Bio-Building The Future: Modern Design For A Fully Circular Structure That Integrates With Its Environment Figure 1: Original sketch; Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La Multimedia Figure 2: DALL-E rendering based on the sketch Sarah K. Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La Multimedia – Design Lab sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com; http://www.studio-shangri-la.com Introduction / Abstract This design paper presents a comprehensive framework forContinue reading “Bio-Building The Future: Modern Design For A Fully Circular Structure That Integrates With Its Environment”
Category Archives: environment
WordPress Podcast Episode — Sculpting the Anthropocene: Deliberate Eco-Public Art as Living Infrastructure
Link to paper on ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/405481831_Sculpting_the_Anthropocene_Deliberate_Eco-Public_Art_as_Living_Infrastructure Pip: Studio Shangri-La — where the intersection of music, art, science, and design occasionally produces something that makes a city block do actual chemistry homework. Mara: Today we’re looking at work from sarah ikerd on a framework that asks public art to stop being decorative and start being infrastructureContinue reading “WordPress Podcast Episode — Sculpting the Anthropocene: Deliberate Eco-Public Art as Living Infrastructure”
Sculpting the Anthropocene: Deliberate Eco-Public Art as Living Infrastructure
Sculpting the Anthropocene: Deliberate Eco-Public Art as Living Infrastructure Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La Multimedia 2026, http://www.studio-shangri-la.com Illustration from 2026 Studio Shangri-La Multimedia RFQ Abstract: This paper introduces a conceptual framework for deliberate eco-public art, sculptural installations designed to move beyond passive ecological symbolism into active, self-sustaining environmental remediation. By integrating such concepts as geochemical enhancedContinue reading “Sculpting the Anthropocene: Deliberate Eco-Public Art as Living Infrastructure”
Earth Month Project & Process Designs 🌎
Protein-Grafted Edible Resin For High-Volume Injection Molding April or Earth Month is a perfect time, especially in the post Artemis II glow, to put forth environmental design initiatives. Both of the attached presentations concern the modifications of existing industrial processes in order to modernize and optimize them for sustainability and public health. Both are important,Continue reading “Earth Month Project & Process Designs 🌎”
The Shangri-La Green Product Ethos
For the growing Shangri-La Green family of products the following values are important: Transparency, Quality, Sustainability & Artistry. While these are small batch products made in the studio, and not a factory, all ingredients are completely and accurately labeled. I research the most nourishing and effective recipes. It’s important to me for these products toContinue reading “The Shangri-La Green Product Ethos”
Biomimicry Chronicles: The Specimens Series & The Portuguese Man ‘O War, A Modular Bioship
The specimens series details the briliance of nature’s engineering, from the homespun – or chewed – layers of paper husk in a hornet’s nest, to the resilient storage architecture of a Sycamore of Sweetgum tree’s seed pod. The styles include a modern, colorful pop and op art approaches to the subjects with the realistic plusContinue reading “Biomimicry Chronicles: The Specimens Series & The Portuguese Man ‘O War, A Modular Bioship”
Urban Greening: Replace Pigeon Spikes with Spiky Plants
The other day at the train station, it dawned on me as a noticed the ominous spikes atop the LED light pole, that there is an effective solution that is both aesthetically and environmentally pleasing – Replace those unsightly pigeon spikes with resilient spiky plants that can grow in shallow soil! The image of theContinue reading “Urban Greening: Replace Pigeon Spikes with Spiky Plants”
GMXC: A Versatile, Fully Degradable & Edible Bioplastic
GMXC: A Versatile, Fully Degradable & Edible Bioplastic https://www.researchgate.net/publication/395418803_GMXC_A_Versatile_Fully_Degradable_Edible_Bioplastic/references By Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La Multimedia, August 2025 Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com http://www.studio-shangri-la.com; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarah-Ikerd *THIS PAPER IS UNDERGOING REVISION – EXCERPTS BELOW* Abstract This design paper introduces a fully biodegradable, glucose-based bioplastic paste designed to replace conventional disposable plastics used in fast food containers, dinnerware, and single-use packaging. ComposedContinue reading “GMXC: A Versatile, Fully Degradable & Edible Bioplastic”
*New* More Than A Product, It’s An Ethos
Shangri-La Green — Specialty Store • Lifestyle Products • check out the page! Bamboo Coffee Stirrers A simple eco-friendlier modification to a popular utensil, these coffee stirrers are made of more sustainable bamboo and the pack of 25 comes in a cloth bag. They will last a while with reuse. Larger orders are available for restaurants.Continue reading “*New* More Than A Product, It’s An Ethos”
Industry, Medicine & Philosophy: Systemic Reforms That Transcend Cancer
Healing Sky Panel – Studio Shangri-La At first glance, issues such as cancer may appear to stem from countless complex factors. But in truth, many cases trace back to a few root causes and thus, actionable solutions. Reforming industry to eliminate known carcinogens is not optional, it’s essential. From the toxicity of fossil fuel exhaustContinue reading “Industry, Medicine & Philosophy: Systemic Reforms That Transcend Cancer”
Design For A Battery Farm: Biomineral Synthesis & Refinement Of Lithium, Sodium & Magnesium In A Zoned Clay Matrix
Design For A Battery Farm: Biomineral Synthesis & Refinement Of Lithium, Sodium & Magnesium In A Zoned Clay Matrix By Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La Multimedia, July 2025 Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com http://www.studio-shangri-la.com; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarah-Ikerd Figure 1: Basic Layout of the Zoned Clay Matrix Abstract In an era of escalating demand for critical minerals, this paper proposes a significant paradigmContinue reading “Design For A Battery Farm: Biomineral Synthesis & Refinement Of Lithium, Sodium & Magnesium In A Zoned Clay Matrix”
Designing Permeable, Self Healing Pavement That Nourishes The Environment
Designing Permeable, Self Healing Pavement That Nourishes The Environment By Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La Multimedia, July 2025 Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com http://www.studio-shangri-la.com; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarah-Ikerd Figure 1: Basic Layers & Process Abstract Drawing from both natural chemistry and bio-inspired engineering, next generation regenerative pavement reimagines infrastructure as a living ecosystem partner. Made from layered travertine, lava rock and microbial agents,Continue reading “Designing Permeable, Self Healing Pavement That Nourishes The Environment”
Design For A Carbon Capture Air Filtration Drone + Helicopter Retrofit
Design For A Carbon Capture Air Filtration Drone + Helicopter Retrofit By Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La Multimedia, July 2025 Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com http://www.studio-shangri-la.com; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarah-Ikerd Figure 1: Original Design Drawing Aerial View; Figure 2: Components Diagram Abstract In response to the growing concerns of urban air pollution and climate change, this paper presents the conceptual design ofContinue reading “Design For A Carbon Capture Air Filtration Drone + Helicopter Retrofit”
Design For A Modular Optosonic Waste To Water Receptacle
Design For A Modular Optosonic Waste To Water Receptacle on ResearchGate By Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La Multimedia, June 2025 Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com http://www.studio-shangri-la.com; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarah-Ikerd Figure 1: Central Core Nonagon of LEDs with nanometer ranges Abstract: This modular and scalable optosonic system transforms waste into water using a novel integration of light, sound, shape, materials, and fluid dynamics.Continue reading “Design For A Modular Optosonic Waste To Water Receptacle”
Featured Artwork In May Includes Cubism, Symbolism & Surrealism
New pieces so far in May 2025, continue a nature focus with a hi-tech flair. The Cirrus Arc selections explore on a large scale modern cubism to express the motion of atmosphere, especially the arc or Fibonacci like spiral. The spiral theme continues also with the works including the Triskelion. The Triskelion is a pieceContinue reading “Featured Artwork In May Includes Cubism, Symbolism & Surrealism”
5 Ways To Make A Positive Eco Impact At Home
Earth Month is the perfect time to embrace small yet impactful changes that contribute to both local and global sustainability. Here are five accessible actions to help build a more eco-conscious future—because even small shifts make a difference. Personally, I’ve enjoyed switching to bamboo toilet paper—it’s soft, sustainable, and a meaningful choice. Composting has alsoContinue reading “5 Ways To Make A Positive Eco Impact At Home”
The Clownfish & The Anemone: Symbiotic Business Partnerships For A Circular Economy
There is a necessary economic transformation happening towards a Circular Economy to keep us thriving on Earth. A circular economy is an economic system focused on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency by recycling, reusing, and regenerating materials. With a systems thinking approach to economy and commerce, there can be leaps and bounds of innovationContinue reading “The Clownfish & The Anemone: Symbiotic Business Partnerships For A Circular Economy”
A 4 Quadrant Solution For Waste Management & Plastics
With a high level systems thinking or systems engineering approach, even the most complex situations can be sifted into manageable categories and then simplified into the approachable, actionable steps. The above infographic simplifies the global waste management, and plastics and microplastics quandary into quadrants of solution. A quadrant is an instrument used for surveying, soContinue reading “A 4 Quadrant Solution For Waste Management & Plastics”
Featured Sustainable Mixed Media: “Tapestry Of We”
The first note about this tapestry is that it’s still in progress. Given experience with previous mixed media, the process of the piece can also look really interesting. I find it already compelling in its natural form, as a combination of upcycled materials: ‘Yard waste’ or found wood, fabric that is/was a curtain, other recycledContinue reading “Featured Sustainable Mixed Media: “Tapestry Of We””
§ Research Notes: A Morphing Photocatalytic Reactor & Point Of Convergence
With continued testing at home, the UV+ reactor experiments have to achieve safety and very low to no potentially harmful emissions. The shape of the most recent iteration, of what will be a waste to water receptacle, is influenced by geometric optical lens diagrams — Classic science for new quantum-informed concepts. That’s a point ofContinue reading “§ Research Notes: A Morphing Photocatalytic Reactor & Point Of Convergence”
Evolutionary Biology, Technology + Philosophy: A Higher, Deeper Learning Of Sustainability & Energy Pathways
Humanity is getting rewired, and wired further, through our technologies, that mirror to and reflect from ourselves. Collective consciousness is making more of a shift from closed loop thinking, devices and dualities, to more open flexible systems and multidimensionality, in which we can employ multiple perspectives for advances and improvements in both technology and biology.Continue reading “Evolutionary Biology, Technology + Philosophy: A Higher, Deeper Learning Of Sustainability & Energy Pathways”