Language of instruction

Chinese

Current course fees

21,580

Location

Shanghai

X ACADEMY
Global Explorer Summit
-


2024.07.25

Major Course X-Core

Major Course X-Core

Major Course X-Core

Biological design and sustainable future

生物设计与可持续未来

COURSE INTRO

Course Introduction 01

COURSE INTRO

Course Introduction 01

"All human creation is nothing but a crude imitation of nature", from the microscopic bacteria to the grand ecosystems, nature manifests its powerful creativity everywhere. How does nature and ecology create? Can the electrical signals of cells help us design smart devices? Can the growth of fungi help us construct buildings? How should our culture, cities, and thinking coexist with ecology? Biological design is a revolution that integrates biology, engineering, art, and technology, drawing on the innate wisdom of nature, integrating the essence of biological evolution with modern technology, inspiring us to explore future ways of life, and create an innovative era of symbiosis with nature.

"FusionX Biological Design and Sustainable Future" is committed to cultivating a new type of talent with in-depth knowledge of design, biology, and computer science. We will lead you to explore the application of wet media based biomaterials in products and architecture through practical work and case studies: you will initially grasp the principles and experiments of mycelium and bioplastics in the workshop, explore the possibility of bioculture and creative design, and delve into the most cutting-edge research field of "artificial life" in biological design, using computer simulation to investigate the essence and evolution of biology, and combining advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to generate virtual life forms and construct virtual ecological environments and systems. You will study practical ecological theories, exploring the infinite possibilities of humans and other species in the future from the perspective of non-anthropocentrism and ecology. In interdisciplinary exploration and practice, we will guide you to break free from the established paradigms, collectively create a cross-disciplinary innovative thinking framework for biological design, and master cross-disciplinary composite thinking and research capabilities through extensive speculation and discussion.

"All human creation is nothing but a crude imitation of nature", from the microscopic bacteria to the grand ecosystems, nature manifests its powerful creativity everywhere. How does nature and ecology create? Can the electrical signals of cells help us design smart devices? Can the growth of fungi help us construct buildings? How should our culture, cities, and thinking coexist with ecology? Biological design is a revolution that integrates biology, engineering, art, and technology, drawing on the innate wisdom of nature, integrating the essence of biological evolution with modern technology, inspiring us to explore future ways of life, and create an innovative era of symbiosis with nature.

"FusionX Biological Design and Sustainable Future" is committed to cultivating a new type of talent with in-depth knowledge of design, biology, and computer science. We will lead you to explore the application of wet media based biomaterials in products and architecture through practical work and case studies: you will initially grasp the principles and experiments of mycelium and bioplastics in the workshop, explore the possibility of bioculture and creative design, and delve into the most cutting-edge research field of "artificial life" in biological design, using computer simulation to investigate the essence and evolution of biology, and combining advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to generate virtual life forms and construct virtual ecological environments and systems. You will study practical ecological theories, exploring the infinite possibilities of humans and other species in the future from the perspective of non-anthropocentrism and ecology. In interdisciplinary exploration and practice, we will guide you to break free from the established paradigms, collectively create a cross-disciplinary innovative thinking framework for biological design, and master cross-disciplinary composite thinking and research capabilities through extensive speculation and discussion.

COURSE OUTCOME

Course Outcome 02

COURSE OUTCOME

Course Outcome 02

You will personally participate in the entire process of interdisciplinary practice, using your knowledge to create products around biomaterials, biotechnology, nature-inspired design, and design for nature. You will complete any one of the following types of output, such as

  • A product made from sustainable biomaterials

  • A speculative design work envisioning future biological forms

  • A mini ecosystem generated by AIGC

  • A short science fiction story or microfilm with a theme of non-anthropocentrism


*The type and content of the final output are based on the product created by the explorer after participating in the X-Capstone project

You will personally participate in the entire process of interdisciplinary practice, using your knowledge to create products around biomaterials, biotechnology, nature-inspired design, and design for nature. You will complete any one of the following types of output, such as

  • A product made from sustainable biomaterials

  • A speculative design work envisioning future biological forms

  • A mini ecosystem generated by AIGC

  • A short science fiction story or microfilm with a theme of non-anthropocentrism


*The type and content of the final output are based on the product created by the explorer after participating in the X-Capstone project

COURSE OUTCOME

Course Outcome 02

COURSE OUTCOME

Course Outcome 02

材料工程研发、仿生建筑设计、城市生态规划、合成生物学研究、人工智能产品设计、计算生成艺术、可持续领域战略咨询与创业

材料工程研发、仿生建筑设计、城市生态规划、合成生物学研究、人工智能产品设计、计算生成艺术、可持续领域战略咨询与创业

COURSE CONTENTS

Course Contents 03

COURSE CONTENTS

Course Contents 03

01 Wet Media and Biomaterials

Theory: Explore the principles and specific applications of bioplastics to provide a material foundation for building a more sustainable future. Learn about biological intelligence and its practical applications, empowering urban planning and social development through inspiration from biology.

Workshop: Learn mycelium cultivation techniques. Learn and master slime mold cultivation techniques, and explore how slime mold and artificial intelligence can collaborate to accomplish urban planning design.


02 Virtual Life Virtual Creatures

Theory: Understand the essence of life, its evolutionary process, and its many future possibilities; explore the role of artificial intelligence in biological research and ecological conservation.

Workshop: Simulate biological evolution in a virtual environment, use AIGC to generate entirely new life forms, and construct a virtual ecosystem.


03 Practical Ecological Theory Practical Ecosystem Theories

Theory: Study non-anthropocentric, ecological foundations, and theories of sustainable development. Construct a more systematic thinking framework from an ecological perspective.

Workshop: Explore non-disciplinary thinking frameworks using biomimicry as an example, expand understanding of interdisciplinary fields such as biomimicry, and establish a foundation for diverse speculation and practice.


04 Anti-disciplinary Practice

Theory: Explore the possibilities of combining biological design and artificial intelligence creation; explore the design and practice of tangible products from an ecosystem perspective; explore the future of biology through speculative design.

Workshop: Master interdisciplinary learning methods and skills through practice; learn how to conduct, plan, and manage interdisciplinary research and practice projects; master methods and tools for effectively expressing and communicating ideas.

01 Wet Media and Biomaterials

Theory: Explore the principles and specific applications of bioplastics to provide a material foundation for building a more sustainable future. Learn about biological intelligence and its practical applications, empowering urban planning and social development through inspiration from biology.

Workshop: Learn mycelium cultivation techniques. Learn and master slime mold cultivation techniques, and explore how slime mold and artificial intelligence can collaborate to accomplish urban planning design.


02 Virtual Life Virtual Creatures

Theory: Understand the essence of life, its evolutionary process, and its many future possibilities; explore the role of artificial intelligence in biological research and ecological conservation.

Workshop: Simulate biological evolution in a virtual environment, use AIGC to generate entirely new life forms, and construct a virtual ecosystem.


03 Practical Ecological Theory Practical Ecosystem Theories

Theory: Study non-anthropocentric, ecological foundations, and theories of sustainable development. Construct a more systematic thinking framework from an ecological perspective.

Workshop: Explore non-disciplinary thinking frameworks using biomimicry as an example, expand understanding of interdisciplinary fields such as biomimicry, and establish a foundation for diverse speculation and practice.


04 Anti-disciplinary Practice

Theory: Explore the possibilities of combining biological design and artificial intelligence creation; explore the design and practice of tangible products from an ecosystem perspective; explore the future of biology through speculative design.

Workshop: Master interdisciplinary learning methods and skills through practice; learn how to conduct, plan, and manage interdisciplinary research and practice projects; master methods and tools for effectively expressing and communicating ideas.

