials to encouraging environmental awareness and changing consumption habits—serving as an engine for change to promote and encourage a circular economy.

Through the encounter between environmental researchers, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and designers, the conference seeks to present the full picture of Israeli innovation and demonstrate that a green future will be built not only in laboratories and research centers but also in design studios and the creative imagination of the next generation of designers.

For Details and Registration:

The conference offers participants a comprehensive experience including fascinating content from morning to evening, a unique community evening, and morning tours for early birds. Discounted accommodation options in Jerusalem are available for registrants (subject to availability; details on the conference registration website).

For more details, viewing the program, and registration: https://conference.isees.org.il/hp/

(From the exhibition, When Design Meets Sustainability. Artwork / Photography: Roni Litai, Guy Reshkovitz / Courtesy of Bezalel and PR)