Through his projects, Japanese-born designer and engineer Yuta Ikeya (1991) introduces a new way to engage with nature, one that is mindful of temporal rhythms and respectful of ecosystems. Based in Utrecht, Netherlands, Ikeya uses his design expertise to create tools and equipment that embrace the unpredictability of the natural world. His design explorations are driven by a fascination with interactions between humans and non-human species, particularly insects.
This interest first became apparent in 2022 with Metamorphonic, a project exploring an alternative relationship between humans and domesticated silkworms (Bombyx mori). The project includes a three-habitat system representing different stages of the silkworm lifecycle, with sensors that detect insect movement to produce synthesized sounds. This constantly shifting soundscape mirrors the temporal nature of the species, challenging our utilitarian attitudes and questioning whether a truly different relationship with them is possible.
In 2023, ARC — Algal Relay Computer was born as a critique of the rapid pace of contemporary technologies. This simple computer incorporates the growth of microalgae (Spirulina platensis) into its calculation process. Here, even a basic computation takes significantly longer, as the circuit must wait for the algae culture to reach a certain density. ARC is a computer that moves at the pace of nature, prompting reflection on the temporality of technology and the ways it shapes our perception of time.
Negotiating with the Garden is an ongoing project in Ikeya’s garden. Currently, the designer is working on a speculative activity he calls “pottery with bees,” featuring red mason bees (Osmia bicornis), which use mud to build their nests. A pottery wheel, specially designed for this collaboration, also serves as a mud collection station for the bees, stopping its rotation when they are present. By temporarily halting human activity, this tool challenges human centrality and offers support to the bees. Like Metamorphonic, this project explores the possibility of building a new kind of relationship between human and other species.
To delve deeper into his approach , we asked Yuta a few questions.
Where does your interest in the role of technology in human-insect interaction come from?
Yuta: Although I’ve loved insects since childhood, this passion gradually became just a hobby as I grew older. When I decided to pursue a career as an engineer in industry, I felt that my connection to nature grew increasingly distant from my professional life. The primary role of technology in my life shifted to making things faster and more efficient. This is a very different mindset from creating something for personal use, driven purely by intrinsic motivation.
Some people argue that technology, in general, has a negative impact from environmental and ecological perspectives. However, I believe the issue isn’t so black and white. Many innovations by engineers are born from pure curiosity. I don’t see such curiosity as inherently harmful. The real problem arises when these innovations are mass-produced and embedded within capitalist systems to the point where they begin to significantly impact the environment.
When society portrays technology as a means to dominate and control nature, I’m interested in exploring alternative roles for it. How might technology enhance our lives and deepen our relationships with other living beings? This exploration stems from my personal fascination with insects.
As a designer and engineer, how do you view current technological developments, especially regarding environmental sustainability? Do you see potential for a different approach?
Yuta: We’ve seen many examples of how technological advancements have influenced the evolution of other species. During the Industrial Revolution in the UK, atmospheric pollution affected the natural selection of the peppered moth (Biston betularia), causing the species to develop darker coloration. More recently, researchers have suggested that nocturnal moths are evolving to avoid artificial lights (Battles et al., 2024). These examples highlight how the environmental consequences of technology often fall outside the traditional scope of designers and engineers. I believe there is a growing need for collaboration with scientists such as biologists and ecologists to evaluate what we design and how we design it. Moreover, I’m particularly interested in technologies that challenge mainstream trends of efficiency and instead encourage new ways of thinking and interacting with other life forms. Beyond technological innovation, governments also have a crucial role to play in environmental protection. For instance, I’ve read that the UK has introduced the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) law, which requires organizations to account for the biodiversity impacts of their activities. I hope to see more initiatives like this.
What are you working on at the moment? Are you considering developing more commercial projects to propose to a potential market?
Yuta: My upcoming projects will continue to explore alternative ways to engage with nonhuman life through technology. At the moment, I’m not considering commercialization for these nature-focused works. In fact, I believe that scaling up one of my design ideas for commercial production could even have negative ecological consequences. Whether or not these projects become commercial, my goal is to share the joy of interacting with other life forms in a way that is as harmless as possible.
Through his projects, Yuta Ikeya advocates for a gentle, environmentally conscious technology that encourages a deeper understanding of our connection with other species. His original works prompt reflection on our role in the surrounding environment. For more on Yuta Ikeya’s work, visit his website or follow him on Instagram!
