Designers & Companies

Mathilde Wittock

(c) Olympe Tits

Bio

Mathilde Wittock is a bio/ecodesigner and material researcher with a focus on sustainable innovation. Originally from Belgium, she studied biodesign and industrial design at Central Saint Martins in London. Mathilde is deeply interested in the sensory qualities of materials, exploring how design can engage all the senses—visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory. She believes that the emotional impact of a product is significantly enhanced when it appeals to our sensory experiences. 

Guided by the principles of circular design, Mathilde is particularly passionate about regenerative materials, whether sourced from waste or derived from biological processes, believing that sustainability is most impactful when materials can regenerate and support continuous use. Currently based in Brussels, Mathilde collaborates with a university on research into the acoustic properties of materials. Her work in this area seeks to integrate sound into design, contributing to more meaningful and sensory-rich experiences.

Objects

Soundroot

Soundroot is a mural tapestry harvested directly through the growth process of plant roots. Herbaceous roots naturally intertwine during growth, forming dense, flexible mats with intricate textures and organic patterns. Each piece of Soundroot is unique, shaped by subtle variations in growth conditions and post-harvest treatments. These mats can be layered in a scale-like pattern to create continuous surfaces that adapt seamlessly to flat, curved, or irregular forms.

The material’s porous structure lends a natural aesthetic while enhancing acoustic performance by reducing sound reflection on hard surfaces. This project explores the intersection of nature and design, showcasing the potential of bio-grown materials as sustainable and regenerative alternatives to traditional manufacturing methods.