Tec de Monterrey Students Showcase Innovative Bacterial Cellulose Designs at Zona Maco 2026
Mexico City, February 7, 2026 – In an exhibition that encourages reflection on the coexistence of living and technological systems, design students from Tec de Monterrey’s Mexico City campus presented their work at the joint institutional exhibition, “Síntropía: entre la vida y el artificio” (Syntropy: Between Life and Artifice), as part of Art Week at Zona Maco 2026.
This venue, recognized by Time Out as Latin America’s most important art forum, hosted 10 students who unveiled the “Domestic Cellulose” project. This series of objects explores the potential of bacterial cellulose as a material for the domestic environment.
Bridging Academia and Industry
“Being at Zona Maco puts design in direct conversation with the real world. It means leaving the classroom and understanding how their ideas and processes dialogue with industry, with the public, and also with the real dynamics of design commercialization,” explained Miguel Arjona, Professor of Design and coordinator of the exhibition.
According to Paulina Campos, Vice President of Tec’s campuses in Mexico City, the exhibition demonstrates that discussing design means discussing possible futures where Tec connects with different cultural sectors. “Syntropy shows that contemporary design is a vehicle for conversation and a great cultural space,” she affirmed.
“Domestic Cellulose”: A Deep Dive into Biomaterials
The students from Mexico City worked with Celium, a biomaterial developed by the Mexican brand Polybion, which aims to replace conventional leathers through processes made from organic waste. Miguel Arjona noted that beyond producing the material, the students reflected on its agency, its applications, and its capacity to coexist with bodies, objects, and domestic spaces.
Among the projects exhibited were:
- Anka – Katia Ximena Valero Rodríguez: A coat rack representing the presence of others in the home and the liberation of personal burdens. Katia stated, “I wanted to portray the nature of the material. My challenge was to make the piece useful and also fun.”
- Aruma – Xareni Calderón Pérez: A modular incense holder designed for individuals seeking moments of pause, transforming stress into serenity.
- Biofilia – Nadia Pichardo Velázquez: An irregularly shaped organic mirror, intended to break the rigidity of everyday objects.
- Bruma – María Luisa Becerril Hernández: An aroma diffuser designed to create a welcoming atmosphere at the entrance of the home, connecting occupants to their space.
- Gerbera – Daniela Alejandra Acosta Acosta: A jewelry box “designed to hold those small objects that say a lot about us.”
- Komorebi – Carol Granciano Garcia: A modular vase seeking to foster an emotional and sensory connection with nature within the home. Carol expressed, “I am very grateful to be here, as it is a great opportunity to exhibit our work in the design community.”
- Momentum – José Eduardo Echavarría Rodríguez: A set of two photo frames designed to hold a 4×6 photograph in horizontal and vertical formats. The creator noted, “What we have been able to do is open markets so that biomaterials can enter the homes of all consumers.”
- Pie<dora> – Sara Sofía Castañeda: A shoe rack that dignifies arrival at home, emphasizing cleanliness, humility, and preparation for ceremonial acts. Sara shared, “I feel very grateful for this opportunity that we as students can take great advantage of.”
- Qualitae – Emiliano Nateras Ortiz: A duo of objects designed to enrich the aesthetic and functionality of a millennial living room.
- Sentura – Ana López García: A piece of furniture that seeks to integrate functionality, adaptability, and a conscious approach to design.
Celebrating 50 Years of Tec in Mexico City
The exhibition at Zona Maco Diseño 2026 is part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico City. According to Ramiro Estrada Sainz, Dean of the School of Architecture, Art and Design in Mexico City, participation in Zona Maco is a moment of institutional celebration and exchange with the creative community.
“Mexico City has been a living laboratory for architecture, art, and design, and we have been constant in making things flourish in this city,” he concluded.
Source: conecta.tec.mx
