In May and June 2025, Studio Nima welcomed students to two editions of our Circular Materials Workshop — an interactive, hands-on format exploring the future and status quo of bio-based materials. As part of our growing educational activities, the workshops offered an inspiring entry point into circular material innovation and its role in driving sustainable change. The sessions were supported by the City of Munich’s Climate and Environmental Protection Department (Referat für Klima- und Umweltschutz der Landeshauptstadt München).

Each session guided participants through the fundamentals of bio-based materials, introducing different types of feedstocks—from agricultural residues to algae and fungi—and exploring real-world use cases across industries. In a focused deep dive on mycelium, participants had the opportunity to run their own experiments and better understand the potential of this fast-growing material as a natural alternative to synthetic or extractive solutions. Along the way, we reflected on how circular design principles can be applied in practice and how innovation in materials can help address global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity.

The goal of the workshops was not only to build knowledge but to spark new ways of thinking—encouraging participants to question conventional systems and imagine circular alternatives. We were inspired by the energy, curiosity, and thoughtful contributions of everyone who joined us.

Thank you to all participants for bringing your ideas and questions. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum and we are looking forward to more circular materials workshops that will take place in the second half of the year.