Urban Food & Design 2025 — Archiv 2025

The 2025 edition of Urban Food & Design, the joint format of the Vienna Business Agency and the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK, focused within the framework of Biofabrique Vienna on the development of colors and pigments derived from bioregional, natural resources.

With a focus on regenerative and regional value creation, the project explored and applied dyes made from previously unused organic residues – such as by-products from food production. Seeds, leaf greens, and other non-edible components, as well as invasive plants, became the raw materials for new, authentic Viennese colors.

The aim of the project was to create an aesthetically and ecologically convincing alternative to synthetic dyes and globally standardized color systems. These Viennese colors stand for regionality, resource conservation, and creative innovation – reflecting the unique character of the city and its surroundings. In addition to applications in textiles, new possibilities are emerging for use in filaments, paints, and even building materials.

Strong partnerships formed the backbone of this initiative: the renowned Färberei Fritsch, specialized in natural dyes, and the Viennese design label Rudolf Vienna played key roles in its realization. The project received scientific support from experts at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, and the University of Art and Design Linz.

Raw materials for dye production were provided by this year’s partners, including Mochi, ETG – Erzeugerorganisation Tiefkühlgemüse in cooperation with Hafner Agrar, and the MA 45 – Wiener Gewässer. The association WurzelWerk contributed as a knowledge partner.

As part of VIENNA DESIGN WEEK 2025, the project celebrated its first public presentation. A showcase curated by Ute Ploier highlighted the diversity of bioregional pigments, presented initial research results, and invited visitors to immerse themselves in the world of natural dyeing. A complementary symposium on September 26 deepened the discussion and made the vision of Biofabrique Vienna tangible.

Projects and accompanying program: