06 Design Process

Design Proposal¶

I propose to create a modular structure of 3 principal layers: inside I include a 3d printed clay pot with a humidity sensor and different channels for water, and vitamins and monitor the humidity of the living material; the second layer is a mesh structure to put the subtract and grow the fungi bioluminescence and for the bacteria, I use a crystal vase that provokes refraction and intensifies bioluminescence; the final layer is a parametric 3d printing biomaterial with the properties to collect CO2 to reduce the air pollution. This is important because the brightness of the bioluminescence can be affected by environmental pollution. These structures aim to replace or reduce the use of low-intensity lights in urban spaces. The modular design allows for scaling the structures according to need.

What makes this project different?¶

Unlike bacteria and algae, the bioluminescence of fungi is an area that has not been explored much in design-oriented research.This bioluminescent module promotes insect biodiversity conservation and CO2 reduction. The use of natural materials and living organisms allows the piece to be recycled and the living element to be used to generate lighting. It also collects environmental data. The design explores the creation of low-intensity lights that can be installed on different scales in natural environments without the necessity of electrical energy.

Ideation & sketches¶

Sketch by Germarilis Ruiz Galloza

Design & Fabrication¶

Protoype: V0.1

My initial design exploration was inspired by the organic growth patterns and textures of the fungi. I selected, how they grow in the trees. I created a series of volumetric studies to conceptualize a luminous micro-habitat that could support fungal growth and provide low-intensity lighting for urban, forest, and interior environments.

The functional diagram includes the basic geometry, joints, and functional components. Through this visual exercise, I determined the optimal placement of essential elements to sustain the fungus. The design incorporates perforations, layered materials, and humidity sensors to create a suitable environment. This exploration led to numerous ideas regarding materials and additional functionalities, which I included in the design and description of the PV0.2 iteration.

First 3D gemetric explorations by Germarilis Ruiz Galloza

Conceptual & Functional Diagram by Germarilis Ruiz Galloza

Materials: V.01 - Clay - Wood Ash - CO2 3d printing material - Fungi & substract - Environmental monitoring sensor - Filter

Protoype: V.02

In Prototype 2, I drew inspiration from the geometry of fungi to generate a shape through parametric design. This shape serves as a module for me, but being a parametric design also allows me to edit the design and change the geometry.

The idea behind this design is for the luminous object to interact with natural elements found in tropical forests. Additionally, I wanted to create a vertical model with different elevations.

After making this model, I started to think about how I print the layers in multiple materials with different functionalities. For example, the skin could be 3d printed with wood chips and a polymer that allows it to capture CO2 without affecting the growth of the fungus. Also, I replaced the mesh for growing the fungus with a glass container, fibers, and an optimized substrate. The container will be opaque glass, as the fungus needs indirect light. Description

Basic Geometry by Germarilis Ruiz Galloza

Grasshopper diagram by Germarilis Ruiz Galloza