Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg is an artist, designer and writer, using the medium of design to examine the social, ethical and cultural implications of emerging technology and science. Through intensive research into synthetic biology, Daisy is exploring the role of design in a Biotech Revolution.

Now Design Fellow on Synthetic Aesthetics, an NSF/EPSRC-funded project at Stanford and Edinburgh Universities, Daisy is curating an international program which researches the shared and shifting territory between synthetic biology, art and design.

Daisy studied Architecture at Cambridge University, design at Harvard University, and has an MA in Design Interactions from the Royal College of Art. Recent works include The Synthetic Kingdom, a proposal for a new branch of the Tree of Life and E.chromi, a collaborative project with fellow designer James King and Cambridge University’s winning team at the 2009 International Genetically Engineered Machine competition (iGEM). Daisy exhibits her work, lectures and publishes internationally.

How will we classify what is natural or unnatural when life is built from scratch?

Synthetic Biology is turning to the living kingdoms for its materials library. No more petrochemicals: instead, pick a feature from an existing organism, locate its DNA code and insert it into a biological chassis. From DIY-hacked bacteria to entirely artificial, corporate life-forms, engineered life will compute, produce energy, clean up pollution, make self-healing materials, kill pathogens and even do the housework. Manufacturers will transcend biomimicry, engineering bacteria to secrete keratin for sustainable vacuum cleaner casings; synthesise biodegradable gaskets from abalone shell proteins and fill photocopier toner cartridges with photosensitive E. coli.

Meanwhile, we’ll have to add an extra branch to the Tree of Life. The Synthetic Kingdom is part of our new nature.

Biotech promises us control over the natural world, but living machines need controlling. Biology doesn’t respect boundaries or patents. And in simplifying life to its molecular interactions, might we accidentally degrade our sense of self? Are promises of sustainability and unparalleled good health seductive enough to accept such compromise?

W: daisyginsberg.com

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