we+ explores the vivid natural hues of micro-algae with SO-Colored
we+ is a forward-thinking contemporary design studio founded in 2013 by Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando. Known for its experimental and research-based methodologies, the Tokyo-based studio consistently pushes the boundaries of design by exploring intersections between art, science, and nature. With a philosophy rooted in alternative design, we+ pursues forms that reflect a deeper harmony with natural ecosystems and social frameworks.
The studio champions diversity, not only in the values it communicates but also in its team composition, which includes designers, engineers, researchers, and writers. This collaborative dynamic enables we+ to develop original, thought-provoking projects that span across disciplines, encompassing R&D, product and spatial design, installations, branding, and art direction for clients in Japan and abroad.
A prime example of this vision is SO-Colored, an ongoing project that explores the chromatic richness of microalgae, a life form that has been shaping the planet’s atmosphere and biodiversity for nearly 2.7 billion years. Microalgae are often overlooked despite their ecological importance and remarkable versatility.
While commonly associated with shades of green, these organisms reveal an astonishing spectrum of colors, reds, blues, and yellows, depending on species and environmental conditions. These hues possess a depth and vibrancy that set them apart from conventional natural pigments, offering untapped potential for innovation in material and color design.
Through a partnership with Algal Bio Co., Ltd., SO-Colored utilizes finely milled algae powder as a natural pigment. This powder is blended with plant-derived resins to create a sustainable, richly colored material used to craft a variety of objects. The result is a collection of forms that express nature’s palette in ways that are both visually stunning and environmentally conscious. Each hue reflects a specific biological and ecological context, creating a dialogue between scientific inquiry and aesthetic expression.
SO-Colored not only highlights the beauty of bio-derived colors but also invites a broader rethinking of how materials and resources are sourced. It serves as a counter-narrative to the industrial and synthetic dyes that dominate today’s manufacturing, offering a sustainable, biodegradable, and health-conscious alternative. By embracing microalgae as a medium, SO-Colored points to a future where environmental stewardship and visual culture can flourish together.
All images by Takumi Ota, with courtesy of we+
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