PREREQUISITES

Prerequisites 04

PREREQUISITES

Prerequisites 04

Interested in artificial intelligence, design, life sciences, and ecological theory, with a basic understanding of middle school biology. It is best to be proficient in any rapid presentation method, including but not limited to sketching, modeling, and AIGC. It is preferred to have a programming background or a certain level of understanding.


*During the pre-course preparation stage, mentors and academic leaders will assist in completing prerequisite studies

Interested in artificial intelligence, design, life sciences, and ecological theory, with a basic understanding of middle school biology. It is best to be proficient in any rapid presentation method, including but not limited to sketching, modeling, and AIGC. It is preferred to have a programming background or a certain level of understanding.


*During the pre-course preparation stage, mentors and academic leaders will assist in completing prerequisite studies

"What XA has brought to me, the improvement of CS literacy goes without saying, but what I am more grateful for is being able to meet the top and most outstanding peers of my age. I have seen living MIT, CIT students, consulted TAs who can do nothing but debug, and also gained a bunch of board game friends. Perhaps saying that my dream is to change the world will be laughed at by people, but XA has given me the confidence to turn my dreams into reality."

This road is long, and the places to go are filled with poetry and ideals. The tears and sweat left behind yesterday make me more tenacious and courageous now. This is what XA has taught me: we can always be a little braver."

Haiyi Jin Explorer
Fudan University

"What XA has brought to me, the improvement of CS literacy goes without saying, but what I am more grateful for is being able to meet the top and most outstanding peers of my age. I have seen living MIT, CIT students, consulted TAs who can do nothing but debug, and also gained a bunch of board game friends. Perhaps saying that my dream is to change the world will be laughed at by people, but XA has given me the confidence to turn my dreams into reality."

This road is long, and the places to go are filled with poetry and ideals. The tears and sweat left behind yesterday make me more tenacious and courageous now. This is what XA has taught me: we can always be a little braver."

Haiyi Jin Explorer
Fudan University

"What XA has brought to me, the improvement of CS literacy goes without saying, but what I am more grateful for is being able to meet the top and most outstanding peers of my age. I have seen living MIT, CIT students, consulted TAs who can do nothing but debug, and also gained a bunch of board game friends. Perhaps saying that my dream is to change the world will be laughed at by people, but XA has given me the confidence to turn my dreams into reality."

This road is long, and the places to go are filled with poetry and ideals. The tears and sweat left behind yesterday make me more tenacious and courageous now. This is what XA has taught me: we can always be a little braver."

Haiyi Jin Explorer
Fudan University

MENTORS

Previous Course Mentors 05

MENTORS

Previous Course Mentors 05

Liu Yanbing

AI Biodesigner, Curator, Interdisciplinary Researcher

University of Cambridge Biology Incoming PhD

Royal College of Art, Master of Arts in Creative Computing


AI Biodesigner, Curator, Interdisciplinary Researcher, DesignX Lead. Incoming PhD in Biology at the University of Cambridge, Master of Arts in Creative Computing from the Royal College of Art. Mainly engaged in research on the integration of design, AI, and biology, as well as creation and curation. Held over ten exhibitions in London, Shanghai, Venice, and online, including the first Chinese special exhibition at London Design Week and dozens of creation, technology, and art sharing activities, including WPP, Unilever, UK-China Tech Summit, Oxford China Forum, and 'Silicon Valley 101'. Host of the podcast 'Fantasy Radio'.

Liu Yanbing

AI Biodesigner, Curator, Interdisciplinary Researcher

University of Cambridge Biology Incoming PhD

Royal College of Art, Master of Arts in Creative Computing


AI Biodesigner, Curator, Interdisciplinary Researcher, DesignX Lead. Incoming PhD in Biology at the University of Cambridge, Master of Arts in Creative Computing from the Royal College of Art. Mainly engaged in research on the integration of design, AI, and biology, as well as creation and curation. Held over ten exhibitions in London, Shanghai, Venice, and online, including the first Chinese special exhibition at London Design Week and dozens of creation, technology, and art sharing activities, including WPP, Unilever, UK-China Tech Summit, Oxford China Forum, and 'Silicon Valley 101'. Host of the podcast 'Fantasy Radio'.

