Inspiration #1 - Low Tech Lab
As it is easy to imagine what is already there, let us discover great projects we can all learn from !
The Lab and I
I first discovered the Low Tech Lab when I was a student, back in 2016.
At the time, its founder, Corentin de Chatelperron, was sailing the Pacific on a self-built boat, and his adventure was featured in an Arte documentary.
The project was called “Gold of Bengal” and it had everything I could dream of: nature, tech-savyness and a shirtless life. Its goal was to test sustainable technologies, such as using jute fibers for boat construction.
Intrigued by the character and curious to learn more about how he was finding ways to self-sustain, I took a look at what the Low-Tech Lab, his main project, was all about.
What is the Lab?
The Low Tech Lab was founded in 2013 to share the knowledge around low-tech innovations available for all. It is a platform, a research center and a community accelerator all at once. Its mission is simple, yet powerful:
To make you want to live better with less, thanks to the low-tech spirit!
The main website still serves as a repository for initiatives and projects worldwide, but the lab is much more than that.
It has kept on evolving since its initiation, with side projects emerging here and there. The latest one I have seen is Biosphere Experience, a spin-off of the Lab led by its founder, in collaboration with a designer and a bunch of experts. The objective for the urban project:
Design a lifestyle that do not generate revenues, divice the water consumption by 10, meets the UN 2050 targets for greenhouse gases emissions et that is both desirable and accesible to all.
The project is using modern communication formats and have a great energy that makes you want to jump in the boat and have insects at home!
In the video below, they show how larvae can contribute to recycling toilet waste while also serving as feed for small animals.
What should we learn from them ?
The Low Tech Lab follows the principle of efficient and inspiring projects: show, don’t tell and have fun!
The project does is not making big claims of changing the world, but rather make those who do shine while proposing an alternative now and having skin in the game. For their experience with Biosphères, the two team members are living in the place they’ve imagined and design!
Want to grow tomorrow? Start with seeing what is already out there and then stitch the pieces together to show it is possible!