Nature by Design: Cochineal | Virginia San Fratello

In Mexico City, scholar José Antonio de Alzate y Ramírez published in 1777 a written and illustrated scientific account on cochineal. Virginia San Fratello and Ronald Rael of Emerging Objects drew on this material, inspired by the traditional equipment used for killing cochineal, as the basis for these unique pieces. The designers experimented with cochineal dye to develop their own material recipes, the results of which are these boldly colored, tactile 3D-printed objects. This video was made with funding from the Smithsonian Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Latino Center. Check out Cooper Hewitt’s Learning Lab profile page for our Nature by Design: Cochineal inspired videos and activities or visit our YouTube channel for more design videos! https://learninglab.si.edu/q/ll-c/uxEY7krFEo7GdaB5#r/34990