ACADEMIC LEADS

Previous Course TAs 06

ACADEMIC LEADS

Previous Course TAs 06

Li Xinbei Wind

Royal College of Art, Master of Urban Design


The first Chinese to receive a full scholarship from the Royal College of Art, and served as Vice President of the Royal College of Art Student Union. Currently focused on energy transition, environmental governance, and ecological conservation, participating in national key research projects and serving as the planner and executor of a zero-carbon park project in a certain region of Northwestern China. Possesses work experience in Greek non-governmental organizations, art curation, and market expansion. Intrigued by all unknown phenomena, full of curiosity, and passionate about interdisciplinary collisions of thought. Avid enthusiast of soul music, chatting, and walks.



Zhao Xiaoxiao

Central Academy of Fine Arts and Cooper Union in New York

Exchanged to Oslo School of Architecture and Design in Norway


Architect and researcher, graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts and Cooper Union in New York, and exchanged to the Oslo School of Architecture and Design in Norway. Works have been exhibited at the China Art Museum, Venice Biennale, and Shenzhen Sea World Culture and Arts Center, and published in e-flux and other journals. Previously participated in design studios and workshops at Cooper Union and Architectural Association. Research areas include environmental technology and bodily politics, cyborgs and feminism, climate response and interactive installations.

Li Xinbei Wind

Royal College of Art, Master of Urban Design


The first Chinese to receive a full scholarship from the Royal College of Art, and served as Vice President of the Royal College of Art Student Union. Currently focused on energy transition, environmental governance, and ecological conservation, participating in national key research projects and serving as the planner and executor of a zero-carbon park project in a certain region of Northwestern China. Possesses work experience in Greek non-governmental organizations, art curation, and market expansion. Intrigued by all unknown phenomena, full of curiosity, and passionate about interdisciplinary collisions of thought. Avid enthusiast of soul music, chatting, and walks.



Zhao Xiaoxiao

Central Academy of Fine Arts and Cooper Union in New York

Exchanged to Oslo School of Architecture and Design in Norway


Architect and researcher, graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts and Cooper Union in New York, and exchanged to the Oslo School of Architecture and Design in Norway. Works have been exhibited at the China Art Museum, Venice Biennale, and Shenzhen Sea World Culture and Arts Center, and published in e-flux and other journals. Previously participated in design studios and workshops at Cooper Union and Architectural Association. Research areas include environmental technology and bodily politics, cyborgs and feminism, climate response and interactive installations.

Language of instruction

Chinese

Current course fees

21,580

Location

Shanghai

X ACADEMY
Global Explorer Summit
-


2024.07.25

Location

Shanghai

Language of instruction

Chinese

Current course fees

21,580

X ACADEMY
Global Explorer Summit
-


2024.07.25

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OUR CIVILIZATION WAS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. OUR CIVILIZATION IS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. TECHNOLOGY IS THE GLORY OF HUMAN AMBITION AND ACHIEVEMENT, THE SPEARHEAD OF PROGRESS, AND THE REALIZATION OF OUR POTENTIAL. FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, WE PROPERLY GLORIFIED THIS – UNTIL RECENTLY. WE, AT X ACADEMY, ARE HERE TO REVITALIZE THAT SPIRIT. TO US, THE FUTURE IS A CANVAS OF VAST POSSIBILITY, PAINTED WITH THE BRUSHES OF INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, AND OPTIMISM. WE BELIEVE IN A FUTURE WHERE TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO BE THE BACKBONE OF ADVANCEMENT, NOT JUST IN MATERIAL TERMS BUT AS A MEANS TO ELEVATE HUMAN EXPERIENCE AND CONSCIOUSNESS. WE ARE THE FUTURE OPTIMISTS, THE DREAMERS, THE MAKERS, AND THE DOERS. WE STAND READY TO COLLABORATE, TO INNOVATE, AND TO BUILD A BETTER TOMORROW WITH YOU. JOIN US, AS WE EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY TO IGNITE THE FLAMES OF PROGRESS AND TO CHERISH THE TECHNOLOGY THAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE. IT IS TIME, ONCE AGAIN, TO RAISE THE TECHNOLOGY FLAG. IT IS TIME TO BE TECHNO-OPTIMISTS. WITH X ACADEMY, LET'S BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHER.

