On Thursday, October 17, at 9:28 a.m., industrial design engineer Gemma Morell, a graduate of Elisava, will present her work as part of “El Vagó de la Ciència”. This initiative, led by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), transforms a train car into a space for scientific outreach, bringing innovation closer to the public. Gemma will discuss her research on the recirculation of used textiles and the impact of rethinking consumption within the fashion industry.
Gemma Morell to give a talk on eco-Design and sustainability at “El Vagó de la Ciència”
17 Oct 24 — 17 Oct 24
A career focused on sustainability
Gemma graduated with a degree in Industrial Design Engineering from Elisava and later completed a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies in Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).
Her academic background, centered on sustainability, has allowed her to develop a holistic approach where design, science, and technology intersect to address complex environmental issues. As a doctoral candidate in the Sostenipra research group at ICTA-UAB, Gemma evaluates and quantifies textile recirculation processes, integrating industrial ecology and circular economy strategies.
Photodermis
One of her most recognized projects is “Photodermis”, her final project for her Industrial Design Engineering degree, which explores the concept of biodegradable clothing capable of generating renewable energy. This project, focused on using Smart Inks and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, envisions a future where clothing serves an aesthetic function and an energy generator.
“Photodermis” has received multiple awards, including the Elisava ei! Award in 2020, the ADI Silver Medal, and the Catalonia Ecodesign Award. It has also been recognized at the Global Grad Show in Dubai and by the Spanish Society for Academic Excellence. This innovative approach reflects Gemma’s commitment to design that challenges and redefines the boundaries of sustainability, offering creative, high-impact solutions for environmental issues.
Education and innovation outreach at “El Vagó de la Ciència”
Gemma’s participation in “El Vagó de la Ciència” allows the public to explore new perspectives on sustainable fashion. Gemma is dedicated to research, education, and eco-design consulting, contributing to developing a new generation of environmentally conscious designers. As a professor and materials researcher at Elisava, she shares her life cycle analysis and sustainability expertise with future professionals, driving the industry’s transformation towards a more conscious, planet-friendly model.
Her involvement in “El Vagó de la Ciència” allows her to bring her vision to the public and highlight how design can catalyze innovation and social change. Gemma’s career embodies Elisava’s values, demonstrating that design responds to current needs and anticipates future ones, seeking a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility.