Urban Food & Design 2025
This year’s edition of Urban Food & Design, a format jointly presented by the Vienna Business Agency and the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK, focuses on the development of dyes and pigments from bioregional, natural resources as part of Biofabrique Vienna.
With a focus on regenerative and regional value creation, the project involves researching and applying dyes derived from previously unused organic waste materials, such as those from food production: seeds, leaf greens, and other components that are not consumable by humans as well as invasive plants. These materials are transformed into the raw material for new, authentic Wiener Farben (Viennese colors).
The aim of the project is to create an aesthetically and ecologically appealing alternative to synthetic dyes and standardized global color concepts. The Wiener Farben stand for regionality, the preservation of resources, and creative innovation – and reflect the unique character of the city and its surroundings. In addition to its use in textiles, there are prospects for its use in filaments, paints, and building materials. Strong partnerships form the backbone of the initiative: The renowned dyeing company Fritsch, which specializes in natural dyes, and the Viennese design label Rudolf Vienna are making significant contributions to its implementation. The project is supported by scientific experts from the University of Applied Arts Vienna, the Vienna University of Technology, and the University of Art and Design Linz.
The raw materials for dyeing were provided by this year’s partners, including Mochi, ETG Erzeugerorganisation Tiefkühlgemüse in cooperation with Hafner Agrar, and MA 45 – Department of Vienna Waters. The association WurzelWerk provided support as a know-how partner.
The project will celebrate its first public presentation during the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK 2025. A showcase curated by Ute Ploier is dedicated to the diversity of bioregional pigments, presents initial research results, and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of natural dyeing. An accompanying symposium on 26.9. will delve deeper into the subject and bring the vision of Biofabrique Vienna to life.
