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”
Tag Archives: environment
Synthesis of Protein-Grafted Edible Bioplastic: A Predictive Framework for Injection Molding
”Abstract Conventional biopolymers frequently do not meet the severe mechanical shear, high barrier requirements, and rapid crystallization rates demanded by primary industrial packaging lines, such as beverage bottle manufacturing. This paper presents a structural methodology for a novel, 100% bio-based, edible resins utilizing a rigid polysaccharide backbone grafted with hydrophobic plant proteins optimized for primaryContinue reading “Synthesis of Protein-Grafted Edible Bioplastic: A Predictive Framework for Injection Molding”
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 🌎”
Spring Artwork: The Intelligence Of Birds featuring “Proud Mockingbird”
In temperate climates, the birds are a’flutter singing their elaborate songs. This new addition to the catalog, “Proud Mockingbird” is one such singer, puffed up towards the sun. The piece is a composite of course, to juxtapose nature and technology, or different kinds of intelligence. Of course, humans are part of nature and the ongoingContinue reading “Spring Artwork: The Intelligence Of Birds featuring “Proud Mockingbird””
Alien Monster: Shangri-La Green Reinvents the Gumball
ALIEN MONSTER 👾 Alien Monster is an majorly upgraded chew made from 100% natural biodegradable tree chicle and real fruit super-concentrates. No synthetic dyes, no petroleum, just a massive juicy hit of Grape and Black Currant. Eat the Monster ~ Care for your environment, and your health! Ingredients: 100% Grape & Black Currant Juice Concentrate, ElderberryContinue reading “Alien Monster: Shangri-La Green Reinvents the Gumball”
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”
“Eternal Nature”: New Book Release on § Studio Shangri-La Publications
”Eternal Nature” is now available on Amazon in three formats: Paperback, Hardcover and Digital. The hardcover has a glossy cover. This is a philosophy book that combines both ancient and futuristic outlooks on human development. It expresses the possibilities of super longevity and living harmoniously on Earth, and what further human evolution could look like.Continue reading ““Eternal Nature”: New Book Release on § Studio Shangri-La Publications”
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 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 Mixed Media Artwork For Earth Month: The Cosmic Upcycled “Carbon 666” ⚛️
The latest mixed media “Carbon 666” is named for the 6 protons, 6 neutrons and 6 electrons in a Carbon atom, or C6 on the periodic table. What in the past was superstitiously and paradoxically considered an ominous number in some traditions, actually reflects the now more well understood magic of chemistry, though there isContinue reading “Featured Mixed Media Artwork For Earth Month: The Cosmic Upcycled “Carbon 666” ⚛️”
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”
§ Publications Book Release: AWASIS, A Science Fiction Novel
New Book Release: AWASIS by Sarah K. Ikerd • Studio Shangri-La Publications 2025 “Awasis” the science fiction novel that began as a series on Kindle Vella is now available on Amazon in large hardcover, as an ebook, also as a paperback printed on recycled paper. Awasis, named for the actual exoplanet and the Cree wordContinue reading “§ Publications Book Release: AWASIS, A Science Fiction Novel”
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”
Studio Multimedia Update: Moments With Nature, The 2025 Grammys & More
The latest studio multimedia starts off with new (and old) additions to the Studio Shangri-La conceptual online photography catalogs – here of course, and also TurningArt and Saatchi Art. The above original with graphic design is “Khepri’s Sunflower,” named for the ancient Egyptian hieroglyph of the beetle, representing bringing something into being or to create.Continue reading “Studio Multimedia Update: Moments With Nature, The 2025 Grammys & More”
Research Notes: Observations Of Phototaxis & Lorentz Force
From recent tests of the UV Reactor, I’ve seen the Polyethylene cup undergo some deformation such as buckling at the walls and slight cracking at the edges. The testing process will continue being adjusted such as altering the container’s shape. During this process, as I counted on, I’m observing interesting phenomena and behavior of lightContinue reading “Research Notes: Observations Of Phototaxis & Lorentz Force”
Plastic-To-Water Lab Notes: Testing A Desktop UV Reactor With Sound
As the popular quotation goes, “do what you can with what you have.” The exploration of science and life is open to many pathways. In this continued series of experiments, the overall goal is to transmute or catalyze plastic into water with light, and possibly the addition of sound. So, using what amounts to molecularContinue reading “Plastic-To-Water Lab Notes: Testing A Desktop UV Reactor With Sound”
Studio Shangri-La Multimedia Update: Music, Art & Science
It’s been an fun and exciting multimedia summer so far, and that promises to continue, beginning with the OCTAVES Music release schedule, the continuation of SS publications, upcoming art commissions, plus ongoing research in sustainability, design & innovation. Music =Sarah Ikerd • Electric Echoes: A Cosmic Tech Opera (out now) Sarah Ikerd • The GreatContinue reading “Studio Shangri-La Multimedia Update: Music, Art & Science”