Living Gold with Simone Van Den Broek

About this episode

Sofie speaks with Simone Van Den Broek about her research on mycelium as a material for jewellery and its implications for sustainable design.

In this episode, Sofie speaks with Simone Van Den Broek, a lecturer and researcher whose pioneering work explores the potential of mycelium, a living organism more commonly associated with fungi, as a material for jewellery. Through her project Living Gold, Simone challenges conventional notions of luxury and permanence, inviting us to imagine a future where materials are grown. Together, they discuss Simone’s interdisciplinary background, her role within the Situated Art, Design and Technology research group at Avans University of Applied Sciences, and the mindset shift required to collaborate with living materials. From the benefits of bio-based design to the importance of storytelling in sustainable practice, this conversation offers a compelling glimpse into jewellery’s regenerative potential. Tune in to discover how Simone’s research redefines beauty through ecological harmony, and why growing our own materials might be the next radical step in sustainable adornment.

People in this episode

Host: Sofie

Guest: Simone Van Den Broek

Topics covered

• mycelium
• sustainable jewellery
• bio-based design
• ecological harmony
• storytelling in design

Keywords

• mycelium
• jewellery
• sustainability
• bio-based materials
• design
• luxury
• ecology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Avans University of Applied Sciences

Books & works: Living Gold

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