Christmas Decoration has become an essential cultural expectation and Symbotype for humanity. Laws around Carbon Emissions, Light Pollution and Material Waste are placing restrictions on the industry, portraying a world where sustainability equals reduction, rather than innovative materiality.
Symbiotic Design
This project proposes a novel design approach addressing both environmental concerns and cultural ties. Titled âNatural Splendourâ, the design proposal reinvents Christmas decoration by substituting traditional incandescent and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs for bioluminescent materials.
Using an âOrganism Driven Material Designâ methodology, the study dives into the potential of bioluminescent lighting solutions, through the case studies of three living organisms: the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri; Saccharomyces cerevisiae French saison yeast with extrachromosomal Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) containing Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP); and the fungi Panellus stipticus. Through exploration and a âDo it Yourselfâ (DiY) experimentation approach a tangible prototype, embodying geo-mimetric design principles to maximise light distribution, is developed. The design process includes distinct phases of understanding the organisms; exploring optimal living conditions; establishing a material maintenance protocol; and the creation of a functional, symbiotic design. It shows the potential of living materials in urban design, offering a more regenerative approach to reduction challenges.
