Experiencing Bioluminescence I
October 2024
80h work time
Problem
What would it be like if we used bioluminescent plants, a biotechnology currently in development, to light an interior space? This project visualizes indoor evening lighting using forecasted bioluminescent potted plants, in order to immersive people in wonder & motivate them to think about the future they want to create and inhabit. ​
Target User
This project has the following outcomes, with their associated target user(s):
The biofuturism, design fiction version: the science of naturally bioluminescent plants is real, and the piece is lit by biology and not electronics. For this version, the target user would be anyone lighting a space without artificial light sources.
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The version seen here is a stepping stone to achieve the version outlined above. This one is possible in our current reality and uses LEDs to mimic natural bioluminescence​​​.
​​This piece was designed specifically for the attendants of the 4th Volume of the 1 Hour Party, an exclusive, invite-only holistic networking event for local young creatives, scientists, and movers and shakers.
Venue & Event Research
Visual Inspiration & Design Constraints
Art Deco Fan & Leaf Motifs (present in Hue Boston's decor)
Bioluminescence for evening lighting (as shown in James Cameron's Avatar films)
The Experience of being surrounded by giant plants in the Tropics
Concept Development
Design Constraints
- Immersive
- Suited to an evening event, indoors
- Aesthetic design suits the interior of Hue Boston
- Interactive
- Easy Installation, easy take down
- Able to withstand poking, prodding, pulling, etc- Able to be produced in 2 weeks (while working full time)
- Minimal new materials purchased
- Explores theme of bioluminescence in human spaces
Final Design
Fabrication
Final Product
Sculpture Specs
Medium - Dynamic, Poseable Interactive Sculpture
Materiality - Raffia, bronze wire*, aluminum wire, LED strips*, copper pipe, & wood, on a turntable*
* Indicates purchased for this project
Dimensions -
Base: 13" x 13"
Max height: 4ft
Max General diameter - ~4ft
Next Steps
- Versions featuring different species of plants - leafy ones, grasses, mosses, trailing plants
- A version that lights up when minimum UV threshold is reached (instead of a manual switch) to mimic a plant turning on as the sun goes down
- Consider control over the light color(s) & brightness
- A version that can be installed as a fixture - pendant, chandelier, sconce​
