Committed in Driving Change: Claudia is in Conversation with Yasmine Mahmoudieh

Nearly two decades ago, while swimming in the Aegean Sea, Yasmine encountered a distressing sight: plastic waste clinging to rocks. This observation marked a turning point in her life. Over the years, the situation worsened, with more plastics dumped into the oceans, often with poorer countries being paid by the Western world to accept this waste. This realisation struck a chord with her, especially since she has always had a passion for materials in her roles as a designer and architect.

It was then that her interest in sustainable materials took root. She dedicated her time and that of her team to researching and experimenting with recycled materials and various sustainable alternatives from around the globe. Yasmine's ambition is about demonstrating tangible, viable design and architectural solutions that avoid environmentally harmful materials like plastics and concrete, the latter of which accounts for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions.

Today, she and her team have amassed a library of over 300 sustainable materials. Gradually, they started incorporating these into their projects, and it's only in recent years that the demand for sustainable options has surged. Yet, the battle against greenwashing persists. Yasmine is committed to demonstrating that sustainable decisions not only benefit the environment but can also enhance financial returns, contrary to common misconceptions. Her mission is to change the way we build by utilising alternative materials that are not only environmentally friendly but also aesthetically pleasing. This journey began with a single, transformative moment in the Aegean Sea, and it has propelled her to advocate for a more sustainable future in design and architecture.

This meaningful moment extends beyond her personal realisation and into her broader mission to mobilize others towards sustainability. Her involvement in global discussions on sustainability, such as those at COP28 and during the World Economic Forum, has provided her with a platform to share her experiences and advocate for the adoption of sustainable materials. These talks are an integral part of her effort to not only showcase the environmental benefits of such materials but also to highlight their positive impact on our health. This awakening drove me to explore beyond traditional material research into the realm of 3D printing, specifically with recycled plastics, leading to global recognition and opportunities to exhibit her work at prestigious venues like Design Miami in Basel, the Venice Architecture Biennale, and the London Design Festival. 

Follow and learn more about my guest today:

Websites: Impact Design & www.mahmoudieh.com

Instagram: Yasmine Mahmoudieh

LinkedIN: Yasmine Mahmoudieh

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This podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.

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