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Tokyo-based design studio we+<\/a><\/strong> presents SO-Colored, a material<\/a><\/strong>-focused research project that investigates the color potential of microalgae<\/a><\/strong> during Milan Design Week 2025<\/a><\/strong>. While microalgae have been widely studied for their applications in food production and biofuels, their chromatic characteristics remain underexplored. This project proposes a design-oriented approach to understanding and utilizing microalgae-derived pigments as a sustainable source of color.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Microalgae are microorganisms present across various environments, from water and rocky surfaces to roadsides and indoor spaces. Having emerged approximately 2.7 billion years ago, they are significant to the Earth\u2019s ecological history, particularly for their role in oxygen production and biodiversity development. Contemporary research highlights their potential in fields such as CO2 absorption, pharmaceutical development, alternative energy sources, and functional food.<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Masayuki Hayashi<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n SO-Colored centers on the range of natural hues found in different microalgae species. While commonly associated with green, microalgae can also produce red, yellow, and blue pigments depending on their species and environmental conditions. These colors are derived without artificial additives and are distinguished by their depth and variability.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In collaboration with Algal Bio Co., Ltd., we+ design studio<\/a><\/strong> developed a new material by blending powdered microalgae with naturally derived resins. This composite is used to fabricate a series of objects, demonstrating how bio-based pigments can be integrated into physical design applications. The project contributes to broader discussions around renewable materials and non-synthetic color systems in contemporary design practice. SO-Colored is a collaborative development project by we+ and Algal Bio Co., Ltd.<\/a><\/strong>, utilizing algae powder developed by Algal Bio as a key coloring material.<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Takumi Ota<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Takumi Ota<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Takumi Ota<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Kanichi Murase<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Kanichi Murase<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Kanichi Murase<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Kanichi Murase<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Kanichi Murase<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Kanichi Murase<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Kanichi Murase<\/p>\n \nPhoto by Kanichi Murase<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n project info:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n name:<\/strong>\u00a0SO-Colored<\/p>\n designer:<\/strong>\u00a0we+<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0@weplus.jp<\/a><\/p>\n collaborator:<\/strong> Algal Bio Co., Ltd.<\/a><\/p>\n photographer:<\/strong> Masayuki Hayashi, Takumi Ota, Kanichi Murase<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n designboom has received this project from our\u00a0DIY submissions<\/a>\u00a0feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers\u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom<\/p>\n The post SO-Colored research project by we+ explores the potential of natural microalgae pigments<\/a> appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" we+ explores Microalgae pigments as a sustainable color source \u00a0 Tokyo-based design studio we+ presents SO-Colored, a material-focused research project that investigates the color potential of microalgae during Milan Design Week 2025. While microalgae have … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[142],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nSO-Colored showcases design applications for bio-based colors<\/h2>\n