Techno-natural Symbiosis
Vision 2026 update
Techno-natural Symbiosis
Techno-Natural Symbiosis explores the relationship between humans, technology, and nature, focusing on their coexistence and mutual understanding. It seeks solutions that draw inspiration from the interconnected systems found in nature and technology. For example, the cooperation of an ant colony or the network of relationships within a forest can inspire more nature-focused systems and products. By understanding the deep connections within the natural world, we can redefine intelligence beyond a human-centered view and recognize diverse forms of intelligence that support ecosystem balance and health.
The synergy between people, technology, and the natural world shapes the design concepts and the colour palette is rooted in nature. The colours are humble, balanced, and reflect a desire for simplicity and modesty. This concept evokes a sense of romance and nostalgia for a time when humanity was more in tune with time and nature, emphasizing the sun’s role and natural cycles like harvests. It highlights how everything on Earth is interconnected, and envisions new ways for humans, technology, and nature to coexist harmoniously.
Banner image, The Living City by Urbidermis, still from the video series
The relationship between colour and nature is deeply interconnected.
OvN-03001 Lichen
In folk tales, Lichen represents strength, endurance, and the quiet power of nature. The colour is a green tinted off-white and can be used as a calming neutral.
OvN-12029 Honeycomb
The colour Honeycomb, a warm orange, reflects a natural warmth, representing light and warmth needed for growth.
OvN-32007 Revive
Revive, a light delicate green, captures the fresh, calming power of renewal found in nature’s growth and the effect it has on us humans.
OvN-34010 Verdant
Verdant reflects the energy and power that nature instils in us. It is the key colour in this palette, bringing life and calmness to textiles and surfaces.
OvN-54039 Tides
The deep and fluid hue Tides colour symbolizes the connection between the Earth and the moon, reflecting the rhythmic ebb and flow of nature’s forces that shape our world.
OvN-76002 Dark Earth
Dark Earth embodies the unknowns of nature, the many things that people don’t know about the environment they live in. It reflects the force of the ocean, the strong natural forces that are vast and timeless.
Left to right, Hybrid Forms of Dressing by Kelly Konings, The Drowned Land of Saeftinghe by Tom Kisjes, photo by Paolo Roversi, Iceland Greenhouse Restaurant by Ciudad Nueva Arquitectura, textile by Majo Tech, artwork by Zhuang Hong Yi, jacket by A. A. Spectrum, furniture by Haus of Hommeboys
Colour ways
Left to right, Post-morphosis by Post Archive Faction, Villa Lichtenberg solar panel facade by Van Winsen architects and Solarix, Zlatyu hybrid sneaker by Kiko Kostadinov, Deviation by Luc Hoekx
Left to right, photo by unknown, photo by The Yinova Center, photo by The Yinova Center, painting by Evan Nesbit
Left to right, Sounbounce by Mathilde Wittock, The Flower Moon by Julie Beaufils, ear cuff by Olivia Heywood, bonded fabric by Yesung Textile
Left to right, Stratagems by Tara Donovan, Soft Console by Teun Zwets, photo by by Andrea Urbez and outfit by Zegna, Materials in Flux by Wies Roeterdink