Terra Carta Design Lab Finalists
Explore the innovative minds behind our 10 Terra Carta Design Lab finalists. These exceptional projects, created by DIDI students, reflect a deep commitment to sustainable design, in response to global challenges. Each project represents a unique fusion of creativity, sustainability, and social impact, inspired by the vision of His Majesty King Charles III's Sustainable Markets Initiative.
Finalist Name - Suad Al Fardan
Project Name - Illumire
Environmental Problem - Microplastic pollution
Solution Area of Focus - Illumire introduces sequins which are created from waste fish scales, a first-of-its kind innovation to provide the fashion industry with an entirely biodegradable alternative to polluting microplastic sequins.
“Participating in the Terra Carta initiative was a transformative experience, both challenging and immensely rewarding. It pushed me to grow and learn in ways I never imagined, turning every obstacle into an opportunity. This journey not only enriched my skills but also deepened my commitment to sustainability, leaving a lasting mark on my life. The impact of this experience will continue to inspire and drive me forward.“
“Participating in the Terra Carta initiative was a transformative experience, both challenging and immensely rewarding. It pushed me to grow and learn in ways I never imagined, turning every obstacle into an opportunity. This journey not only enriched my skills but also deepened my commitment to sustainability, leaving a lasting mark on my life. The impact of this experience will continue to inspire and drive me forward.“
Finalist Name - Dalal Jaber
Project Name - SEE. SHELL WASTE
Environmental Problem - Marine life restoration
Solution Area of Focus - SEE. SHELL WASTE investigates a biomaterial made from seashells, mixed with natural binders, to use for sculpting and restoring corals for waste management and ecosystem support.
Finalist Name - Sana Mohamed
Project Name - Airofi
Environmental Problem - Air pollution
Solution Area of Focus - Airofi is a smart device designed for individuals suffering from chronic respiratory disease, who are particularly susceptible to air pollution. It collects real-time data on air pollution and tracks personal PM2.5 emissions.
"This competition offered crucial insights into both the strengths and limitations of my Airofi project. Airofi has the potential to revolutionize healthcare while assisting governments to tackle air pollution problem through data monitoring."
"This competition offered crucial insights into both the strengths and limitations of my Airofi project. Airofi has the potential to revolutionize healthcare while assisting governments to tackle air pollution problem through data monitoring."
Finalist Name - Shahd Ahmed Elkarmalawy, Mariam Najyb Karl Hase Al Maskari, Omar Bin Al Khattab
Project Name - ThreadLoop
Environmental Problem - Fast-fashion waste
Solution Area of Focus - ThreadLoop aims to develop a foam-like material to substitute polyurethane foam by upcycling fast-fashion waste.
“Participating in the Terra Carta Design Lab with our project, Threadloop, has been incredibly enriching. Each stage boosted our confidence and belief in sustainable design’s impact. The challenge inspired us to push boundaries and explore new ways to tackle global issues. We’re grateful for the mentorship from the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, which has been crucial in our journey and fueled our ambition to create impactful, sustainable solutions.”
“Participating in the Terra Carta Design Lab with our project, Threadloop, has been incredibly enriching. Each stage boosted our confidence and belief in sustainable design’s impact. The challenge inspired us to push boundaries and explore new ways to tackle global issues. We’re grateful for the mentorship from the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, which has been crucial in our journey and fueled our ambition to create impactful, sustainable solutions.”
Finalist Name - Dalilah Mansour
Project Name - Fuze
Environmental Problem - Decentralized energy solutions
Solution Area of Focus - Fuze is a power-harnessing system that can efficiently transform your cycling movement into electricity.
"The Terra Carta mandate truly guided me to use design for a holistic and meaningful intervention that puts nature, people, and the planet at its center. Its emphasis on measurable impact allowed me to continually challenge and improve my project. Reflecting on my journey, I see how the different sections of the mandate left a strong mark on how I practice design."
"The Terra Carta mandate truly guided me to use design for a holistic and meaningful intervention that puts nature, people, and the planet at its center. Its emphasis on measurable impact allowed me to continually challenge and improve my project. Reflecting on my journey, I see how the different sections of the mandate left a strong mark on how I practice design."
Finalist Name - Aya Farhan Alatrash, Jeeda Mhd Faez Haj Weiss Sabbagh
Project Name - Aquarev
Environmental Problem - HDPE plastic pollution
Solution Area of Focus - Aquarev are biodegradable, zero-waste shampoo blobs. A sustainable hair care solution.
"Our experience with Terra Carta and AquaRev has been a powerful reminder that true change begins with small, intentional actions. We've learned that by integrating sustainability into our everyday products, like our biodegradable shampoo blobs, we can make a significant impact on the environment. This journey has shown us that luxury and eco-consciousness can coexist, allowing us to care for both ourselves and the planet. It’s a realization that fuels our passion to keep innovating for a healthier, more sustainable future."
"Our experience with Terra Carta and AquaRev has been a powerful reminder that true change begins with small, intentional actions. We've learned that by integrating sustainability into our everyday products, like our biodegradable shampoo blobs, we can make a significant impact on the environment. This journey has shown us that luxury and eco-consciousness can coexist, allowing us to care for both ourselves and the planet. It’s a realization that fuels our passion to keep innovating for a healthier, more sustainable future."
Finalist Name - Arjun Prince, Aryan Thomas
Project Name - Sebastian
Environmental Problem - Destruction of natural ecosystems
Solution Area of Focus - Sebastian is a modular aquaponics system with AI integration.
"Working on the Terra Carta project was an incredible experience that expanded our expertise in product design, business strategy, and video editing. We were fortunate to have received guidance from some of the industry's top professionals, who streamlined our process and significantly enhanced our business plans and video production."
"Working on the Terra Carta project was an incredible experience that expanded our expertise in product design, business strategy, and video editing. We were fortunate to have received guidance from some of the industry's top professionals, who streamlined our process and significantly enhanced our business plans and video production."
Finalist Name - Hind Tawakul
Project Name - Cultivating Resilience
Environmental Problem - Impact of climate change on food systems
Solution Area of Focus - Cultivating Resistance presents a biodiverse ecosystem that integrates traditional farming techniques with innovative food production methods.
"Participating in the Terra Carta Design Lab challenge was an incredible experience that pushed the boundaries of my creativity and innovation. It provided a unique platform to showcase my ideas on sustainability and design, and I am truly honored to be a finalist. This journey has not only enhanced my skills but also strengthened my commitment to creating a positive impact on the world through thoughtful and sustainable design solutions."
"Participating in the Terra Carta Design Lab challenge was an incredible experience that pushed the boundaries of my creativity and innovation. It provided a unique platform to showcase my ideas on sustainability and design, and I am truly honored to be a finalist. This journey has not only enhanced my skills but also strengthened my commitment to creating a positive impact on the world through thoughtful and sustainable design solutions."
Finalist Name - Mohammad Baazim
Project Name - House of Earthan
Environmental Problem - Negative environmental impact of exploitative consumption behaviours
Solution Area of Focus - House of Earthan is a community and collaborative space to design alternative biomaterials and promote collaborative creativity to enhance sustainable design impact.
"The motive behind House of Earthan was brought about in response to the often limiting and uni-dimensional understanding of sustainability in design. What began as a thesis project that explored alternative materials to address the environmental impact of the fashion industry, evolved into a deeper approach to accelerate a sustainable future. House of Earthan is my effort to drive sustainability in design."
"The motive behind House of Earthan was brought about in response to the often limiting and uni-dimensional understanding of sustainability in design. What began as a thesis project that explored alternative materials to address the environmental impact of the fashion industry, evolved into a deeper approach to accelerate a sustainable future. House of Earthan is my effort to drive sustainability in design."
Finalist Name - Rachael Leigh Barkhuizen, Samara Rajaratnam
Project Name - Carbon Capture Textiles
Environmental Problem - Carbon dioxide emissions
Solution Area of Focus - Carbon Capture aims to decrease carbon dioxide emissions by creating textiles made from CO2 that mimic trees, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.
"We navigated the challenges of sustainable design, leveraging diverse perspectives to create innovative solutions. The competition's focus on environmental stewardship provided us with a meaningful context for our project. Overall, participating in Terra Carta not only sharpened our design skills but also deepened our commitment to creating a more sustainable future together."
"We navigated the challenges of sustainable design, leveraging diverse perspectives to create innovative solutions. The competition's focus on environmental stewardship provided us with a meaningful context for our project. Overall, participating in Terra Carta not only sharpened our design skills but also deepened our commitment to creating a more sustainable future together."