Ada Matthes
Product Design
University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
Specialisms: Material Innovation / Design Research / Design and Technology
Location: Potsdam, Germany
Ada Matthes
First Name: Ada
Last Name: Matthes
Specialisms: Material Innovation / Design Research / Design and Technology
Sectors:
My Location: Potsdam, Germany
University / College: University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
Course / Program Title: Product Design
About
Ada Matthes is a German designer whose material-driven practice envisions a future where humans and nature flourish together through thoughtful technology. She explores how innovative materials like mycelium can revolutionize our approaches to creation and production, developing optimistic design solutions that benefit ecosystems while maintaining circular resource flows. Her sculptural, activist objects propose tangible pathways to a regenerative tomorrow by transforming waste streams and evolving existing systems rather than demanding complete reconstruction.
MycoPouf – The Pouf with Mycelium Filling The beanbag is the end result of a whole series of material tests and the outcome of the bachelor thesis "Fungi a La Design," which explored the meaningful application of fungi and their coatings. MycoPouf "Frida" introduces mycelium as a material for beanbag interiors, offering an alternative to synthetic fillings. Polystyrene and polyester emit high levels of CO₂ during production, release microplastics, and are difficult to recycle. MycoPouf solves this by using dried, reused mycelium from gourmet mushroom production — a natural, breathable, fire-retardant material that is fully biodegradable. By working symbiotically with existing systems, MycoPouf introduces a scalable, circular approach to furniture design. Let's shape an optimistic future with mycelium materials!
Competitions