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Contact X Assistant via WeChat

© 2024 | Shanghai Des Education Technology Co., Ltd. | Established in 2016. |

沪ICP备2021004001号-6

Privacy Policy

Cookies

Terms & Conditions

OUR CIVILIZATION WAS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. OUR CIVILIZATION IS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. TECHNOLOGY IS THE GLORY OF HUMAN AMBITION AND ACHIEVEMENT, THE SPEARHEAD OF PROGRESS, AND THE REALIZATION OF OUR POTENTIAL. FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, WE PROPERLY GLORIFIED THIS – UNTIL RECENTLY. WE, AT X ACADEMY, ARE HERE TO REVITALIZE THAT SPIRIT. TO US, THE FUTURE IS A CANVAS OF VAST POSSIBILITY, PAINTED WITH THE BRUSHES OF INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, AND OPTIMISM. WE BELIEVE IN A FUTURE WHERE TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO BE THE BACKBONE OF ADVANCEMENT, NOT JUST IN MATERIAL TERMS BUT AS A MEANS TO ELEVATE HUMAN EXPERIENCE AND CONSCIOUSNESS. WE ARE THE FUTURE OPTIMISTS, THE DREAMERS, THE MAKERS, AND THE DOERS. WE STAND READY TO COLLABORATE, TO INNOVATE, AND TO BUILD A BETTER TOMORROW WITH YOU. JOIN US, AS WE EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY TO IGNITE THE FLAMES OF PROGRESS AND TO CHERISH THE TECHNOLOGY THAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE. IT IS TIME, ONCE AGAIN, TO RAISE THE TECHNOLOGY FLAG. IT IS TIME TO BE TECHNO-OPTIMISTS. WITH X ACADEMY, LET'S BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHER.

Contact Us

TechXAcademy

X ACADEMY 探知未来

Contact X Assistant via WeChat

© 2024 | Shanghai Des Education Technology Co., Ltd. | Established in 2016. |

沪ICP备2021004001号-6

Privacy Policy

Cookies

Terms & Conditions

OUR CIVILIZATION WAS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. OUR CIVILIZATION IS BUILT ON TECHNOLOGY. TECHNOLOGY IS THE GLORY OF HUMAN AMBITION AND ACHIEVEMENT, THE SPEARHEAD OF PROGRESS, AND THE REALIZATION OF OUR POTENTIAL. FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, WE PROPERLY GLORIFIED THIS – UNTIL RECENTLY. WE, AT X ACADEMY, ARE HERE TO REVITALIZE THAT SPIRIT. TO US, THE FUTURE IS A CANVAS OF VAST POSSIBILITY, PAINTED WITH THE BRUSHES OF INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, AND OPTIMISM. WE BELIEVE IN A FUTURE WHERE TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO BE THE BACKBONE OF ADVANCEMENT, NOT JUST IN MATERIAL TERMS BUT AS A MEANS TO ELEVATE HUMAN EXPERIENCE AND CONSCIOUSNESS. WE ARE THE FUTURE OPTIMISTS, THE DREAMERS, THE MAKERS, AND THE DOERS. WE STAND READY TO COLLABORATE, TO INNOVATE, AND TO BUILD A BETTER TOMORROW WITH YOU. JOIN US, AS WE EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY TO IGNITE THE FLAMES OF PROGRESS AND TO CHERISH THE TECHNOLOGY THAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE. IT IS TIME, ONCE AGAIN, TO RAISE THE TECHNOLOGY FLAG. IT IS TIME TO BE TECHNO-OPTIMISTS. WITH X ACADEMY, LET'S BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHER.