Museum of Notable Realities
METEM
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Collected Dermafutures
METEM: PRO-AGING AND COMMUNAL SKIN CARE
On Metem, microbial exchange supports skin health and bolsters natural aging processes. Inhabitants seek microbial exchange with every surface they encounter, including SCOBY biofilm.
Figure 1: Illustration of microbial exchange between the skin of young (left) and old (right) Metem inhabitants.
SCOBY is a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. As SCOBY grows, it forms a biofilm which can be dried and treated to produce a material similar to leather. Long ago, Metem inhabitants sought ways to augment their natural microbiomes. BioDesigners developed flexible and strong SCOBY skins by implanting cellulose and collagen.
Figure 2: Dried SCOBY leather sample.
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Inhabitants seek microbial exchange
BioDesigners experiment with SCOBY to create a strong, flexible second skin which improves skin health
Society is structured
around skin gardens; inhabitants wear SCOBY skin augmentations; and
microbial exchange is enjoyed by all
Metem inhabitants
establish skin gardens
to communally farm
SCOBY
Inhabitants seek microbial exchange
BioDesigners experiment with SCOBY to create a strong, flexible second skin which improves skin health
Metem inhabitants establish skin gardens
to communally farm
SCOBY
Society is structured around skin gardens; inhabitants wear SCOBY skin augmentations; and microbial exchange is enjoyed by all
Metem inhabitants began to wear SCOBY skin extensions, draping their bodies in biofilms and sharing skins with each other. After years of investigation, they found their ideal skin augmentations, enjoying constant exchange between diverse microorganisms.
Today, every inhabitant of Metem grows SCOBYs communally in "Cocorium Vitas," or Metem skin gardens. As each person exchanges microbes with growing SCOBYs, they contribute to the collective health of their community. People young and old farm side by side, cultivating respect and friendship across all stages of life.
Figure 3: Animation of wearable SCOBY.
Figure 4: Metem Inhabitants growing SCOBY skin in garden beds.
Figure 5: Metem inhabitants establish a community skin garden in a local park to grow and dry SCOBY.
Figure 8. Neighbors on Metem farm rows of communal skin garden beds.
Figure 4: Metem Inhabitants growing SCOBY skin in garden beds.