A R B I O

General presentation

Bioinspired Design and Biomaterials

ARBIO is a design and craft studio located in the heart of the Redes Natural Park, in Asturias, Spain.
The project stems from the research carried out at the Biomimetic Laboratory, where we study how Nature designs and manufactures in order to apply these principles to all kinds of creative processes. With ARBIO, we are bringing this research into the realm of art through the creation of artistic and design objects made from unique biomaterials developed in our own lab.
Inspired by Nature and with a focus on sustainability, we combine technology, tradition, and craftsmanship to bring to life unique pieces that reflect our commitment to the environment and conscious design.

Design bio-inspiré et biomatériaux

ARBIO est un atelier de design et d’artisanat situé au cœur du Parc Naturel de Redes, dans les Asturies, en Espagne.
Le projet est né des recherches menées au sein du Laboratoire Biomimétique, où nous étudions comment la nature conçoit et fabrique afin d’appliquer ces principes à tous types de processus créatifs.
Avec ARBIO, nous transférons cette recherche dans le domaine de l’art à travers la création d’objets artistiques et de design fabriqués à partir de biomatériaux uniques développés dans notre propre laboratoire.
Inspirés par la nature et guidés par un engagement en faveur de la durabilité, nous combinons technologie, tradition et artisanat pour donner vie à des pièces uniques qui reflètent notre attachement à l’environnement et au design conscient.

Diseño Bioinspirado y Biomateriales. ARBIO es un estudio-taller de diseño y artesanía ubicado en el corazón del Parque Natural de Redes, en Asturias, España. El proyecto surge de las investigaciones realizadas en Laboratorio Biomimético, donde estudiamos como diseña y fabrica la Naturaleza para aplicarlo en procesos creativos de todo tipo. Con ARBIO estamos llevando la investigación al ámbito del arte con la creación de objetos artísticos y de diseño fabricados con biomateriales únicos que desarrollamos en nuestro propio laboratorio. Inspirados en la Naturaleza y con un enfoque en la sostenibilidad, combinamos tecnología, tradición y artesanía para dar vida a piezas únicas que reflejan nuestro compromiso con el medio ambiente y el diseño consciente.

Design bioispirato e biomateriali

ARBIO è uno studio-laboratorio di design e artigianato situato nel cuore del Parco Naturale di Redes, nelle Asturie, in Spagna.
Il progetto nasce dalle ricerche svolte presso il Laboratorio Biomimetico, dove studiamo come la Natura progetta e costruisce, per applicarne i principi a ogni tipo di processo creativo.
Con ARBIO portiamo questa ricerca nel campo dell’arte, attraverso la creazione di oggetti artistici e di design realizzati con biomateriali unici sviluppati nel nostro laboratorio.
Ispirati dalla Natura e con un forte impegno verso la sostenibilità, uniamo tecnologia, tradizione e artigianato per dare vita a pezzi unici che riflettono il nostro rispetto per l’ambiente e il design consapevole.

Documents

ARBIO_Concept_StorytellingESP_compressed.pdf ARBIO_Concept_StorytellingEN_compressed.pdf

Diploma

Diplomatura en diseño gráfico

Business Areas

Architecture-Building, Decoration - Interior design, Recycling of materials and articles, Tableware, Wood and furniture crafts

Professions

Sculptor

Products

Decorative objects Unique pieces

Materials

Natural fibers

Location

Ladines. Parque Natural de Redes
Asturias.

Shopping

1. Who are you and what do you do?

“I’m Manuel Persa, a contemporary artisan and director of the ARBIO studio, based in the Redes Natural Park (Asturias). From my lab-workshop, I design and create unique pieces using my own material, Biocastanar®, derived from chestnut shells and natural binders. I specialize in ephemeral architecture, window displays, furniture, lighting, and sculptural objects, blending digital design, 3D printing, and traditional craft techniques. I also share my experience through biomaterials and sustainability workshops for students and professionals.”

2. Why did you choose this profession?

“Since I was a child, I’ve loved drawing and building; I grew up in a home without an artistic background, although my grandfather was a carpenter, and touching his tools sparked my curiosity. Over time, my training in design and my move to the natural environment of Redes led me to combine creativity, nature, and innovation. What I’m most passionate about is transforming agricultural waste into functional and sustainable art.”

3. Who are your main clients?

“Most of my clients are galleries, contemporary art collectors, interior design studios, and architects who value exclusive pieces with environmental values. I also work with public and private organizations in specialized training, offering workshops to emerging designers, makers, and students interested in biomaterials.”

4. What materials do you use and where do you get them?

“I mainly use chestnut shells sourced from processors in Asturias, Galicia, and El Bierzo, collected near my studio. I use biological binders like gelatin, agar agar, and starch. Everything is local and organic, which minimizes environmental impact and strengthens our circular economy philosophy.”

5. What techniques and tools do you use?

“My work combines digital techniques—3D modeling and additive manufacturing to create molds—with manual processes such as modeling, natural drying, sanding, and finishing with natural oils or shellac. I also occasionally use laser cutting. This hybridization of technology and craftsmanship produces unique biomimetic forms.”

6. Is your craft innovative or endangered?

“It’s clearly in a phase of revaluation. While traditional craftsmanship is at risk, innovation with biomaterials offers a sustainable and culturally powerful path. I believe professions like mine, which integrate technology, nature, and creativity, are the future of artisanal design and should be recognized as high-impact career options.”

7. How did you train?

“I started with Graphic Design at ESAPA (2007), continued with a master’s in Multimedia Design at ELISAVA (2009), and led art and animation projects between 2010–2018. Since 2018, I launched Volumínica, a design and interior studio; from 2020, I’ve been running Laboratorio Biomimético, a research and training center in biomimicry; and as of 2024, I’ve started the ARBIO brand, under which I create functional or artistic pieces.”